Have you experienced hail recently and are concerned about your roof? This may be because you saw some signs of damage or because your neighbor is replacing your roof. Thorough research before a big decision is important.
The roof material, hail size, age, and pitch of your roof will determine the extent of damage experienced. If you think these factors played a role, move to damage detection. Visually analyze the roof using a moisture meter and an infrared image process. Next, document the damage, call a contractor, and let your insurance company know.
For more details on this, please continue reading.
Factors That Determine The Extent Of Damage On The Roof
Before we go on and talk about damages to the roof, it is important to know what contributes to the damage. If these factors have been aggravated during the recent hailstorm, looking for damages is a good idea.
Roof Material
The type of material used to make the roof will affect how much damage it sustains after a hailstorm. Heavier materials, such as slate or tile, are much more resistant to hail damage than lighter materials, such as asphalt shingles.
Hail Size
Hailstones are the culprit that causes all the damage. Larger hailstones are more likely to cause more extensive damage, while smaller hailstones cause significantly less damage. If the hail size was larger than an inch, consider replacing your roof.
Age Of The Roof
Roofs are not immune to the consequences of time. Over time, older roofs may be more susceptible to damage due to wear and tear. However, if your house is new, the roof may be able to withstand the hail storm.
The Pitch Of The Roof
The angle of the roof can affect the amount of damage sustained. Flat roofs are more likely to be damaged than those with a steep pitch. A steeper pitch also allows hail to slide down and not cause water damage when it melts.
Detect Damage To The Roof
Before you can begin the process of replacing your roof, you must weigh all the factors that lead up to the decision. The first and most important one is detecting any damage on the roof.
Below we have discussed the four most effective methods of getting clarity on the extent of damage on your roof. These include visual inspection, infrared imaging, moisture meter use, and hiring a professional.
For more information, watch this Youtube video:
Roof Inspection for Hail Damage
Visual Inspection
The initial method that all other methods build upon is a visual inspection. This involves looking for signs of damage to the shingles, such as dents, cracks, or missing pieces. It is also important to look for any signs of water damage, such as water stains or leaks.
You may proceed to the steps ahead if any of these signs are found. However, if no discrepancies are observed, you are safe, and your roof does not need to be replaced.
Infrared Imaging
Infrared imaging is a non-destructive way of detecting hail damage to a roof. This technique uses infrared radiation to detect changes in the temperature of the roof, which can indicate areas of hail damage.
It can detect cracks not visible to the naked eye and moisture intrusion. It is a great way to quickly and accurately assess the condition of a roof and identify any potential problems.
Moisture Meter
A moisture meter is a tool used to measure the moisture in the roof. This can help to determine if there is any water damage from a hail storm, as well as detect any hidden damage that cannot be seen with the naked eye.
Moreover, if water has seeped into the roof, the moisture meter will tell you how bad it is. With this information, you can move ahead with ways to fix this.
Hire A Professional
If you are still determining the extent of the damage to your roof, it is recommended to hire a professional roofing contractor to inspect the roof. They will be able to identify any signs of damage and recommend the best course of action.
Steps To Take After Damage Has Been Detected
Once you have employed all the above methods and successfully detected damage, you must be wondering what the next course of action is.
Document The Damage
The first and most important part is taking photos or videos of the damaged area and documenting other relevant information. Make sure these photos and videos are backed up and safe for use in the future.
Documenting the damage can help to get insurance claims and reductions in prices.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company to report the damage and begin the claims process. The first step of documenting the damage will be very handy over here. Your insurance company might ask you for these and will appreciate thorough documentation.
Contact A Roofing Contractor
Get in touch with a reputable roofing contractor to assess the damage and provide an estimate for repair or replacement. This way, you can know the costs you may incur. Moreover, contacting a roofing contractor can give you more insight into the damages and the urgent need for repairs.
Make Temporary Repairs
If necessary, you must make temporary repairs to your roof to prevent further damage from occurring. Not only do temporary repairs buy you some time until permanent repairs are made, but they are also essential in ensuring the safety and strength of your house.
Arrange For Permanent Repairs
Once temporary repairs are made, work with your insurance company to arrange for permanent repairs to your roof.
Do You Need To Replace Your Roof After A Hail Storm?
We have gone through every factor that contributes to the roof’s damage. Moreover, we discussed how damage could be detected adequately.
Now, to answer the question that must have been dangling in your head for a while now, you need to replace your roof after a hail storm if the damages are great, there is moisture seepage, and if evident dents and cracks are observed.
Why Is Replacing The Roof After A Hail Storm Important?
You might consider not replacing your roof even after some damage is observed. We here explain why you may want to discard the thought and consider replacing your roof.
We have established by now that hail can cause significant damage to roofs. It can leave dents in shingles, break shingles, and cause other structural damage. The damage from a hail storm can cause water to seep into the roof and cause further damage to the home, leading to costly repairs.
If the damage is severe enough, it could even reduce the home’s value if it is not addressed.
Replacing the roof after a hail storm is also crucial to prevent further damage and preserve the home’s value.
If a roof damaged by a hail storm is not replaced, the damage will likely worsen due to weather and other elements. This can lead to leaks, water damage, and the need for more costly repairs. It could also cause structural damage to the house.
What Impact Does Roof Replacement Have On Your Insurance?
A roof replacement can have a positive effect on your insurance premiums. Insurance companies may offer discounts for updated roofs since they are more secure and can better protect the home from hazards such as fire, wind, and hail.
Additionally, a roof replacement may also improve the value of your home, which could lead to lower insurance premiums.
Final Thoughts
Replacing a roof is a huge decision, and we encourage and appreciate the concern that you are showing. However, we urge you not to delay the process and get it done as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your property.