How Hail Storms Affect Your Roof And What You Can Do

Storms, particularly those that include hail, are very damaging to property. They can cause a lot of damage to homes and buildings, so much that at times, homeowners will need to get new roof or siding replacement just to keep the home safe from further damage and to keep it a comfortable place to live in.

Every U.S. homeowner should look into ways to protect their home from hail, and to know what to do after hail and storms damage properties. Why is that? It’s because hail storms are much more common than most people think.According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, the U.S. saw more than 4,600 hail storms in 2018. During the same time, hail storms damaged $722.8 million worth of property across America and Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands. These numbers simply indicate that hail should be taken seriously.EffectsSo, why should you worry about hail? It’s very simple. Hail is dangerous and can cause injuries to humans and animals, and as mentioned above, damage to property. All the exposed parts of the home, especially the roof, are highly vulnerable to it. Here’s a quick rundown on the damage that hail can cause to various roofing types, based on material:Asphalt and composition shinglesHail can cause asphalt shingles to lose its granules.

If you see black or dark-colored dings or dents on your asphalt roof after a hail storm, expect to see some granular loss. Shingles can also curl during such storms.Wood shingles or shakesHail damaged wood shingles or shakes will show impact marks and dents where the hail hit the roof. Some shakes could split and have some discoloration as well. Concrete, clay Concrete and clay roofing, as tough as they may be, can still be damaged by hail, particularly big ones. Look for cracks or gouges after a hail storm.

In general, every roofing material is at risk of hail damage. If left unchecked and repaired, these damages can lead to eventual leaks, as well as algae and moss growth. What to do after a stormIt is imperative that homeowners should know what to do after a hail storm.

Here are some things needed to be done:

• First, inspect the roof for damages. Look for signs of the aforementioned damages, as well as the presence of water stains or leaks inside the home.
• Second, contact a reliable contractor to help you assess the damages and estimate roofing replacement or repair costs, as well as the cost of restoring your home.
• Third, contact your insurance company.
• Fourth, file an insurance claim if your damages are covered, and have the contractors restore your home.If you are looking for reliable and experienced roofing contractors to help you after a storm, get in touch with the experts at Exterior Pros.

Call us at (262) 465-3530 or fill out our contact form for a free quote. We are a locally owned and operated home improvement company serving clients in Milwaukee, WI, and surrounding areas.