Not all of us are fans of snow, but all of us will take snow over hail damage any day. Unfortunately, there is not much you can do to protect yourself from an unexpected hail storm, but you can be proactive in fixing the damage caused to your home and other belongings. Here’s why you should address hail damage immediately and not let it sit for long periods without repairs:
How to check for hail damage
Hail can vary in size. Sometimes hailstones can be as small as a pea to as big as a softball. Depending on the size will determine how much damage is caused. The main area of your home that you should check for hail damage is your roof. Once the storm has cleared, set up your ladder and climb onto your roof. The first area you should examine if your roof’s ridge cap. This is one of the flattest areas of your roof and will receive the most damage. If you see dings and even cracks, depending on your shingling material, you know that hail has damaged parts of your roof.
The next area you should examine is your shingles. Underneath your shingles, you should have black substrate installed. If you are able to see the black, gummy material, this means that you are missing shingles. Shingles can also be bruised and cracked by hail, so it’s important to get a close look. Depending on your shingling material will also determine what other signs of damage you should be looking for. For instance, wooden shingles can split from hail damage. To know exactly what you should be looking for, consult with a renovation expert.
You should also examine the metal areas on your roof including, roof vents, flashing and gutters. These areas will show signs of dents and dings caused by the hailstones.
Bigger problems
Your home’s roof is often its first defense against storms and extreme weather. Leaks in your roof can cause water damage in the upper levels of your room that can negatively impact the integrity of your home. If you suspect that your roof has been impacted by hail damage, get it checked by a renovation professional and they can determine the extent of the damage.
Repairs
How to repair your roof will depend on the size of the hailstones and the extent of damage caused. If you are missing a few singles and your roof suffered no further damage, you might be looking at a simple shingle replacement job. Otherwise, if hail has caused your roof’s integrity to be compromised, it will be a bigger problem. Again, it’s best if you consult with a home renovation professional to determine what steps to take to fix and repair your home. If your home has suffered from a recent hail storm or you have other emergency repairs, contact Royal Renovations for a quote today.