One of the biggest issues Castle Rock residents face each summer is hail. We seem to get hit an awful lot by some of the worst hailstorms in Colorado. While the damage may seem minimal on the surface, many roofs suffer from hail damage and go unnoticed which leads to further damage. Let’s look at how hail damages roofs, whether you can prevent it or not, and what to do if you notice hail damage to your roof.
How Does Hail Damage Roofs?
When hail forms in the right conditions, it’s like throwing a baseball at a brick wall. Eventually, you’ll notice cracks and destruction if the baseball keeps getting thrown against the wall. While hail doesn’t last that long, if it hits at the right speed and velocity, it can cause dents, dings, cracks, and even barrel straight through your roof into your home. In most cases, you can’t prevent hail damage to your roof under the proper weather conditions. While you can invest in impact-resistant shingles, they can’t protect you when the perfect storm occurs.
After a hailstorm, it’s important for you to check your roof for damage. You can do this from the ground, looking for the following signs:
- Completely missing shingles or holes in shingles
- Black dents and dings throughout the roof or centered in one place
- Off color shingles, such as orange or brown
- Leaks indoors, even if you can’t see any damage on the roof
If you see any of the above, or just aren’t sure, call a professional to come out and inspect your roof. They’ll be able to confirm what damage occurs, whether it can be repaired or suggest replacing the roof entirely. Depending on the intensity of the storm, where the hail hits, and other factors, replacing your roof after a hailstorm isn’t necessarily a bad thing for a homeowner.
Make sure to check if your insurance covers hail and storm damage to your roof. Some policies don’t and homeowners don’t find out until they need to file a claim. Ensure your home is protected from all weather-related events in your area, especially if you live in Colorado.