Professional Roofing Company
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Professional Roofing Company
Hail Storm vs roof: We always put confidence in the roof of our home to protect us from the elements. However, it can still be quite scary to hear the howling wind and slight thump of hail hitting your home during a storm. With many thunderstorms brewing off the nearby Atlantic Ocean and moving in from the southwest, South Carolina is known for experiencing intense weather conditions, including high winds and hail. Just how much roof damage can a hail storm cause, though?
Hail storms can produce a range of hail sizes, ranging from small pebbles to pieces the size of golf balls or even baseballs! Not all hail will cause harm to your shingles or other roof components, and it will need to be greater than an inch to create any noticeable damage. Below we have included a rough indication of what type of damage you might expect from different hail sizes. However, it can vary by its density and the overall wind force.
With a better understanding of what size hail can cause damage, you may be wondering just what type of destruction you could be facing after the storm clears. As you can imagine, the potential for roof damage increases with the strength of the wind driving the hail. However, you will have a good idea of whether your roof needs repair by determining if any of the following issues are present.
The most prominent damages you may notice will be to your roof’s asphalt shingles. Our roofs are built to take on the weather’s effects, but some components will need to be replaced over time. If there have been many severe weather incidents in your region, your shingles may have experienced some wear and tear. It’s crucial to inspect roof shingles, looking for shingle damage’s four main characteristics; hail storms can cause that.
The surface of asphalt shingles (granules) are usually the first to be affected by severe weather conditions like hail. The ceramic-coated minerals used are designed to deflect UV light and are an easy indication of when shingles may need replacing. With the strong winds that often accompany severe hail storms or thunderstorms and the substantial run-off caused by pouring rain, your shingles’ granules may need regular inspection. You may find signs of missing granules by looking in the gutters and downspouts for those that have washed away.
Shingle bruising is common but can be challenging to identify. Once the hail storm has passed, you can safely assess the roof for bruising by checking the surface with a wipe from your hand across the shingles. Bruised shingles will have minor soft dents or divots caused by the intense impact of hail. Light bruising may only be a cosmetic issue. However, severely damaged shingles with excessive bruising may require an expert’s opinion. Deep bruises push granules into the asphalt, weakening the shingle and making your roof susceptible to more significant damages.
Severe weather conditions will continue to weaken asphalt shingles as time passes, making them more brittle as they age. Hail storms may have a powerful impact on your aging shingles, causing cracking and lifting. When asphalt shingles are broken or missing large pieces, wind and water can lift them further, creating damage to the roof system and possibly the interior of your home. There are ways to temporarily protect your storm-damaged roof, but you should contact a professional. Cracking or lifting can cause deeper issues if left untreated and should be assessed by a roofing contractor.
Although the most common hail storm damages affect your roof’s shingles, larger-sized hail can present other types of roof damage. If it’s not safe to access your roof, you can look for further signs of severe hail storm damage. Take a walk around the inside of your home, watching for leaks in the ceiling or signs or drafts coming in. Venture outdoors to assess the state of your home’s exterior, along with any visible parts of your roof system. Typical signs of damage can include some of the following:
Roof systems protect our home and everything we love within it, which is why it’s vital to maintain its condition. Living in a region like South Carolina, where the weather can be unpredictable and sometimes fierce, it’s important to regularly assess your roof and shingles. Weather conditions like hail storms can cause shingle damages that result in more significant issues over time, jeopardizing your belongings and your homes’ value. Contacting the right professionals early on, when small signs of storm damage are present, can save you and your roof in the long term. For more information or to schedule a roof inspection, contact P.C.S. Roofing today.
Hail Storm vs Roof – P.C.S. Roofing Blog, 3/25/2021. All rights reserved.
