A severe hail storm has just impacted many homes in the Richmond Hill, Georgia area. The uncertainty left after a major hailstorm can leave us feeling unsure.
Did our roof suffer damage? And if so, what will happen if the damage is not tended to?
We get it.
While most of the effects of hailstorms are obvious, such as a broken window or busted siding, 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 professional hail-damage roof inspection to be on the safe side.
RoofCrafters has been aiding homeowners in Georgia with their hailstorm troubles for 30 years now, and we've seen just how intensely these little balls of fury can damage a roof. With the recent storm in Richmond Hill, if you believe your property may have been impacted. It's best to be proactive. That being said, in this article, you'll learn the ways hail can potentially damage your roof, and how you should mitigate the damages. Let's get started!
How Does Hail Damage a Roof?
While it's difficult to assess the full extent of damage from a hail storm to your roof from the ground, there are some signs that can help determine if there could be more damage. If you notice any of the following signs, it is time to get a roof inspection:
- Granule loss
- Broken shingles along the edge
- Impacts cause roof leaks
Weakening roof seals
Granule Loss
Granules are part of the shingles that look like little colored rocks. Often in a storm, shingles lose their granules, which expose their asphalt coating to the external elements. Over time, this will accelerate the aging of your shingles. An easy way to determine if your shingles have lost granules is by taking a look inside your gutters. If you find any granules after a hailstorm, chances are the storm has taken a toll on your shingles.
Broken or Missing Shingles
The impact of dense hailstones or strong winds can cause your shingles to break, possibly leading to further damage to your roof. While not all cracks pose an immediate risk to the overall structure of the system, they can still leave your roof with bare spots that might lead to roof leaks down the line. Broken shingles are a good sign that your roof has suffered damage from the hail.
Impacts Cause Roof Leaks
The hailstones that impact the shingle can also weaken the integrity of your shingles. The hail falling from the sky causes the asphalt to shatter. This leaves your roof exposed. Sadly, once a shingle is damaged, it's damaged for good, and such damage usually leads to roof leaks, which will cause wood rot and dangerous mold if not addressed right away.
How Do I Deal With the Recent Hail Damage in Richmond Hill?
If you believe your home in Richmond Hill, Ga was impacted by the recent hailstorm it's incredibly important to have a professional inspection. While a ground-level inspection can sometimes give you an idea of the roof damage, it might not be enough to be certain that your roof did not suffer damage. If hail and wind damage to the roof is ignored, even a small problem can lead to leaks, wood rot, or mold issues.
It goes without saying that it's best to leave up-close inspections to the experts when assessing hail damage to your roof. Many of the roofs in Richmond Hill are pretty steep. Climbing onto a steep roof can be dangerous and therefore, not recommended, especially if you aren’t experienced. To get a professional inspection click the button below.
Consider Filing an Insurance Claim in Richmond Hill
Most insurance companies require homeowners to file an insurance claim within one year after finding out that their roof has suffered hail damage. Therefore, it is recommended that you get your roof inspected as soon as possible if you believe your property was impacted by the recent storm.
Hail Damaged Roofs in Richmond Hill Georgia
It can be difficult to determine whether a roof has enough hail damage to file an insurance claim. Heavy granule loss or broken and missing shingles are all signs that the roof has suffered damage. 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.
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.
RoofCrafters specializes in inspecting roof damage caused by hailstorms. 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 and the insurance claim process.
