Each year, Texas hailstorms cause issues for homeowners across the state. Often requiring extensive residential roof repair services, extreme weather can prove destructive to all types of roofing materials. However, while many people will likely experience property damage from bad weather during their lifetime, some are unaware of the hidden impact of storms on our homes.
Roof Damage Caused By Hailstorms
When the hail pounds down from the sky, chances are, your first worry is for the vehicle you left parked on the driveway or in the parking lot at work. However, your second worry should be for your roof. A hailstorm can inflect devastating damage on your roof, and the sooner you catch and address it, the better.
The two main factors that affect the damage your home might sustain are the wind and the size of the hail. During a storm, the wind can change speed and direction very quickly, which can impact how the hail hits your roof. And of course, the bigger the hail, the larger the holes or dents to your roof are likely to be.
What Does Hail Damage Look Like?
What hail damage looks like depends on the material that was damaged. Asphalt roofs will show random damage without any particular pattern. You might see a hint of black against the material, and if you touch it, it might feel soft or spongy, like a bruised apple. Meanwhile, material like aluminum siding, gutters, and asphalt shingles are more likely to show dents. Vinyl siding and wood might simply crack.
Will Shingles Be Missing If I Have Hail Damage?
Believe it or not, hailstorms themselves don’t cause missing shingles – high winds cause missing shingles. Of course, the two can often go hand-in-hand, which is why many homeowners assume the hail led to the missing shingles. Of course, durable and well-maintained shingles protect your roof from moisture damage and leaks, so their absence can develop into a severe issue for the home.
The most important thing to remember about hail damage, however, is that the effects build up slowly over time. You might not even realize your roof has been damaged for a year or more, by which point you’ll have probably forgotten about the hailstorm. This is why it’s so important to have a professional roof inspection after every hailstorm. The sooner damage is caught, the sooner it can be fixed. You might even be able to have the damage covered by insurance.
Will Hail Damage Cause Water Leaks in the Home?
Severe storms could lead to leaks that are clearly visible and immediately damaging. For example, you could check the attic or an area close to the roof of the building after a storm and notice darker patches on the interior walls, sagging in the roof, along with other discoloration that was not present before.
More than likely, however, most newly-developed leaks will be difficult to spot with a simple inspection. This is why professional roofing specialists use thermal imaging technology to precisely identify the water leaks that gradually lead to a build-up of water in the property. When an issue is identified, fast, effective residential or commercial roof repair options will protect the roof from invasive leaks.
Contact Us for Expert Residential Roof Repair Services in Texas
Meis Roofing offers fast, affordable roof repair services for homes and businesses throughout Texas. For help with repairs, maintenance and new roof replacements, reach out to our specialized roofing team today. Call 866-211-1116 or request a free roofing inspection now.
