Hail Storm Damage
Hail Damage 101
In the Greater Metro Atlanta Area, hail storms are not that uncommon and many homeowners may visually see hail several times during the year. As the climate continues to change hail is regularly becoming the norm rather than the exception in the region, where the last few years have resulted in elevated hail activity. If you believe your home has been the victim of hail, contact us so we can help you assess the damage and contact your insurance company to determine if your policy will cover the damage. For many homeowners they will be able to have the roof repaired, by only having to pay the deductable
- Tip: If you are unsure if you homeowner's policy covers hail damage to your roof, contact us BEFORE your insurance company. We will be happy to go over your policy with you; and most customers are surprised at how instrumental we can be in saving you from “PITFALLS” your insurance companies steer you towards. Understand this before you try to file a claim….Roof replacement due to hail damage is one of the most expensive fixes for homeowners and insurance companies.
Most people are somewhat aware of the damage hail can cause, in particular the larger variety of hail that is notorious for damaging and denting cars. This awareness doesn't always fully translate into the impact a hail storm can have on your home's roof. While you can visually see the damage to your car after a hail storm, you can't always see the damage to a roof. Understand that the damage you can't see is what puts the longevity of your roof at risk. Hail can vary in size dramatically, falling as small as the size of tiny pellets, or as large as baseballs. It is typically the larger hail that can cause enough damage to your asphalt roof to justify a roof replacement.
Asphalt Roof Shingle Damage from Hail:
Hail damage to asphalt roofs occur when hail beating against the surface of asphalt shingle results in the protective granular surface of the shingle to loosen and potentially fall off. When the granules are loosened, the asphalt shingles loses some of its protection potential and becomes vulnerable to additional damage.
- Note: Damaged asphalt layers can potentially allow water seepage into the roof.
- Tip: If the granules of an asphalt shingle are removed by a hail storm, the shingle's longevity can be severely diminished.
Signs of Hail Damage to an Asphalt Roof:
- Bruises or small dents in the asphalt shingle
- Granulation is displaced exposing the asphalt
- Granulation has settled at the base of your downspouts
- The spots hit by hail usually leave a soft spot in the shingle
- Significantly damaged metal air vents on the roof indicate similar hit pattern for roof
- - Damage and denting of siding, or gutters
