A hail storm wreaks havoc on just about anything that lies in its path, and the roof of your home is no exception. The costs associated with storm damage can quickly add up if they're neglected, but who has a piggy bank saved for a hailstorm anyway? The strength of hail can literally break your wallet and your roof.
While most of the effects of hailstorms are obvious, such as a broken window or missing shingles, small and unnoticeable damages need a trained eye to be spotted early on. In fact, if you don’t see any obvious holes in your roof, it is still important to get a hail-damage roof inspection to be on the safe side.
RoofCrafters has been aiding homeowners with their hailstorm troubles for 30 years now, and we've seen just how intensely these little balls of fury can damage a roof. While hail season rears its ugly head mostly during our summer months, it's just as important to be proactive this winter season. That being said, in this article, you'll learn the ways hail can potentially damage your metal roof and how you should mitigate the damages. Let's get started!
What Are the Key Signs of Hail Damage on a Metal Roof?
Hail can cause significant damage to your roofing system. When hailstones fall from the sky and strike the roof, they can inflict various types of damage depending on their size, density, and velocity. The impact of hailstones can compromise the integrity of roofing materials and lead to potential issues that may not be immediately apparent. Here are some ways hail can cause damage to your roof:
Denting: One prominent sign of hail damage is the presence of dents on the metal surface. The impact of hailstones can create visible depressions, affecting the overall appearance of the roof. These dents may vary in size and shape, depending on the size and force of the hail.
Chipping or Peeling: Metal roofs often have protective coatings to enhance durability. Hailstones can chip or remove this protective layer, exposing the metal underneath. This can lead to accelerated corrosion and compromise the weather-resistant properties of the roof.
Exposed Fasteners: Hail can also impact the fasteners that secure the metal panels to the roof structure. If hail damages or loosens these fasteners, it can result in exposed areas that are more vulnerable to water infiltration and rust.
Cracked Paint or Finish: The paint or finish on a metal roof can crack or peel due to hail impact. This not only affects the aesthetic appeal but also exposes the metal to the elements, increasing the risk of deterioration over time.
Water Stains: While not immediately visible, hail damage can lead to leaks over time. Water stains on ceilings or walls inside the home can indicate compromised areas on the roof. Identifying and addressing these stains promptly is essential to prevent further damage.
Corrosion: Over time, hail-damaged areas may experience accelerated corrosion. This can weaken the structural integrity of the metal roof and lead to more extensive issues if not addressed promptly.
Homeowners should be vigilant in inspecting their metal roofs after severe weather events, including hailstorms. Regular inspections, ideally conducted by roofing professionals, can help identify these signs early and facilitate timely repairs, preserving the longevity and performance of the roof.
Consider Filing an Insurance Claim
Most insurance companies require homeowners to file an insurance claim within one year after finding out that their roof has taken hail damage. Therefore, it is recommended that you get your roof inspected as soon as possible if you suspect hail roof damage. You will probably want enough time to review damage assessments as well as consider a different option for roof repairs.
Is It Necessary to Fix Roof Hail Damage?
It can be difficult to determine whether the hail roof damage is only superficial or affects roof performance by simply looking at it. So, if the hail damage is causing roof leaks, it is best to deal with it early on. Similarly, if it has caused granule loss on your roof shingles, it could be a problem for performance and aesthetics. While you might not have to deal with roof leaks right away, you have to understand that it could be only a matter of time. This doesn’t fully explain how small roof problems can quickly develop into costly and time-consuming damages.
Assessing roof storm damage caused by a hail storm is an important skill. It is not just valuable for roofing experts but for homeowners just like you as well. Knowing what to look for and identifying the extent of damage can help you understand when to hire a professional. All of these skills can enable you to get the most out of your roofing investment.
RoofCrafters specializes in understanding how any kind of storm damage affects your roof. If you're worried about the extent of hail damage to your roof, be sure to schedule your roof inspection. Our experienced specialists can help you understand the scope of work that might be required to fix the damage. In the meantime, check out our article, "What Should I do After I See or Find Storm Damage?"
