How to Inspect Your Roof for Damage After a Hailstorm | Pro Found Roofing

• 1. Why Inspect Your Roof After a Hailstorm
• 2. Signs of Hail Damage on Your Roof
• 3. How to Inspect Your Roof for Hail Damage
• 4. Safety Tips During Roof Inspection
• 5. When to Call a Professional Roofing Expert
• 6. Real-Life Example: Hail Damage Roof Inspection

1. Why Inspect Your Roof After a Hailstorm

Hailstorms can cause significant damage to your roof, and inspecting it after the storm is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your home. Hail can range in size from small pellets to large golf ball-sized stones, and even small hailstones can cause damage if they hit your roof with enough force. After a hailstorm, it's important to inspect your roof promptly to prevent further damage and ensure that no hidden issues are overlooked. Delaying an inspection could lead to water damage, leaks, or even more costly repairs in the future.

By catching problems early, you can take the necessary steps to repair any damage before it escalates, saving you time and money in the long run. Additionally, if you're planning to file an insurance claim for roof damage, having documentation of the inspection can be crucial to support your claim.

Victors Home Solutions / victors roofing

LansingIngham CountyMichigan

2722 E Michigan Ave suite 239, Lansing, MI 48912, USA

2. Signs of Hail Damage on Your Roof

After a hailstorm, there are several signs of damage to look out for when inspecting your roof. Here are the most common indicators of hail damage:

• Cracked or Missing Shingles: Hail can cause shingles to crack or break, exposing the underlying roofing materials to the elements. Look for shingles that are missing, cracked, or have large dents.
• Granule Loss: Shingles often have small granules on the surface, which can be knocked off by hail. Check for piles of granules around your home or in your gutters.
• Dented or Dimpled Roof Surface: Large hailstones can leave noticeable dents or dimples on the surface of your roof, especially if you have asphalt shingles or metal roofing.
• Damage to Flashing: The flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights may also be damaged by hail. Check for cracks or missing pieces in the flashing that could allow water to leak into your home.
• Leaks or Water Stains Inside: If you notice any leaks or water stains inside your attic or ceiling, it's a strong indication that the hail may have caused damage to your roof, allowing water to enter.

Identifying these signs early is key to understanding the extent of the damage and determining whether repairs are necessary. Even small damage can lead to bigger problems if left unaddressed.

SB Pro Roofing / sb pro roofing

Pinellas ParkPinellas CountyFlorida

6358 49th St N, Pinellas Park, FL 33781, USA

3. How to Inspect Your Roof for Hail Damage

Inspecting your roof for hail damage can seem daunting, but following a systematic approach can make the process easier and safer. Here are the steps to properly inspect your roof:

• Step 1: Gather Your Tools: Before you start, gather necessary tools like a ladder, binoculars, gloves, a flashlight (for attic inspection), and a camera to document any damage you find.
• Step 2: Check the Ground: Begin by walking around your property and inspecting the ground for any signs of hail damage. Look for granules from shingles, broken branches, or debris that could indicate significant hail impact.
• Step 3: Inspect the Roof Edge: Use binoculars to inspect the edges of your roof from the ground. Check for missing, cracked, or bent shingles, as well as any other signs of hail damage that are visible from a distance.
• Step 4: Use a Ladder (if Safe): If it's safe to do so, carefully climb a ladder and get a closer look at the roof. Focus on the areas most likely to be hit by hail, such as the roof's slopes and the sides of the roof.
• Step 5: Look for Dents or Cracks: Examine shingles closely for dents, cracks, or dimples. Pay special attention to areas where hailstones may have impacted the roof. If you find any significant damage, take photos to document it.
• Step 6: Check Inside for Leaks: Go into your attic and check for any signs of leaks or water stains on the ceiling. If you notice any, it may indicate that the roof has sustained damage, allowing water to penetrate.

Taking these steps can help you determine if your roof has been damaged by the hailstorm. Be sure to document everything with photos, as this can be important for insurance claims or repairs.

4. Safety Tips During Roof Inspection

Inspecting your roof can be dangerous, especially after a hailstorm when the roof may be slick or unstable. Here are some important safety tips to follow during your inspection:

• Use a Sturdy Ladder: Always use a stable ladder and ensure it is positioned on a flat surface. Have someone nearby to hold the ladder for added safety.
• Inspect from the Ground First: Use binoculars to check for obvious signs of damage from the ground before climbing up to avoid unnecessary risk.
• Wear Protective Gear: Wear sturdy shoes with good grip to prevent slipping on the roof, and gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges or nails.
• Avoid Inspecting After Stormy Weather: Wait until the weather is clear before inspecting your roof. Wet roofs can be slippery and hazardous, so wait for dry conditions.

By taking safety precautions, you can avoid accidents and ensure that your roof inspection is thorough and effective.

5. When to Call a Professional Roofing Expert

If you notice significant damage or are unsure about the extent of the hail damage, it’s always best to call a professional roofing expert. While DIY inspections can identify basic issues, roofing experts have the tools and knowledge to assess the roof thoroughly and perform repairs safely. Here’s when you should call an expert:

• Major Damage: If the hailstorm caused large dents, cracks, or missing shingles, it’s time to call a roofing professional to evaluate the damage and recommend repairs or replacement.
• Leaks or Water Stains: If you notice leaks inside your home or attic, it’s essential to get professional help to prevent further water damage.
• Uncertainty About Damage: If you’re unsure about the severity of the damage or feel uncomfortable inspecting your roof, it’s always safer to leave the inspection to the experts.

Calling a professional ensures that your roof is properly assessed and any necessary repairs are done correctly, preventing more costly issues down the line.

6. Real-Life Example: Hail Damage Roof Inspection

To illustrate how important it is to inspect your roof after a hailstorm, let’s look at a real-life example. Sarah, a homeowner in Colorado, experienced a severe hailstorm that caused significant damage to her roof. After noticing some granules in her gutters and water stains in the attic, she decided to conduct a roof inspection. Upon closer inspection, she found multiple cracked shingles and dents in her roof that were invisible from the ground.

Sarah decided to call a professional roofing contractor, who confirmed the damage and provided her with a detailed estimate for repairs. Thanks to the timely inspection, Sarah was able to get her roof repaired before any major leaks occurred, saving her from expensive water damage.

This case highlights the importance of inspecting your roof after a hailstorm and the benefits of professional help in identifying and repairing damage quickly.