Hail damage to roofs is a common problem in many parts of the country. While hail itself is not necessarily destructive, the high forces associated with it can cause serious damage to your roof. That’s why it’s important to inspect your roof regularly for hail damage, and to know how to identify it.
If you think your roof has sustained hail damage, it’s important to have a professional roofing contractor conduct an inspection as soon as possible. During the inspection, the roofing contractor will look for:
-Dents in the roofing material
-Missing or damaged shingles
-Granules from the shingles in the gutters or on the ground
-Cracks or splits in the shingles
-Bruising on the underside of the shingles
-Signs of leaks in the attic or interior of the home
If the roofing contractor finds any of these signs of hail damage, they will likely recommend repairs or replacement of the damaged shingles.
What size hail causes damage?
Hail around 1” in diameter can damage your roof and warrant an insurance claim. When hail is this size, it can cause dents/dings and compromise the integrity of asphalt shingles.
If you see any of the following damage on your asphalt shingles, it’s time to call a roofing contractor for an inspection and repairs:
• Attic leaks or exposure
• Blistering or peeling exterior paint
• Ceiling and wall stains
• Dark streaks on roofing
• Evidence of sagging
• Broken gutters
• Cracked, loose or missing shingles
• Roofing has become old or outdated
Where is hail most common
Hail is most common in the area where Colorado, Nebraska, and Wyoming meet – this area is known as “hail alley.” This area sees an average of seven to nine hail days per year.
As the size of hail increases, so does the severity of damage it can cause to property. For hail measuring 1-2 inches in diameter, damage is typically cosmetic, such as chipped paint or dented siding. But when hail grows to 2 inches or larger, it can cause serious damage, such as cracked windows, broken shingles, or holes in siding. If you live in an area where hail is common, it’s important to inspect your property regularly for signs of damage and to have a plan in place for repairs.
What is the life expectancy of roofing shingles?
Asphalt shingles are a common type of roofing material, and their lifespan can vary depending on the climate. In general, they will last 10-30 years. However, in warmer climates they may not last as long as in colder climates.
An insurance adjuster’s job is to determine if roof damage exists, what caused the damage, and if the damage is covered under your insurance policy. Adjusters also assess the value of the damage against the current value of your roof. In order to make an accurate determination, the adjuster will likely need to inspect the roof in person.
How many years does roof shingles last?
Asphalt shingles are a very popular roofing material because they are affordable and provide good protection against the elements. However, like all roofing materials, they have a limited lifespan. Vented properly and installed correctly, you can expect to get around 80-85% of the life span out of an asphalt roof. That means you can expect to get about 20-22 years out of your 3-tab shingle roof and 25-28 years out of your dimensional shingles.
Hail is a form of precipitation that occurs when updrafts in thunderstorms are strong enough to carry water droplets to altitudes where they freeze into ice. Hailstones can vary in size from peas to softballs, and can cause significant damage to property and even injure people.
The vast majority of hailstorms in the US occur in the Great Plains, with Colorado, Nebraska, Wyoming, and South Dakota being the most prone to severe storms. Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Iowa also see a significant number of hailstorms each year. While the Eastern US sees fewer storms overall, they can be more intense when they do occur.
There are a number of factors that contribute to the formation of hailstorms, including windspeed, moisture content, and air temperature. Understanding these factors can help improve predictions of when and where storms will occur, and help people take steps to protect themselves and their property.
What month does it hail the most
Hailstorms can occur during the spring, summer or fall months. The majority of these storms appear between May and September. Hail is most common during thunderstorms and can cause serious damage to homes, cars and businesses. When preparing for a hail storm, it is important to take cover and stay away from windows.
Hail is one of the most destructive weather phenomena. It can cause significant damage to property and even injuries. The states with the most hail events are Colorado, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and South Dakota.
Why does hail only last a few minutes?
Hailstorms are typically shorter lived than rainstorms because they are characterized by rapid movement and short bursts of energy. Hail is produced during thunderstorms when an updraft of warm, moist air carries tiny droplets of water upwards into the atmosphere. These droplets eventually cool and condense into larger drops of water, which then fall back down to the ground as hail.
Hail is most likely to occur in thunderstorms during the afternoon and evening hours, but it can occur at any time of the day or night. Hail is caused by strong updrafts associated with severe thunderstorms, and these storms can occur any time of the day or night.
What not to do in a hailstorm
If you find yourself caught outside in a hail storm, it is important to take measures to protect yourself from the potentially damaging hail. Try to get inside if at all possible. If you cannot get inside, avoid sheltering under trees as they may provide little protection from the hail. Protect your head as best as you can, and prepare for bad weather by dressing appropriately. If you are driving, pull over to a safe location and situate yourself and your passengers away from the windows. Cover your head and eyes to prevent injuries from the hail.
Lighter colored shingles are often made with a material that is more reflective, which means that they can deflect more of the sun’s rays. This can help to keep the shingles cooler, which can in turn help to prolong their lifespan.
Is it OK to reroof over old shingles?
You can put a new roof over an existing roof, but we would never recommend doing so. The reason is that the new roof will not be as stable or secure as a roof that is properly installed on its own.
The truth is that a 30-year shingle will not really last 30 years. The expected service life of a 30-year product, if properly cared for, is approximately 25 years. If it’s not cared for properly, that 30 year shingle will only last 12 to 15 years. That’s one of the big misconceptions in the roofing marketplace.
What should you not say to an adjuster
When you are involved in a car accident, it is important to remember what not to say to the insurance adjuster. You should never admit fault, answer questions about the incident, give information about your physical or emotional condition, or accept the initial settlement offer. If you have any questions, be sure to contact a Florida car accident attorney today.
You should never admit fault or even partial liability for what occurred. Often, the less you say, the better. Don’t offer theories about the damage. All repair and replacement costs should be substantiated rather than based on your opinion.
Conclusion
The first step is to check for any visible damage to the roof. This can include missing or damaged shingles, damaged flashing, or any other obvious signs of damage. If you see any damage, take pictures and document it.
Next, check the gutters and downspouts for any buildup of debris or granules. This can be an indicator of hail damage.
Finally, contact a professional roofing contractor to have your roof inspected for any hidden damage.
If you think your roof may have sustained hail damage, it is important to inspect it as soon as possible. You should look for any signs of damage, such as missing or damaged shingles, dents in gutters or downspouts, or cracks in the flashing. If you find any damage, you should contact a qualified roofing contractor to have the damage assessed and repaired.