Heavy rains and hail storms are a constant worry for Myrtle Beach, SC homeowners. And the damage left behind when hail hits your home can be devastating.
It is crucial to check the roof damage and handle it before it becomes a serious problem. Although hail storm damage can be damaging, the impact varies depending on different factors. That means sometimes it can be hard to notice any issues on our roof shingles once the storm has passed by.
Just to be on the same side, experts recommend a thorough roof inspection after a storm. The effectiveness of this process depends on what you know about roof hail damage.
Today, we will be sharing signs of hail damage. This should help you tell if your home house has been affected so you can make the right decisions.
Factors That Determine The Extent Of Storm Damage
As stated above, storm damage can vary in intensity depending on different factors. Some of these factors include:
Wind speed, strength and direction
Strong and changing wind direction and speed can seriously impact asphalt shingles. The wind can change direction and speed at any time, affecting the damage’s location and seriousness.
Strength
You can easily notice hail damage if the storm is severe. The size and density of the hailstones can cause more obvious damage. Small stones will not have as devastating results as bigger ones.
Building material
It is easier to identify hail damage on some materials than on others. For instance, asphalt shingles are more vulnerable than metal roofs. The insurance claim will also vary depending on the material and how much is damaged.
Barriers
Getting a hail-damaged roof on a house built in a field is easier than on one with neighboring structures. Trees, landscaping, and adjacent homes can prevent more devastating damage. This is why homeowners are encouraged to have natural barriers around their homes.
Although sometimes such barriers can contribute to the damage, it’s much better than when they are missing. For instance, tree branches falling on your home can be avoided if the trees are not close to the house.
What Does Roof Hail Damage Look Like On A Roof?
So, what are the main signs of hail damage? Working with an experienced roofing contractor is important when you suspect hail roof damage. They can help you identify any issues and lay an insurance claim for you as they resolve them.
It is also important for you to know what hail roof damage looks like. Ignoring even the simplest sign can force you into a complete roof replacement when you could have fixed it easily.
Here are the most common signs
Asphalt shingles
Check your asphalt shingles for any severe roof damage. The most obvious one is cracked shingles, which you can tell even without climbing the roof.
For instance, a tree branch falling on your roof will cause significant damage that cannot be ignored. Asphalt shingles are one of the most common roofing materials in this region.
Hence, many people know what a good roof should look like.
Other threats to check for include the following:
Random damages with no pattern
Have you noticed random damages on your roof after a storm? It’s probably because our roof has sustained hail damage. Just be sure to take clear photos before any roof repairs – for insurance claims.
Black hail hits
Call a professional roofing contractor if you notice hail hits that are black in color on your roof. This a major sign that your roof will not take another extreme weather.
Loss of granules
Check your roof for any areas with exposed roof felt. It is a clear indication of storm damage.
Shiny asphalt and/or mat
Call your roofing contractor if part of the roof appears too shiny. It clearly shows the damage is much more serious.
Wood shingles
Wood shingles are also popular roofing materials in South Carolina. Call a professional roofing company if you notice any of the following signs.
Random damages on the roof
A hail impact on the wood shingle can be just like cracks on window screens. Check the entire roof for such damages that don’t seem to have any pattern.
Brown/orange hail hits
You will also know there is severe damage to your roof if you see hail hits that are brown or orange in color on the whole roof. A full roof replacement could be necessary if the impact has extended deeper. You should also call a reputable roofing company to check it and help you avoid further damage wherever necessary.
Split shingles
Hail impacts wood shingles’ integrity. So, if you notice splits in the shingles that did not have any issues at the edges, have your roof inspected for more issues.
Impact marks
Like on a metal roof or any other material, impact marks or dents along the splits after a storm show more damage. You should take photos and present them to insurance adjusters as you look for claims.
Metal roofs
An insurance adjuster on metal roofing can be different from a shingle roof. This is because metal roofs are affected differently from other materials.
Check for the following signs:
Clear damages on the roof
Most metal roofs that don’t have protective granules can face serious storm damage. If you notice too much unevenness, consider calling a roofer for an inspection.
Dented gutters
You can also tell issues with your roof when you notice a dent in the gutters. The severity depends on the hail size and the roof material. Contact your roofer for further investigation.
Other Damages that Can be Mistaken for Hail Damage
Hail damage can cause so much damage to your roof and house. It can lead to broken windows, issues in the air conditioner, and many other issues.
However, there are other issues that can mimic storm damage. It is crucial to note these differences, especially when looking for insurance adjusters.
Such damages include:
Exposure to inclement weather and sunlight
Materials like fiberglass mats and shingles can be affected by inclement weather. For example, many shingles have sustained damage under extreme heat. The brittle materials make them look aged.
Wear and tear
Normal wear and tear can be confused with large hail damage. This happens especially when water leaks become too much.
Blistering, chipped paint, and falling out of metal fascia can also be mistaken for hail damage. Even a small-sized hail can cause such issues. A reliable roofer will determine the main cause and suggest the best approach to save you from further property damage.
Insurance Claim for Hail Damage – What You Need to Know
One of homeowners’ biggest questions is where an insurance company will cover hail damage. The simplest answer is yes. The cover will cover any cosmetic damage that affects your roof’s integrity.
However, there are certain things you must know before you lay a claim for damage on your roof. These include the following:
The insurance process is not easy
Dealing with an insurance agent is much easier when you apply for the cover. But when it comes to claims, the insurance and roofing industry doesn’t have the best reputation.
The process can be muddy and quite confusing. Thus, you need to work with a reputable roofer who can help you with the process. This is where reliability matters the most.
Sign any paper only after your insurance claim has been approved
Faulty gutters and downspouts can cause any homeowner to become too desperate and fall into the trap of some insurance providers. Some companies will try to strong-arm you into signing some papers before inspecting the roof.
This is why it’s important to always work with a reputable company, even on smaller hail damages. Any shingle damage covered under an insurance policy should be easy to claim.
Potential mistakes with an insurance adjuster
An insurance adjuster can make a mistake, just like anyone. They can spot large or small size damage and still make a mistake by denying your claim.
Don’t panic. You can always double or triple-check with other adjusters. If the second adjuster denies the claim, consider inviting over an engineer. They can do a more detailed analysis, looking at the smooth edges and other parts of the roof to determine the real damage.
Do You Need Help With Your Hail-Damaged Roof?
Call your local roofers at Lenox Roofing. As one of the most reputable roofing experts, the company offers top-notch emergency roofing solutions. The hail damage on your roof will be history as soon as possible.