For many homeowners, the winter months are periods of increased anxiety. Even in milder climates, the possibility of pipe freeze-ups and ice dams exists year-round.
In addition, you may not have given much thought to hail as winter weather. Hail, unlike snow, comes in the form of ice fragments that vary in size and speed.
It’s important to know that more than just your automobiles are at risk during a hail storm. When it strikes, it can damage your home’s roof or covering and other valuables around it.
Find out what you can do to safeguard your home and roof from the potential damage that could be caused by hail.
What Kind of Damage Does Hail Cause to a Roof?
The wind and the weight of hail can cause damage to a roof. Because it’s not so common, the average homeowner may be unaware of the damage that hail can cause.
It might be functional or visual when it comes to damage, and the latter is often more severe. Although they may appear to be minor issues at first glance, they might lead to more significant problems.
How Can You Tell Whether Hail Damaged Your Roof?
a. Visual Damage
Holes and indentations can cause visible damage to your roof’s exterior. Your roof is damaged if you see undeniable signs of hail, such as dents, cracked shingles, ice accumulation, or glassing. It can also cause stains on your shingles and decreased visibility.
b. Functional Damage
If your home can’t cope with the extra water from rusted pipes and wires, it may show impending collapse. Hail can damage your roof’s underlayment in addition to damaging your roof. Also, leaves can get inside a building through holes made by hail.
How Can You Protect Your Roof From Hail Damage?
1. Find Out Which Areas Are Most Likely to Be Hit
If you haven’t suffered hail damage in the past, this might be the year that you do. Check the map and determine which areas are most vulnerable to storm damage. Once you know the places that are likely to be hit, you can look for some ways to prevent or minimize the damage.
2. Get a Professional Inspection
Even if your roof has been through the most recent hail storm, don’t assume that it’s in good shape. If you’re in a hail region, it’s best to get your roof inspected yearly. In an area that experiences hail often, it’s best to get it checked monthly.
3. Treat Your Roof
From the moment you see hail coming in, you should take steps to protect your roof. If you have time, you can even put a layer of tarp on your roof before the storm gets too bad. Once the storm has passed, remove the tarp as soon as possible.
Be sure to avoid ripping it because this can cause leaks.
Conclusion
It’s best to know what to expect and how to protect your roof from the damages that hail can cause. Regardless of how severe or mild the damage is, you should always get it checked out by a professional.
Are you looking for a professional to repair your roof due to hail damage? Check out Refuge Roofing. You may avoid costly repairs down the line by having Refuge Roofing do a quick, low-cost roof assessment and fast service for storm-related roof repairs. Contact us now!