Hail Roof Damage: Learn How To Assess and Repair

Roof damage from hail is no minor issue. In 2018 there were 4,611 hailstorms in the United States according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Roof hail damage from a storm can range from no damage at all to severe destruction depending on several factors. So, after a hailstorm, assess your roof for damage and, if necessary, get it repaired.

How To Access Roof Hail Damage

You don’t necessarily need to climb onto your roof every time there is a hailstorm. An initial inspection from the ground can give you an idea of how severe the roof damage from hail is likely to be. You should perform an inspection after every storm, regardless of whether there is hail. Proactively checking for damage can help you avoid a small problem turning into a major headache.

Before you start to look for damage, grab some work gloves as there may be broken glass or sharp edges. Also, get a piece of chalk to help mark any areas that have been damaged. A few specific areas to check for damage are:

• Look for dents in your gutters and downspouts. Even small dents are worth a closer inspection.
• Examine your home’s siding and windowsills for damage.
• Check your external air conditioner and other outdoor items for hail damage.
• Look at your deck and other exterior wood surfaces for scratches, dents and other damage.

If you notice any issues in these places, there is a reasonable chance that you have roof damage from hail. So, it is time to get a ladder and climb onto the roof.

Looking for Roof Hail Damage

Most likely you can check your own roof for damage. However, if it is very steep, slippery, unstable or otherwise dangerous, contact a roofing contractor to do the inspection for you. Many will perform this service for free.

Begin a visual inspection of your roof. If you notice anything that looks wrong or damaged, it most likely is.

• When it comes to roof damage from hail, roof vents and other features are some of the most common victims. Look for dents, scratches and other issues. Run a piece of chalk over the surface of your roof features; this will help illuminate unevenness.
• Examine your roof flashing for any tears, dents, cracks or other signs of damage. Flashing is the metal, asphalt or other roofing material used to seal gaps and seems.
• Roof shingles should perhaps be the most important place to check when assessing your roof hail damage. Look for any shingles that have moved or are ripped, curled, cracked or otherwise damaged.

Your roofing material will affect what the damage looks like. Softer materials tend to dent and damage more obviously. Asphalt shingle may decay and leave chunks in your gutters. Wood shingles are likely to crack or dent from hail.

If you notice any roof damage from hail, schedule an inspection by a professional. Most contractors will do so for free and should be able to tell you how significant the extent of the damage is. Addressing the issue quickly will help prevent further damage.

Symptoms of Roof Damage From Hail

With hail damage, roofs can become compromised. Even in relatively minor cases, damage can allow water into your home, which can result in significant damage. In more severe cases, when combined with heavy winds, a hailstorm may cause some serious damage to your roof and home.

The damage may be simply cosmetic. However, it can also be functional. If the problem affects the function of your roof, it can cause some major issues in the future.

However, the good news is that if you address the problem quickly, it is easy to avoid the most significant problems. Although some storms are severe enough to require major repairs, most aren’t. Typically, a damaged roof is what allows more weather damage which can cause the problem to balloon from a minor one to a serious problem.

Hail Damage Roof Repair Process

If you notice any roof damage from hail, carefully mark it with chalk and note it down. Then contact a roofing contractor to help you assess the extent of the damage.

When the contractor arrives, show him or her where  you have noticed damage. Using this information, he or she will be able to determine the extent of the damage and check for any other problem areas.

If the roof damage from hail is extensive, consider asking about hail-resistant shingles. These are more expensive than regular shingles; however, if you live in an area that experiences regular hailstorms, they may be worth the investment.

Following severe hailstorms, some less-reputable contractors go door-to-door offering repair services. They often employ high-pressure sales tactics. Don’t agree to anything without researching the company and contractor first. Additionally, it is a good idea to speak with your insurance company before you sign any agreements.

Roof Hail Damage Repair Cost Planning

Contact your insurance company about the roof damage from hail. Many homeowners’ policies cover this type of damage and will help significantly with the roof hail damage repair cost. Of course, if the damage is minor or cosmetic, it may be inexpensive enough to repair without involving insurance. This depends greatly on the extent of the damage.

The most extensive repair you are likely to need from roof hail damage is a replacement roof. Depending on the size of your roof, this can cost $5,000-$10,000 or more. Fortunately, a lot of hail damage can be repaired more inexpensively if addressed quickly.

Get Help With Your Roof Hail Damage

Whether you are dealing with roof damage from hail or any other home repair or improvement project, get the right help. A good contractor can make a complex project a breeze. Conversely, a difficult contractor can turn a minor issue into a big one.

Find a top-rated roofing contractor using Billy.com. Simply include some basic details about your project and get connected with contractors in your area. Better yet, the service is completely free for you. Get started today and find a great contractor for every home project!