Hail storms can always come with great risk to the integrity of your roof, even if the hail produced isn’t that big. The size of the hail isn’t actually the most important factor in how it can cause serious damage. The strength of the storm and how hard the hail is coming down are the real risks. When a hail storm comes through the Downriver Michigan area, it’s very important that you take the time to get your roof inspected by a qualified roofing contractor in Downriver Michigan for any damages that may have been caused. There are a few ways to tell if your roof experienced hail damage.
Has Your Roof in Downriver Michigan been Damaged By Hail?
Hail storms can happen at any time and it seems lately we’ve been getting more and more of these types of storms in Downriver Michigan. Since the roof on your home is the first line of defense against these storms they are often the part that takes the damage of it. Hail can damage roofing in a variety of ways and usually the damage is widespread across the entire roof. Here are some of the tell-tale signs of roof damage from hail storms:
Missing Granules from the Shingles on Your Roof
The shingles on your roof have a top layer of granules that cover the substrate layer. If a hail storm comes through, the hail can take the granules off of the shingles, exposing the substrate to the elements. Depending on the strength of the storm, the hail could have even penetrated through to the felt layer below the substrate.
If there are any missing granules on your shingles, you’ll see a shiny looking substrate layer when you look at your roof. This is true only if you inspect soon after the storm, as the shininess will wear off if the substrate is left exposed. You’ll also notice the granules ran off into the gutters if they were removed. If there is a dull and worn look to the substrate, this is likely normal wear and tear and not a result of the hailstorm.
Bruising on the Shingles
Your shingles can also be bruised in a hailstorm. Unfortunately, you can’t tell if your shingles are bruised simply by looking up at your roof. Instead, you have to actually feel your shingles to see if there are deep depressions left behind by the hail.
Depending on the size of the hail, that’s how big your depressions will be. Plus, there will be some softness to the depressions and they may even be squishy. This can be very risky for your roof as they could lead to leaks if you don’t get them replaced.
Circular Cracks in the Shingles
Cracks happen in shingles. Circular cracks, however, usually only happen when hail has penetrated through the granule and substrate levels in a shingle. If you notice this, you should get it replaced right away as this could lead water seeping into the layers below your shingles, leading to a whole host of issues.
If you notice horizontal or vertical cracks, these are likely normal wear and tear and not due to hail damage. It is likely still a good idea to get these fixed as soon as possible, though, to prevent further and more serious issues from developing.
Dents and Sagging Areas on the Roof
Shingles aren’t the only place to look for hailstorm damage! You also need to inspect the flashing used around the structure of your roof. This is usually around air vents, chimneys, skylights, plumbing vents, or other accessories on the roof. This metal can become dented by hail if it falls hard enough.
Dented flashing can lead to a loss in integrity, and therefore a reduced success in the job it does in protecting your roof at these transitional spots. This can lead to major leaks in your roof.
If you notice any of these issues after a hailstorm, it’s time to call the professionals. You will need to get any of these repaired or replaced as soon as possible to prevent further issues from arising and costing you much much more.
Get a Roof Inspection on your Home’s Roof
After a hail storm comes through it’s always best to get your home’s roof inspected by a professional roofer. And if you notice any of the problems above getting it inspected could mean the difference between a roof leak with damage to your home and not. Call Downriver Roofers to have a complete roof inspection on your Downriver Michigan home. Downriver Roofers is fully licensed and insured and offers free quotes on roof repairs and replacement. Call 734-548-9919 for details.
