According to a survey, most homeowners aren’t aware of how hail damage on their residential roofs can be prevented. However, it is more prevalent than most people think. In fact, hail can cause huge damage and destruction to any roof. Even if a roof is made of a durable material like slate, it can still suffer hail damage.
Any homeowner needs to know about hail damage and its effects on the roof before it ever occurs. Many homeowners aren’t even aware of the damage that roofing caused during a thunderstorm. Fortunately, hail can come in many sizes and weight, making it extremely difficult for a homeowner to detect. Moreover, hail damage usually cannot be spotted on the ground, which is a major reason why the thought of hail damage rarely ever crosses a typical homeowner’s mind. If an aerial image of the area being covered is available, this will help a homeowner identify whether their roof needs to be inspected.
Hail can also create extensive damage due to the granules that collect inside it. These granules vary in size and can reach a diameter of several inches. As granules get bigger, they can impede water flow and cause leaks. Leaks from hailstones can lead to major plumbing issues, including leaks under the roof, causing major water lines to burst and causing damage to the home.
Preventive efforts made with the use of roofs, including granules, leaks, roof vents, and roof boxes can prevent hail damage from occurring. These efforts should include the use of leak covers, roof vents, and roof boxes. Leaks around roof vents can be a problem for those who live in areas with warm temperatures. Leaks around roof vents are often caused by a leaking ceiling vent or attic fan.
In the case that a vent does become clogged with debris, it may cause a gusher to occur. When hail damage occurs, if not tended to quickly, gushing may occur. This gushing can carry materials such as wood shingles into areas where they are vulnerable to water penetration. If gushing occurs, it is important to have roofing systems that can be used to contain the build up of water. Some examples include roof vents that are equipped to divert the water away from the home.
The presence of granules is another common cause for hail damage in a home. These granules, if allowed to sit, can expand and break off. When this happens, they can become lodged in the spaces between the roofing shingles and the roof structure. This can then promote the growth of mold and mildew. A free roof inspection from a professional contractor can help identify areas of concern that a homeowner can remedy without hiring a second opinion.
When a home has what it calls as ‘post-storm water drainage’, it means that the water has been able to move up and out rather than pooling below the surface. In the case of what does hail damage look like on shingles, these larger particles are often visible because of their size. These large, hardy snow crystals can easily become trapped when they are moved on a regular basis. The best way to address these types of issues is to have the roof checked by a certified roofing specialist prior to what does hail damage look like on a roof.
Post-storm water drainage issues can lead to what does hail damage look like on roof shingles. When a homeowner discovers leaks in the roof or one or more of the roofing shingles, he or she should consult a roofing specialist as soon as possible. This way, the homeowner can determine whether or not the leaks need to be repaired, replaced, or evacuated from the home. If the homeowner does not have time to fix the leak himself, he or she should know how to get in contact with roofing professionals who can help resolve the problem for them. This is especially true in the case of larger leaks where shingles may break off and become lodged in the ceiling above the area of the leak.