While living through a hailstorm may seem scary, depending on the severity, you can prepare for what you may encounter when it comes to property damage and even snow accumulation. If you don’t know, hail-induced property damage costs about one billion dollars every year, and hail storms have only become more frequent in the last few decades. Windy weather that accompanies these storms can be pretty damaging, but one of the worst things about hail is its ability to destroy roofs. One way to protect yourself from damage is by knowing which materials are best suited for your unique needs in terms of durability and longevity.
While you can do many things to prevent or reduce the effect of damage to your roof, one of the crucial steps is to ensure that you know a roofing company. During emergencies like these, it should be reachable. If you live in Centennial, you can look for Centennial Roofing Plus or other contractors for help. Let’s look into other necessary areas now.
Preventive measures
Choice of roof materials
In case of a severe event, hail can plummet from the sky at rates as fast as forty miles per hour under certain conditions. If a storm happens to be more powerful, hailstones can fall at more than one hundred miles per hour. What does this mean for your property and, more specifically, the roof? Quite likely, roofs will receive damage in the form of cracking and denting. However, there is still a good chance that you could avoid expensive repairs or the need for any costly roof replacements if you invest in a new impact-resistance roof. Roofs made with asphalt material can hold up remarkably well during storms because of their sturdy composition that enables them to withstand more powerful hits.
Trees and shrubs
Property owners don’t always tend to their trees and shrubs. It is especially apparent when the plants grow so tall that they brush right up against your home. Sure, you can trim them back; this takes time, money, and effort. While you have reasons for letting your landscaping go without regular maintenance, it is not wise to overlook those shrubberies and forest fronds that can lead to problems with your home’s exterior. Ensure that dead trees or broken tree limbs don’t overflow your siding by performing routine maintenance on their growth patterns. Otherwise, storms may blow over large branches to your roof and cause damage.
Signs of water damage
Like you took care of your landscaping, you should investigate your home for signs of water damage. Check closets, garage, ceilings, walls, and attic. All these places are prone to water seepage and affect the structural integrity of your home. If you see the leakage from the attic or ceiling, you would want to be extra careful because it can indicate a problem with your roof. So, you should get it fixed quickly before the hailstorm lashes and increases your trouble. Contact your local roofing agency for inspection and follow their suggestion.
Protection or correction after a hailstorm
Hail and rain damage roofs, but hail does more harm because of the small ice pieces. Some shingles may feel loose on your roof, which happens to be the ones directly hit by the hailstones. If you notice shingles curling away from or missing from your roof, it’s best to have them fixed as soon as possible because you don’t want these things lingering on your mind for weeks or even months. Over time, they can lead to further problems like leaks in the ceiling or water stains below the roof.
Ideally, you should check all the possible areas once the hailstorm has passed to gauge the extent of damage and fix them soon. Gutters, shutters, air conditioners, windows, fences, and garage doors are only a few examples. When it comes to the roof, you can quickly go through the entire expanse from below to the top. However, it doesn’t mean the job is over. Nothing can match the quality of the professional inspection.
A hailstorm can cause significant damage to a roof, especially if the hailstones are large or the storm is particularly severe. Hail can damage shingles, cause leaks, and even break skylights. If your roof suffered damage in a hailstorm, it’s essential to have it repaired as soon as possible to avoid further loss or headaches. Since only licensed and expert roofers can handle this, you must not hesitate to reach out to them for assistance. Keeping your roof in damaged condition can be risky for your home’s health and the people living under it. Your small wait can also cause massive financial investment to correct the issues later on.
So, don’t delay if you suspect damage to your roof. Even if nothing has happened, it is good to examine it thoroughly to ensure you didn’t miss anything. After all, your roof is an integral structure, and you cannot afford to let it deteriorate.
