Hail & Storm Damage
How to know if my roof was damaged by hail or severe weather?
Weather can be unpredictable especially in Texas and turbulent weather—including hail—can damage shingles. A manufacturer’s warranty typically will not cover damage to your roof caused by hail, however you should review the details of the warranty covering your shingles in order to determine whether any such coverage is available. Here are some answers to common questions regarding hail damage.
We highly recommend contacting a reputable roofing company after a storm to properly inspect your roof. Inspecting your roof after storm damage can be very dangerous and should be done by a qualified professional. At The Eagle Roofing Company we offer FREE roofing inspections and 24 Hour Emergency Service! Contact Us today or call 817-507-8152
Is damage immediately noticeable?
Not always. Hail impact may cause latent damage that can, over time, result in premature aging of the shingles. Without obvious visual damage, there is no real way to be sure how much, if any, damage shingles have encountered. Latent damage caused by hail or severe weather may not be apparent until months or years later and may cause the shingles to age prematurely.
How can I tell if the roof was damaged? Generally, damage can be seen as indentations and/or fractures on the shingle’s surface. Hailstones vary in size, shape, and hardness and can create a random pattern of dents or depressions. If this is not evident, look for indentations on metal flashings, siding, chimney caps, or even skylight flashings. After some time, clusters of granules may come off (at the point of impact) in a random pattern and expose the asphalt.
What are the most common types of damage?
- Granule loss at points of impact, which may be accompanied by surface depression. Loss of mineral granules as an immediate or gradual consequence of storm damage can lead to the asphalt coating being directly exposed to the elements. This may lead to accelerated aging of the shingle. Therefore, granule loss is NOT just cosmetic damage, and “sugaring” — the process of adding loose granules to damaged shingles with asphalt cement — is not a permanent solution.
- Cracks in the granule-asphalt surfacing, which may radiate outward from points of impact. Cracks may be present especially if high winds blew the shingles back.
- Exposed fiberglass mat, where hail shattered the granule-asphalt surfacing causing it to break away from the fiberglass mat.
- Fractured fiberglass mat, which may or may not be immediately visible. A fractured mat may result in tears radiating out from the points of impact. Furthermore, hidden damage to the mat may later develop into cracks and tears in time as the shingles age.
- Loosening of the self-seal strip. This damage may or may not be immediately visible and may weaken the seal integrity, creating the possibility of future shingle blow-off.
Can several individual shingles be replaced or should the entire roof be replaced?
While it is possible to replace individual storm-damaged shingles, latent damage to the surrounding shingles caused by a storm can be difficult to assess. Because of the potential for the surrounding shingles to also have experienced storm damage, complete roof replacement is sometimes recommended for the long-term performance of these roofs. If the damage is confined to one plane of the roof, replacement of just the damaged roof plane may be possible. If individual shingles are being replaced, any nails that were removed from surrounding shingles must be replaced and the surrounding shingles must be resealed by hand for the best results.
THE EAGLE Roofing COMPANY: Give us a call at 817-507-8152 & let us schedule a free roofing inspection or commercial roofing bid for you!
Hail storms can strike without much warning, leaving you with little time to react. Being prepared in advance — and knowing what to do — can help you stay safe and keep damage to a minimum. Consider signing up for local weather alerts, which deliver warnings when hail storms are approaching your area.
What Is Hail?
Hail is a type of solid precipitation, distinct from, but often confused with sleet. Sleet generally falls in colder temperatures while hail growth is inhibited at very cold temperatures. Hail creation is possible within thunderstorms and is formed when water vapor in updrafts reaches a freezing point. Ice then forms and is suspended in the air by updrafts and falls down to be coated by water again. This process can occur over and over adding many layers to the hailstone. Hailstones can be as small as peas or as large as softballs, and the larger ones can cause injury and serious damage.* The average hailstorm lasts only five minutes, but the damage hailstorms cause totals about $1 billion a year, according to the National Weather Service.
How to Minimize Hail Damage
- Large hail can shatter windows. Closing the drapes, blinds or window shades can help prevent the wind from blowing broken glass into your home or buildings.
- Whenever possible, park your vehicles inside a garage or under a carport.
- Patio and lawn furniture can be dented, broken or even shattered by hail. Move these items indoors or under a covered area when not in use.
- If you have plans to replace the roof covering on your home or business, consider using impact-resistant material if you live in a hail-prone area. For guidance on making the right choices for roof coverings
The Eagle Roofing Company offers a variety of residential roofing services including roofing repair and replacement. Our mission is to help provide you with a quality roof and professional installation, that will last long after the initial installation of your new roof. We offer more than just a roof. We help you choose a product that will enhance the beauty of your home, while being as durable as it is aesthetically pleasing.
