Hailstorms can cause a devastating amount of damage to your home. Most damage, when addressed promptly, won’t cause long-term damage to your roof and home. But if you neglect to take care of hail damage to your roof, what was once a minuscule crack and a few missing granules can spiral into a slew of other problems, ranging from hazardous water leaks to moss, algae, and mold growth. To avoid long-term damage to your property, have your roof inspected and repaired at your earliest convenience once the hailstorm subsides. In this guide, we’ll expand on how even the tiniest amount of hail damage can lead to long-term problems for your roof and home, and how to repair the issue so you won’t have to deal with the aftereffects. What are the long-term effects of roof hail damage and how do you prevent them from destroying your home? Let’s find out.
How Hail Compromises the Integrity of Roofing Material
During a hailstorm, your roof gets battered with hundreds or even thousands of hailstones. These hailstones can range in size from a dime to a baseball, and even the smallest hailstone can damage your roof. Depending on the type of roof you have, hail damage can look different. If you have asphalt shingles, expect to see a lot of dented shingles, lost granules, and damaged fiberglass mats after the storm. This kind of damage may not seem immediately concerning, but it does impact the overall longevity of your roof and can lead to leaking and further damage when left unaddressed. Hailstones can smash and cause dimples in the protective coating of foam, which is a staple roofing material for commercial and industrial properties. These dimples will gradually fill up with water and debris, which can cause increased weight on the roof and even lead to fungi growth. Metal roofs are generally sturdy, but, as with foam roofs, hailstones can cause dimples in the metal material. This isn’t likely to lead to water and debris accumulation and fungi growth, but a roof covered in dents rarely looks pretty. Roofs made from concrete or clay might not see much damage from smaller hailstones, but larger hailstones can crack or shatter the tiles.
If you address dents, cracks, and other forms of damage right away, the likelihood of long-term problems is low. However, unaddressed damage will often spiral out of control. This is because the hailstorm has compromised the integrity of the roofing materials, leaving them more vulnerable to the elements. A roof in excellent condition will hold up to inclement weather relatively well. A roof with cracks, dents, and missing granules from the last storm, on the other hand, can’t protect itself as effectively from rain, snow, or debris blown by the wind. Over time, hail roof damage can lead to more significant issues. Here are the long-term effects of roof hail damage.
Leaking
It’s no surprise that cracks and holes in your roof will lead to leaks. The next time a rainstorm or thunderstorm rolls around, rainwater will seep through these openings and creep into your home. Leaks are a major hazard. They can damage the structure of your home, including the foundation, creating a favorable environment for mold growth. They can even start fires if water comes into contact with exposed wiring in the attic.
Fungi Growth
Rainwater can accumulate in dents and cracks in your roof, providing the moisture necessary for fungi to thrive. The combination of moisture, fresh outside air, and dirt and debris on the roof creates the perfect environment for moss, algae, and mold growth. Fungi that grow on your roof can cause rotting and decomposition in materials such as wood. It can even grow underneath shingles and other roofing materials, which can dislodge them and lead to cracking, holes, and eventually, leaks. This leaking can result in mold infiltrating your home. It normally starts in the attic and spreads slowly throughout the rest of the interior, leaving a trail of damage and making you and your family sick.
Decreased Curb Appeal
A visibly damaged roof can negatively impact your home’s curb appeal and market value. This is a huge problem, especially if you see yourself selling your home in the future. If you live in an HOA, you can even receive fines or have a lien filed against your property if you don’t fix the damage. Roof damage is partially cosmetic and can detract from the overall appeal of the neighborhood if it’s severe.
How To Fix Roof Hail Damage
In the aftermath of a hailstorm, you’ll want to inspect your home and roof for signs of damage. The most common signs of hail roof damage include:
Dented flashingMissing shinglesCracked shinglesShingle granules in the gutters
To prevent long-term problems, it’s best to fix any damage as soon as possible. Some people might be tempted to try and fix minor issues, such as small cracks, but we advise against this. There are several reasons why you should never DIY roof repair. It can be dangerous to walk on top of your roof, and you face the risk of slipping and falling. Plus, you’re unlikely to have the right tools and experience to perform the job correctly. An amateur repair job is unlikely to last very long and may even cause more problems than it solves. And a professional roofing contractor can detect damage that the ordinary eye would gloss over. Not all roof damage is immediately obvious. Broken fiberglass mats, for example, are a common problem that most DIYers overlook.
The best course of action after a hailstorm involves three simple steps:
Document the damageFile a claim with your insurance company as soon as possibleGet quotes from several roof repair companies and choose one to repair the damage
If you need
roof storm damage repair services in Minnesota, give Viking Contractors a call. We’ll inspect your home for damage, arrive to perform repairs at your convenience, and get rid of hail damage using the best tools and techniques.
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