Hail can cause serious damage to roofs and homes. At times, homeowners cannot visibly see the damage, which can lead to long-term problems. Undiagnosed hail and water damage can end up shortening the life of your roof and costing thousands of dollars in repairs. If a large hail storm has hit your home, call a professional to take a look.
What Does Hail Damage Look Like?
Most homeowners believe hail damage simply means a dented roof, but it’s often more than that. Much of the damage from hail cannot be seen from the ground, which is why it’s important to bring a professional to your home. If you have an older roof, you may already have unseen damage. Water damage and damage to underlying layers could be affecting your home’s structure.
Missing Granules
Damage also includes bald spots and missing granules from shingles. Although this damage is not visible from the ground, homeowners may see excess granules on the ground or gutters. The granules on a roof provide a good deal of protection. When the granules start to fall off and wear out. Your home could become vulnerable to all kinds of damages. As bald spots appear on shingles, the sun’s UV rays cause brittleness and cracking. The cracking will expose the roof’s underlayers to water damage. Left unfixed, the water will eventually leak into the rafters and attic.
Circular Cracks
Strong hail storms can sometimes leave behind circular cracks, with or without dents. The cracks can be whole circles or moon-shaped. The problem arises when the cracks allow for water to seep into your roof. This problem can only be diagnosed from the roof and cannot typically be seen from the ground.
Missing or Broken Shingles
Hail or wind storms can cause shingles to lose adhesiveness and fall off. When hail repeatedly hits the same shingle, it can easily knock it loose. When shingles are missing on a roof, the lower layers are more likely to be damaged, allowing water to seep into the roof.
Soft Spots
Hail can also result in soft spots, especially on older roofs. The spots will be damp and soft, often holding the shape of the hail collision. Older roofs are more prone to soft spots, as the shingles have already been worn down and are more susceptible to damage.
Fixing Hail Damage to a Roof
The extent of repairs needed on a damaged roof will depend on the roof’s material, age, and how hard it was hit. Sometimes, older roofs with hail damage will need to be completely replaced to guarantee the integrity of the structure. Other times, a repair will be enough to extend the life of the roof.
Able Roofing, Serving Ohio with Integrity
Here at Able Roofing, we are experts in diagnosing inclement weather damage to roofs of all types. If your home has been subject to a recent hail storm, call us for an evaluation of damage. We will visit your home and provide you with a thorough, honest assessment of damage. Our recommendations for repair will fit your budget and guarantee you receive the service needed.
Call us today to set up an appointment!
