Hail Damage Roof Repair in Richmond and Surrounding Cities
Cities We Serve: Richmond, Beach, Moseley, Chaula, Ivy, Pocahontas State, and Bellwood
A hailstorm is a weather phenomenon characterized by ice falling from the sky. These ice balls are formed when cooled water droplets stick together in a cloud. Since they fall at an average speed of 106 miles per hour, they can damage structures on the ground. Every year, hail causes about $22 billion in damages across the U.S. and accounts for a significant portion of home insurance claims.
The cost of hail damage can quickly climb because these chunks of ice will strike anything outside, including roofs. Although some of the damage caused by hail is obvious, minor dings can be hard to spot. Having a properly trained eye to find these destroyed sections can help prevent costly repairs. Even though roof damage may not be visible, it’s still prudent to have a roof inspection after a hailstorm to determine if the roof is still sound.
Hail storms can create holes in the roof and cause other structural damage, depending on wind speed and the size of the hail. It can also be determined by the roof materials and the slope and age of the structure.
Here are some of the various types of roof damage that can result from a hailstorm…
Granule loss:
When a shingle loses its sandpaper-like coating, known as granules, the asphalt underneath is left exposed to the elements. It accelerates the aging process, and the shingle begins to deteriorate earlier than expected. A hailstorm can damage granules, shortening the lifespan of the roof.
Cracks in the shingles:
Hail beats the roof’s shingles, which can cause cracks and tears in the roofing material. The bare patches left behind by this kind of damage could mean that the structure will be less effective at keeping weather elements out of the house.
Exposed fiberglass mat:
A hailstone large enough can destroy the surface of a shingle and cause it to separate from the fiberglass mat that sits underneath. When this happens, the roof’s integrity is compromised, and it will no longer protect the home from the weather outside.
Fractured fiberglass mat:
Hailstones can shatter the fiberglass mat at the point of impact, and the damage can be challenging to detect with an untrained eye. Fractured fiberglass compromises the integrity of the roof. That’s why it’s essential to call in a roof repair expert to inspect the structure after a storm passes through the area.
Hail sizes and the corresponding roof hail damage to expect…
Less Than 1 Inch:
Hail that’s smaller than an inch can still cause significant damage depending on wind speeds. It may dislodge granules from the shingles and destroy gutters and downspouts. Unfortunately, many property owners fail to identify damage caused by small hailstones. However, a trained professional will be able to see areas where the roof has been compromised.
1 Inch – 2 Inch:
The damage caused by hail larger than an inch will appear on the shingles, siding, and gutters. Wind speeds can increase the severity of this damage significantly. Hail between one and two inches is large enough to penetrate soft parts of a roof, such as plastic roof vents and ridge caps. Combined with the wind, this type of hail can also destroy various metal components, such as the siding.
Greater Than 2 Inches:
Hail of this size will likely cause significant property damage. A roofing contractor will be able to go through the home to identify any weakened areas meticulously.
Signs of hail damage on the roof:
Cracked tiles: Damage caused by direct hits to the roof can lead to cracks in the surface of the roof tiles. Hail can also split or dent shingles.
Chimney damage: If the building has a metal chimney, it should be inspected for hail damage. Dents will probably be visible, but the panels could also have sustained damage that’s hard to spot. Use chalk to highlight these dents.
Siding damage: If siding damage is suspected, inspect it for blemishes. Damage will show up as paint chips, scratches, and indentations that could be caused by hail.
Missing shingles: A hailstorm can damage or dislodge shingles. It can split the shingles or create pits on their surfaces. Hail can destroy these panels to the point where they begin to curl up at the edges.
Damaged gutters: After a hail storm, the gutters often sustain visible damage. Scratches and dents may appear on the guards and vents.
Indoor hail damage: Interior hail damage will show as a line-shaped stain on the walls, a build-up of water in the basement, or unusual stains near the light fixtures. These are indications that hail has caused roof damage.