Those of us who have experienced extreme storms know how devastating they are for our roofs. Such storms leave behind damage that may require repairs or even a replacement roof. Hail is a leading cause for such damage, and you should always have your roofs inspected for damage after a serious storm involving hail. Below we’ll outline a few methods to identify if your home has incurred hail damage.
Check Downspouts
Each time hail hits your roof, the top granule layer will likely be knocked off of the shingles by the force of the impact. As rainwater continues to flow, these granules will get taken down the gutter to your downspout. Check for loose granules at the end of the downspout as an easy way to detect the granule loss of your roof’s shingles.
Check your Air Conditioner
AC units contain a condenser coil on the upward-facing side which is made from strips of fine aluminum fins. These fins are typically exposed to the elements and when they are hit by hail, they become visibly bent (limiting air circulation). If there are clear signs of damage, it is likely that your home and roof have sustained damage as well.
Look for Dents on Metal Components
Hail damage typically causes dents on soft or thin metals on your home such as gutters, gutter guards and downspouts. Look for dents in these surfaces by running a piece of chalk across the gutter or downspout. Dents will be identified by the spots the chalk doesn’t appear. Hail striking hard enough to dent this metal will have certainly caused additional damage to your roofing system and shingles.
Scan the Roof
Safely climb a ladder to the edge of the roof and scan for any obvious signs of loose granules or dents in the roofing system. You should only do this if you feel comfortable and own the proper safety equipment. Keep in mind, damage on shingles might be hard to spot with untrained eyes so it may be preferable to consult a professional at this time.
Regularly Take Photos
It’s always a wise decision to take inventory of your home before disaster strikes. Do yourself a favor and periodically take photos of your home for use in any future insurance claims. This will help solidify your case and ensure that you receive the maximum settlement for the damage your home has incurred.
In Conclusion
If you are not well-experienced with inspecting a roof for possible damage, do not hesitate to contact us today for a free estimate and diagnosis of any damage to your home. Most in-home estimates can be performed within 24 hours.