This is probably not your first roof, but let us make it your best roof! Our experience, patience and paramount attention to detail make it all possible. We look forward to assisting you with your new roof or current roof repair.
Asphalt Shingles
The most common residential roofing material used in the United States, asphalt shingles are popular because they are economical and easy to install. These shingles can be reinforced with fiberglass or organic materials (cellulose) without changing the appearance of the shingle.
Pros: Asphalt comes in a variety of colors, is widely available and is one of the least expensive materials.
Cons: Asphalt has a shorter life span than other roofing materials, doesn’t provide the insulation other materials offer, and the quality varies.
House Styles: Asphalt shingles work with many architectural styles, especially traditional suburban styles. Cost and Life Span:
Prices range from $100 to $200 a square and, if maintained properly, shingles will last 20 to 25 years. 3 Tabs are the lower end type of shingles and look relatively flat when installed. Laminated, Dimensional are more aesthetic and resemble more of a wood shake look.
Clay & Concrete Tiles
Clay and concrete tiles add texture and elegance to a roof. Genuine flat, ribbed or scalloped clay tiles are extremely durable but also very heavy, and must be installed by a professional. Concrete tiles are versatile and are less expensive than genuine clay, but also have a heavy weight.
Pros: Clay and concrete tiles are long-lasting and non-combustible, and concrete tiles are energy efficient.
Cons: Clay and concrete tiles are expensive, heavy and usually require additional framing.
House Styles: Clay and concrete tiles work well with Mediterranean, Mission, Southwestern and Spanish-style homes. Cost and Life Span:
Prices start around $300 to $500 a square and, if maintained properly, tiles will last around 40 to 50 years.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofs are resistant to extreme weather conditions. Available in two types, panels and shingles, metal roofs come in aluminum, copper, stainless steel and zinc. “They’re sleek, lightweight, long-lasting and recyclable, and something to consider if you’re interested in rainwater harvesting,” says architect Amy A. Alper.
Pros: Metal roofing is durable, lasts longer than asphalt or wood, and offers high solar reflectance.
Cons: Metal roofing is relatively expensive.
House Styles: Metal looks great on bungalows, cabins, contemporary and cottage-stylehomes. Cost and Life Span:
Prices usually start around $300 to $600 a square, but some styles can cost $600 to $800 a square. Metal roofing can last 40 to 75 years.
Slate
Offering lots of beauty and a distinctive elegant appearance, slate colors include shades of black, green, grey, red and purple.
Pros: Slate is very durable, fire-resistant and a sustainable roof that can be recycled.
Cons: Slate is expensive, heavy, and requires extra framing and professional installation. The quality can vary with imported slate.
House Styles: Slate works well with Colonial, European and French chateau homes.
Cost and Life Span: Prices start at about $600 a square and up. Slate can last more than 50 years and sometimes 100 years or more.
Wood Shingles & Shake
The go-to roofing choice for hundreds of years, many homeowners love the look of wood shingles and shakes and how they weather to an attractive shade of gray. Wood shakes are handmade and rougher-looking than wood shingles, which are usually cut by machine. If you live in a fire-prone area, look for Class A fire-rated wood roofing products that include shingles treated with a fire-resistant coating.
Pros: Wood shingles offer a rustic look and are a natural product usually made from cedar, redwood and southern pine.
Cons: Fire codes in some areas prohibit use. Wood shingles can be a concern in wet climates, and can mold, split or rot.
House Styles: Shake’s rustic aesthetic pairs well with bungalow, Cape Cod, cottage, Craftsman and Tudor-style homes.
Cost and Life Span: Prices start at around $350 to $450 a square and will last around 25 to 30 years.
Synthetic Roofing Products
There are now synthetic roofing products, including rubber, plastic and polymer roofing, developed to give you the color, look and texture of natural materials like slate and wood. These products are designed to be strong and easy to maintain. Some of these materials are fire-resistant. Make sure to check with the manufacturer and inquire about warranty information. The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) suggests you look at full-size samples of the synthetic product and the manufacturers’ brochures. “Look for installations that have been in place at least 10 years to see what the wear characteristics of that material are in your area,” says Bollnow.
Pros: Synthetic roofing is often not as fragile, heavy or expensive as natural products.
Cons: Some of these products can absorb water and the quality varies. Newer products aren’t as time-tested as traditional materials.
House Styles: Synthetic roofing products work with different architectural styles.
Cost and Life Span: Prices start at about $300 a square, and are warrantied for up to 50 years