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Georgia is no stranger to hailstorms. These storms can be incredibly detrimental to your home or business’s roof, bringing damage that can be either subtle or obvious, depending on the severity of the storm and the type of roofing material. In this blog post, we'll explain what hail damage on a roof looks like and how to get it fixed.
What Does Hail Damage on a Roof Look Like?
Hail damage on a roof can take many forms, and it's not always easy to detect. Hailstones can range in size from small pebbles to large stones, and their impact can cause significant damage to roofing material. Here are some common signs of hail damage on a roof:
Dents and Cracks on Roofing Material
Hailstones can cause dents and cracks on the surface of roofing material such as shingles, tiles, or metal. These dents and cracks can weaken the roof and cause leaks and other types of damage. When hailstones hit the surface of the roof, they can create dents and cracks in the shingles, tiles, or metal panels. These dents and cracks can weaken the roof and cause leaks and other types of damage.
In asphalt shingles, hail damage can cause granules to come off the surface, exposing the underlying material. These bare spots can make the shingles more vulnerable to water infiltration and can lead to further damage and deterioration. In some cases, hail damage can cause shingles to crack or split, which can lead to leaks and other problems.
Tile roofs are also susceptible to hail damage, and hailstones can crack or break clay or concrete tiles. This type of damage can cause leaks and other types of damage to the roof and the building. If left unchecked, hail damage to tile roofs can lead to structural problems and even collapse.
Metal roofs can also sustain damage from hailstones, and the severity of the damage can depend on the thickness and quality of the metal. Hailstones can dent or bend metal panels, causing them to become misaligned or dislodged. This can lead to water infiltration and other types of damage to the roof and the building.
Damaged Gutters and Downspouts
Hailstones can dent and crack gutters and downspouts, preventing them from properly channeling water away from the roof and the building.
Missing Granules on Shingles
When hailstones impact an asphalt shingle, they can cause the protective granules on the surface of the shingle to come loose or become dislodged. These granules are essential to the longevity and effectiveness of the shingle, as they help protect the underlying material from the sun's harmful UV rays and other environmental factors.
When these granules come off, the underlying material is exposed and vulnerable to further damage and deterioration. The bare spots can lead to water infiltration, which can cause the shingle to become saturated and eventually lead to leaks in the roof. In addition, the lack of granules can make the shingle more susceptible to cracking and splitting, which can cause even more damage and increase the risk of leaks.
It's important to note that hail damage may not always be visible from the ground, and it's essential to have your roof inspected by a professional roofing contractor to detect any signs of missing granules.
Cracked or Broken Tiles
Tile roofs are a popular choice for homeowners due to their durability and aesthetic appeal. However, tile roofs are not immune to hail damage. When hailstones strike a tile roof, they can cause cracks or breaks in the clay or concrete tiles. This type of damage can lead to leaks and other types of damage to the roof and the building.
One of the main issues with hail damage to tile roofs is that it can be difficult to detect. Hailstones may not cause visible damage to the tiles, but over time, the damage can become apparent as leaks and other issues begin to manifest. It's important to have your tile roof inspected by a professional roofing contractor to detect any signs of damage and to address the issue promptly.
When tiles are cracked or broken, water can seep through the openings and cause damage to the underlayment and decking below. This can lead to rot and decay in the roof structure, which can compromise the integrity of the entire roof. In addition, the water can cause damage to the insulation and other materials in the attic, which can lead to mold and mildew growth.
If left unchecked, hail damage to tile roofs can also lead to aesthetic issues. Broken or cracked tiles can detract from the overall appearance of the roof and the building, which can reduce the curb appeal and value of the property.
Bent or Dislodged Flashing
Hailstones can bend or dislodge the flashing, which is the metal strip that covers the joints between the roof and other parts of the building such as chimneys, vents, and skylights. This can cause water to seep into the roof and cause damage.
How to Get Hail Damage on a Roof Fixed?
If you suspect that your roof has sustained hail damage, it's essential to get it fixed as soon as possible. Here are the steps to take to get hail damage on a roof fixed:
Inspect the Roof
The first step is to inspect the roof for any signs of hail damage. You can do this yourself if it's safe, or you can hire a professional roofing company to do it for you. A professional roofing company will have the experience and tools necessary to inspect your roof thoroughly and detect any signs of damage.
File an Insurance Claim
If your roof has sustained significant hail damage, you should file an insurance claim with your homeowner's insurance company. The insurance company will send an adjuster to inspect the damage and determine the extent of the coverage.
Choose a Reliable and Experienced Roofing Company
Once you have filed an insurance claim, the next step is to choose a reliable and experienced roofing company to fix the hail damage. Look for a company that is licensed and insured and has a proven track record of high-quality workmanship and customer satisfaction.
Get a Written Estimate
Before starting the repair work, make sure to get a written estimate from the roofing company. The estimate should include the cost of the repair work, the timeframe for completion, and any warranties or guarantees.
Schedule the Repair Work
Once you have chosen a roofing company and received a written estimate, schedule the repair work. Make sure to choose a time that is convenient for you and the roofing company and that allows for enough time to complete the work.
Monitor the Repair Work
During the repair work, monitor the progress and make sure that the work is being done according to the written estimate and to your satisfaction. If you have any concerns or questions, don't hesitate to contact the roofing company.
Conclusion
Hail damage on a roof can cause significant damage and lead to leaks, deterioration, and other types of damage.
At Live Oak Exteriors, we understand the importance of finding a reliable and experienced roofing company for hail damage repair. That's why we are committed to providing our customers with exceptional service and high-quality workmanship. Our team of experienced professionals is licensed and insured, and we have a proven track record of satisfied customers.
Live Oak specializes in roof replacement, roof repairs, gutters, and exterior maintenance, offering the best products and services on the market. If you need hail damage repair for your Georgia home, contact Live Oak Exteriors today. We are here to help you restore your roof to its pre-damage condition and provide you with a safe roof for you and your family to live under.