As beautiful as Charlotte is, the storms can be brutal, especially when hail is involved. Hail can cause a significant amount of damage to your home. The larger the hailstones are, the more destructive they can be. Your roof can take quite a beating, so it is important to check it after a storm to assess the situation. Learning more about what to look for and what to do next can help you take prompt action.
When Should I Check for Hail Damage?
It’s vital to check for damage after a storm, regardless of the size of the hail. Never go out to assess your roof during a storm or if you’re unsure whether it’s passed. Do it in daylight on a clear day when visibility is better.
What Type of Damage Can Hail Cause to My Roof?
Hail can cause massive damage to your roof, including granule loss on bruised shingles, missing or cracked shingles, and dents on the roofing material, flashing, or gutters. Skylights may also break. Although large hail usually causes the most destruction, small hail can also be problematic. Also look for craters or dents.
Can Hail Damage Metal Roofs?
Metal is one of the most durable roofing materials. Hail, especially if large, can cause cosmetic damage such as dents. Still, it is unlikely to cause any structural damage to metal roofs.
What Parts of My Roof Can Get Damaged During a Hail Storm?
Any part of a roof can become damaged during a hailstorm, especially skylights. Old and already worn roofing components are particularly at risk. For instance, a brand-new gutter attached to the home is less vulnerable than one that’s several decades old and hanging on. The risk is one of the many reasons to keep your roof in excellent shape during any season.
Is a Self-Inspection or Professional Inspection Better?
Doing self-inspections is important after a hailstorm, but a professional inspection is crucial. Our roofers are experts at knowing what types of damage to look for and where, including in inconspicuous areas. We will note the damage, inform you of our findings, and determine what repairs our roofers need to do, if any.
Should I Only Check Outside for Damage?
No, you should check both the inside and outside of your home. Some types of hail damage, such as holes, can also lead to problems inside your attic.
What Are Tips for Doing a Roof Self-Inspection?
One of the most crucial tips to keep in mind is to avoid going on the roof. There are far too many dangers, including slipping on a wet surface.
Start by checking your attic. Look for holes or cracks in the ceiling, water bubbles on the ceiling or walls, discoloration, and moisture spots. If you see any damage, it’s likely a result of roof damage, regardless of whether hail caused it.
Another way to check is by looking out of your windows. Avoid opening the windows; instead, assess your roof through the glass. Keep an eye out for anything from dents to missing shingles. If you have an upper floor, you can look out those windows to see if you spot damage.
You can also assess your roof from the ground. Walk around your property and look up to inspect as many angles as possible. Consider using binoculars to assist with the process. While you’re walking around, check your yard for any fallen roofing materials, such as shingles that may have blown off.
Should I Take Pictures if I See Any Roof Damage?
It’s a good idea to take pictures if you see any hail damage on your roof. Never go on the roof or hang out of your window to take them. Instead, try to zoom in with your camera as much as possible.
When Should I Schedule a Professional Inspection?
Contact us on the day of the hailstorm or the day after to schedule a professional storm damage roof inspection. Many homeowners call us to check or repair their roofs after a storm, so it’s best to reach out as soon as possible to get yourself on the schedule. This way, we can attend to your roof sooner rather than later.
Do I Need a Professional Inspection if There’s No Damage?
You should definitely call us if your roof’s damaged. You should also contact us if you suspect it might be damaged or if you want us to check your roof after a storm. It’s better to be safe by getting a professional inspection than to find out later that your roof has leaks, cracks, or holes.
Do I Need a Roof Repair if There’s Hail Damage?
It depends on the type of hail damage. If there are only cosmetic issues, such as small dents in a metal roof, you won’t need any repairs unless you want us to correct the flaws. Any type of structural damage must be repaired as soon as possible.
What Are the Risks of Delaying an Inspection After a Storm?
Roof damage doesn’t improve on its own. If you have structural roof damage, it will continue to worsen, especially if inclement weather is in the forecast. Water can enter your house, resulting in many issues, including mold.
Mold grows fast, usually within a day or two, and not during summer. It can even grow in winter if there is moisture present, which means your home (and health) are at risk. Other problems, like cracks and holes, can continue to grow larger, increasing the chances of internal issues in your attic.
Call us right away to schedule an inspection instead of putting it off. We can assess the condition of your roof and determine if repairs are necessary.
How Do I Determine if Hail Damage Is Cosmetic or Structural?
Checking your attic is the first step to determine if your roof has structural damage. The issues go beyond cosmetic concerns if you see holes, water dripping in, or any other physical indicators. Our experienced team needs to repair the damage before it worsens further.
The best method is to call us for a professional roof inspection. We can conduct a comprehensive assessment to determine whether it’s structural or cosmetic.
Are Older Roofs More Susceptible To Damage?
A brand-new roof has a higher chance of withstanding hail damage than its older counterpart. Roofs can last many decades, but their lifespan depends on factors such as their material and the quality of the original installation. As they age, they become more vulnerable to damage. Roofing materials can weaken over time due to exposure to wind, rain, hail, and sun.
How Much Does It Cost To Repair Hail Damage?
There is no fixed price for hail damage repair. Several factors determine the cost, including the extent of the damage and the material of your roof.
Don’t let hailstorm roof damage worsen in your home. Blue Fox Roofing & Renovations in Charlotte, NC, performs roof inspections to determine if there are any problems requiring roof repairs. We can also replace sections or the whole roof. Our company is also an expert in gutters, storm damage, skylight installation, and metal roofs.
Call Blue Fox Roofing & Renovations today to schedule an appointment.
