What You Need To Know About Hail Damage Inspection and Roof Repairs

Your home’s roof is the structural component with the highest exposure to the elements. The sun’s UV rays, rain, and high winds can wreak havoc on your roof and cause extensive structural damage.

However, hail can be the most destructive of all the harsh elements. According to 2021 hail statistics, 6.2 million United States properties experienced damaging hail events during 2020.

A hail damaged roof can be problematic and result in extensive moisture and further structural problems.

With proper hail damage inspection and roof repairs, you can restore your roof’s condition and eliminate unnecessary repair costs down the line. In this post, our Wegner Roofing & Solar team shares critical information about roof inspections for hail damage repair.

Roof Hail Damage Inspection: Assessing Your Repair Requirements

As a property owner, you should know that regular roof inspections are integral to sufficient property maintenance. We recommend that you schedule a roof inspection at least once per year to ensure that there are no issues that require attention.

You also need to schedule a hail damage roof inspection after inclement weather. When standing on the ground and looking up at your roof, it is impossible to see if the hail stones caused damage. Climbing on your roof can be dangerous, and you might not have the industry knowledge to recognize the signs of hail damage.

If you suspect hail damage to your roof, get in touch with us at Wegner Roofing & Solar. We will visit your property and do a thorough roof inspection. We will also take roof hail damage pictures so that you can see your roof’s condition for yourself.

What Does Hail Damage Look Like on a Roof?

During a roof inspection for hail damage, we look for the following cosmetic or functional issues:

Granule loss: Granules are the gritty top layer of a roof. This sandpaper-like coating protects your roofing materials from the sun’s UV rays. The hailstones can knock these granules loose during hail storms, leaving your roof susceptible to the elements and premature deterioration. After severe weather, check the areas near your downspouts. If you notice granules lying on the ground, get in touch with us to schedule a roof inspection.
Roof shingle cracks: A combination of large hailstones and wind gusts can cause cracks in your roof. When roof shingles have cracks, moisture can seep through to the roof structure or attic and cause issues like water damage or mold growth.
Fiberglass mat exposure: An asphalt shingle consists of a cellulose fiber base, an asphalt coating, and a layer of mineral granules. A severe hail storm, in combination with other elements, can damage the top granule and asphalt layers. In these cases, the inner fiberglass mat will be visible. This issue requires an immediate repair to prevent interior roof leaks, mold growth, and high indoor humidity levels.
Fiberglass matt fractures: Hailstones beating down on an exposed fiberglass mat can cause tiny tears. Detecting fractures in your roof’s fiberglass matt requires an up-close inspection and a trained eye.
Shingle seal weakening: Your roof shingles have inherent seal integrity, preventing leaks. This characteristic also contributes to your building’s energy efficiency. Shingle damage, or “bruising,” resulting from a hail storm can compromise the material’s seal integrity.

After a severe thunderstorm, some types of roof damage, such as missing shingles, can be easy to spot from the ground. However, a weakened shingle seal or small cracks are generally not visible. Scheduling a routine roof inspection is crucial to get ahead of these issues.

Roof Hail Damage Repair

When you contact us for a roof inspection, our contractors will climb on your roof and inspect every component, including the roofing materials, deck, flashing, and structures.

We will consult you if we detect an issue and recommend the most cost-effective long-term solution. Roofing repair services we might recommend include:

Individual shingle replacements
Roof resealing
New flashing installations
Roof leak repairs
Roof deck restorations

If you need a shingle replacement, we will supply shingles that match the rest of your roof. In the case of extensive damage, you might need a complete roof replacement.

Do you want to replace your roof? Learn more about the 10 best practices to follow in preparation for a roof replacement.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Shingle Roof Hail Damage

As a homeowner, you might be apprehensive about scheduling a roof hail inspection, especially if you don’t notice extensive roof damage. In reality, minor hail damage can eventually result in more extensive roofing issues that require costly repairs.

If you don’t address the hail damage roof, you might end up encountering the following issues down the line:

Roof leaks and structural moisture damage
Mold growth near your attic, ceiling, and interior walls
Critter or insect infestations
Roof deck structural damage or rot
Roofing material deterioration
Issues with indoor humidity and temperature regulation

Taking early and regular action minimizes your roof maintenance costs and prevents unexpected leaks.

How To Prevent Future Hail Damage

You can’t stop the weather, but you can schedule routine inspections to take care of hail damage before it becomes more severe. If you need to replace your roof, consider our Wegner hail proof roofing. This roofing material is durable, maintenance-free, and resistant to hail damage.

Do You Need a Free Estimate?

At Wegner Roofing & Solar, we offer free roofing inspections to determine the optimal solution for your needs and budget. As a ROOFLINK roofing contractor, we take pride in providing property owners with high-value, long-lasting solutions. Contact us today to schedule a roof inspection and take advantage of our leading hail damage repair solutions.