SIGNS OF HAIL DAMAGE TO ROOFS

In Colorado and Wyoming, the last few years have resulted in significant amounts of roof hail damage. Homeowners need to be proactive in checking for hail damage on their roofs. While hail is common throughout the summer months, in recent years above average hail storms have occurred in the area. Some of these hail storms have produced baseball-sized hail, which is capable of creating extensive damage to residential roofs throughout Colorado and Wyoming the surrounding suburbs.

 

How Hail Damages a Roof

Hail is dangerous to your home’s roof because it decreases the roof’s life expectancy. Damage to the asphalt roof occurs when the protective granular surface of the asphalt shingle loosens and falls off. With the granules removed the shingle loses some of its protection, shortening the lifespan of the roof and making it more susceptible to additional damage.

 

Roofs that sustain hail damage do not always need to be removed immediately. If left undressed with time the damaged shingles could potentially allow water seepage into the roof.

 

How to Identify Roof Hail Damage
Like most of the country, asphalt shingles are the primary roofing material used on Wyoming roofs and north Colorado roofs in general. Below are some common signs your roof has been damaged by a hail storm:

•  Dents or bruising on the roof’s asphalt shingle

•  Granules are missing from the shingle (roofing shingle has ‘bald spots’)

•  Affected roofing shingles feel softer to the touch

•  Granules are present in the gutters or at the base of downspouts

•  Metal-air vents, gutters, and siding are damaged and dented

 

 

Homeowner’s Insurance and Roof Hail Damage

Question: Will my homeowner’s insurance policy cover roof repair if my roof sustains roof hail damage?

Answer: Depends. Some policies will cover a roof repair in the event your roof has received damage due to hail. Typically the roof is not repaired but fully replaced. This is done because the insurance company has recognized the damage to your roof has reduced its life expectancy and its ability to provide protection against potential water damage. If your homeowner’s policy covers hail damage and the insurance company accepts the claim, you are typically responsible for paying a deductible.

 

• If you are unsure if your homeowner’s insurance policy covers hail damage, consult your policy paperwork, or contact your insurance company.

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• Beware of storm chasers going door to door in affected neighborhoods after a storm. KTM has provided an alert and some additional tips about roofing hail damage scams due to storm chasers.

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Need a second opinion? If you have visually inspected your roof and suspect you have hail damage, contact Swedes Roofing for a professional opinion. Swedes, a local roofing company, will provide you with a full roof inspection, including reviewing potential leakage in the attic.