What Homeowners Need to Know about Roof Damage from a Hail Storm
When a Dallas homeowner experiences a hail storm, it could result in them having quite a bit of damage on the roof on their house. The amount of potential damage could vary depending on the size of hail produced by the storm, its duration and more. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the United States experiences over 5,000 large hail storms each year. Every year hail storms in Texas cause billions of dollars worth of damage to homes.
Damage Factors
During a hail storm, the strength of the wind and its direction will influence the location and seriousness of hail hitting a house. The size and density of hail will be a major factor in determining the degree of damage a home experiences. It’s possible for hail to be as small as a pea as well as larger than a baseball. The ability of a home’s building materials to withstand such a storm is also a factor. The amount of natural landscaping around a home will affect the amount of damage from a hail storm. This could include such things as landscaping, trees as well as adjacent structures and more. It is possible for hail to cause small dents in asphalt shingles. It can also crack wood shingles. Softball-sized hailstones have been known to have enough density, and travel with such velocity; they can puncture a metal roof.
Cosmetic Or Functional Damage
When a roof has sustained functional damage, the longevity as well as the integrity of the roof, has been compromised. A roof that has experienced cosmetic damage from a hail storm has not had its ability to perform its function for the house affected.
Amount Of Roof Damage
The type of damage that a roof can sustain from a hail storm will involve different factors. The type of roofing material on the roof as well as the roof’s shape and slope. The quality of the roof’s construction will also play a part in the damage experienced. Hail damage affects the layers of shingles on a roof. Second layer shingles are more easily damaged than first layer shingles. The reason is the surface underneath a second shingle is less supportive.
Examine Gutters And Roof
Should a homeowner suspect their house experienced damage from a hail storm, they can start looking for damage by examining the gutters. Should there be visible cracks or dents in the gutters, it is important to schedule a roofing professional to inspect the roof. If pieces of shingle are viewed in the gutters, this is also an indication of roof damage. When hail hits a roof, the granules from certain shingle types can become dislodged and collect in the gutters of a house. It’s also possible for a visual inspection of a roof from the ground to show damage.
Shingle Damage
Each shingle type will react differently during a hail storm. When it comes to composition and asphalt shingles, the area hit by the hail will have a black color. There could be a mat that appears shiny. An area that has been hit and is soft to the touch is an indication of damage. With wood shingles, there could be a split in the shingle that is the color of orange or brown. There could be impact marks near where the shingle split. The split shingle has sharp edges as well as corners.
Roofing Professionals
Should a homeowner suspect the roof of their house has sustained hail damage, they should contact a roofing professional. These professionals will be able to perform a detailed of inspection of the roof. Should damage have occurred, they will be able to help with submitting a claim to the homeowner’s insurance company. A roofing professional will know what is involved with repairing any type of roof damaged from a hailstorm.
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