In many cases hail and storms can inflict substantial harm to your home’s exterior, roof, sides and outdoor assets. It is therefore important to identify when hail damage is likely to occur so that one can attend to the problems before they degenerate to an even bigger mess. Here’s everything you need to know about recognizing hail and what comes next.
1. Why Hail Damage Matters
Hail is also significant danger to your roof since it weakens the material, damages it leading to water penetrations, and havoc on the insulation. Damage may either be internal or difficult to see, and this makes it important to know what one is looking for. The hail will cause your roof to deteriorate faster than if it had been handled immediately, and more hail damage may occur in future storms.
2. Signs of Hail Damage on the Roof
This article will help you to notice signs of hail on your roof, some of the roof features most affected are the shingles which exhibit many signs of hail damage. Your roof becomes the most exposed part of the house during hailstorms. Below are the common indicators:
Dents or Dings on Shingles:
Hail impact may be evidenced in asphalt shingles by round dents or dark spots.
Granule Loss:
Hailstorms eject protective granules that cover shingles and this exposes the asphalt layer to tar. You may observe granules in your gutters or a downspout.
Cracks or Tears:
Intense storms cause hairs to crack or split the shingles, usually on a building with older roofing.
Soft Spots:
Treading on the roof may help discover vulnerable sections which would have been affected by the hail.
Tip: One of the best ways to examine your roof is to use binoculars or even a ladder. If you are still in doubt then you can seek advice of a professional.
3. Flooding and erosion caused damages to gutters and downspouts.
Inspect your gutters and downspouts for:
Dents and Bends:
Metallic or aluminum type of gutter usually has some impressions that can be felt or seen after hail storm.
Paint Chips:
A hailstorm can partially remove paint from the gutter and leave behind the metal surface.
Clogging: Hailstorms are usual to leave granules from the roof, which might clog your gutters in due time.
4. Siding and Windows
There are parts of the house other than the roof that are most prone to hail damage. Siding and windows on your home may also take a beating from the storm. Look for:
Cracks and Holes:
Through hail impact, vinyl siding turns out to develop cracks or splits while wood siding can develop dents or chips.
Broken Glass: Assess condition of the windows by: Checking for cracks on the windows, chipped or broken window glass.
Damaged Window Frames:
Heavy falling of hail causes denting or warping of window frame of metal or wood.
5. Outdoor Features and Accessories
Other parts of your property might exhibit signs of hail damage:
Decks and Patios:
Wooden or metal parts should be examined for dents, chips or scratches.
Fencing:
Timber fences can get splits and steels will either have an impact and get marred or just bend.
HVAC Units:
Outdoor units could be having damaged fins or even have a damaged cover from one event or the other.
Vehicles:
If your car was parked outside during the storm look for indication such as dents or shattered windows on it.
6. Outdoor Fencing and Barbecue Pits
Your yard can give you indications of hail damage as well. Look for:
Damaged Plants:
Crushed twigs, missing leaves or/ and scraped surfaces on resistant plants are very good signs of hail.
Dented Furniture:
Aluminum, steel and other metallic material or plastic finish patio furniture can get marks or cracks.
Chipped Paint:
Often, any kind of outside items including sheds or even gazebos, might have paint which appear to be chipped.
7. Facts to Know When You Notice Hail Damage
If you notice any signs of hail damage, follow these steps:
Document the Damage:
Photo document all injured areas, normal as well as panoramic views. This documentation will be useful for insurance claims.
Inspect Your Home Thoroughly:
It is recommended to inspect all the above areas even if you realized that the losses are relatively small.
Contact Your Insurance Company:
Inform your insurance company of the damage and follow the steps they give you concerning the wreck.
Schedule a Professional Inspection:
It might take the eye of a roofing contractor or a home inspector to determine the best course of action, as well as the amount of money necessary to rectify the problem.
8. When to Call a Professional
Small dents and dings and do not appear to be a big deal but, there are some damages that can weaken the structure of a home. Professionals can:
Check current and potential harm not easily spotted by the layman. The other recommendation is that a detailed repair estimate should be given. Help to manage insurance claims.
9. Preventing Future Hail Damage
Although you can’t control the weather, taking preventative measures can help minimize future damage:
Install Impact-Resistant Roofing Materials:
There are many types of hail resistant shingles and also metal roofing in modern households and offices. Secure Outdoor Items: Shield furniture, barbecues, and outdoors decorations during too much rainfall.
Maintain Trees and Landscaping:
Cut branches that tend to hang over your building so that you can minimize on instances where branches fall on your building.
Conclusion
Sometimes, hail is not easy to escape and there will be some expensive damages incurred, so it is important to be aware when there’s hail damage on the car. Starting with your roof to siding and even the outside features like lights, a professional inspection after any storm can effectively eliminate the numerous trips and expenses to repair. In case of discovery of probable damage, always take picture, report to your insurance company and seek help from a professional taker to repair the loss.
As long as you keep an eye open and don’t let things go wrong, then you and your house will be safe and comfortable for as long as it may take for the weather to come out with the best.
