How to Identify Hail Damage on Your Roof

For hailstorms, commercial and residential roofs are the same. But let’s see how to recognize hail damage on residential roofs.

Signs of Hail Damage on Residential Roofs

A roof’s resistance to leaks varies with the quality of its materials and its installation. Do not put your roof or wallet to the test by seeing how far it can hold up! Insurance will not cover old issues. So, you need to take care of it soon.

• Missing or broken shingles

Call a local contractor if you see shingle fragments lying around after the next hailstorm. Usually, heavy hailstorms shatter some shingles. Hence, air may flow under them. As a result, blow-offs occur, exposing additional underlayment. 

Is your underlayment exposed? Make a professional repair it quickly! If not, your shingles will not withstand the weather.

• Dented gutters, downspouts, and flashing

Gutters, downspouts, and flashings are among the sturdiest pieces of a roof. They are long-lasting and can function normally for many years. On the other hand, hail is not simply another weather element. It may smash any spoofing systems.

You can avoid costly repairs in gutters and flashings if the frozen bullets only cause dents. However, golf ball-sized and bigger hail can cause immediate and severe damage. If your gutters are not properly attached, solid icy stones crashing into them can rip them off the roof.

• Clear sidings damage

Exterior walls with damage are noticeable. If your walls are broken, your roof is broken, period! So, inspecting your siding condition after hailstorms gives us a good idea of the damage your roof also experienced. It is a good way for homeowners who cannot go up on their rooftops to check whether they need professional help.

Call the professionals even if you have access to the roof and are not frightened of heights. It is not exactly a stroll in the park to traverse a broken, leaky roof. In addition, most roofing companies will examine your roof for free to check for hail damage.

Signs of Hail Damage on Commercial Roofs

Commercial roof inspections are not always easy to do. A professional hail examination may be necessary, but you may still decide if you need one.

If you inspect your roof before a storm, you may estimate how much damage to expect. Does your roof have any of these telltale indications of improper installation? Expect issues after the next hailstorm. 

• Evident siding damage 

It gives you an idea of what to expect from the roof, even if you cannot go up there. Damage to the exterior walls should prompt a contact for professional roof inspectors.

• Broken air conditioning

Every hailstorm leaf behind broken HVAC systems and other penetrating damage. Roofing companies rarely fix HVAC systems. But we inspect them to assess how intense the damage is.

Besides, if the top of the HVAC system was damaged, the flashing in your roof penetrations also should be. So, remind that many leaks occur thanks to damaged flashing.

Should You File an Insurance Claim?

After a hailstorm ends, some homeowners quickly contact their insurers. But they do not first determine whether their roofs suffered damage! Different policies exist. Some companies will cover even the smallest of concerns, while others will not.

For more information, contact RRG Roofing at 678-326-4951. We service areas in Dahlonega, Blairsville, Hiawassee, and Alpharetta, GA.