How to Inspect Your Roof for Hail Damage

Did you know that “hail season” usually occurs in the spring and early fall, when air higher in the atmosphere is cooling down, but heat and moisture at the surface level are quite high?  With the fall season quickly upon us, let’s take a few minutes to learn more about hailstones and the negative effects they can have on your roof.

Hailstones are formed when raindrops are carried upward by thunderstorm updrafts and freeze in the extremely cold atmosphere.  Hail varies in consistency and size, as they can grow by colliding with rain drops before falling out of the thunderstorm’s updraft.  Not only can it be dangerous for people and animals, but hail can also damage aircraft, vehicles and homes. 

Unfortunately, your home’s roof is one of hailstone’s first points of contact, which very well may result in damage.

If your area has experienced a hailstorm, here’s where to inspect your roof for hail damage:

• Roof Edge – Carefully climb a ladder to get a better view of your roof’s edge to inspect for any signs of shingle granules or dings in your gutters, vents or roof valleys.  While it can be hard to spot some types of hail damage on shingles with untrained eyes, spotting dents on metal gutters and vents is more obvious. 
  

• Downspouts – When hail hits rooftops, the top layer of shingle granules loosens and mixes with rain water.  This runoff will then be washed down the gutters or downspout.  If you see a collection of loose granules at the end of your downspout, your roof has indeed suffered damage.
  

• Shingles – When strong winds and high-impact hail strikes shingles, they can crack and become damaged.  The last thing you want is for your roof to have bare spots.  Hail can also weaken the seal integrity of your shingles, which puts them more at risk to blow off and leave your roof exposed to the elements.

• Metal Components – Gutters and downspouts are made of thin metal.  Such metal can easily be dented by hail.  An easy way to check for dents is to run a piece of sidewalk chalk across your gutter or downspout.  If there are any gaps in the chalk line, this is where the dents are in the metal parts of your roof. 
  

• Around the House – In addition to your roof being prone to hail damage, exterior decks, vinyl siding, grills and air conditioning units are also hail damage hotspots.  If one of these areas has dented metal, cracked siding or other forms of damage, chances are good that there may be significant roof damage as well.

Depending on the size and extent of the destruction, repairing a hailstorm damaged home is possible.  You’ll want to work with a reputable residential roofing company that will thoroughly inspect your roof for damage and help you walk through the insurance claims process.  If you’ve spotted what looks to be hail damage, consult weather reports or talk with neighbors about recent storms that may have caused damage to their homes as well.  Be sure to act quickly after a storm, as wood rot, mold, electrical issues and roof leaks can result from ignoring shingle and roof damage.

The Best Residential Roofing Companies in Lancaster, PA

When it comes to repairing your home’s roof damage, you only want to hire the best residential roofing contractor.  If you think your home has experienced hail damage, it’s time to call in  

Lancaster, PA’s most reliable and skilled residential roofing company, Best Contracting.  For nearly two decades, we have been dedicated to treating your home like it’s our own.  We specialize in residential roof and siding repairs and replacements, as well as gutters and stucco remediation. 

We encourage you to request a free quote for all of your home exterior updates and needs.  Contact us today at (717) 283-4524 for all of your residential roofing inquiries.