The roofing industry has changed quite a lot over the years. These days, homeowners are rarely opting for the standard, 3-tab shingles that were so popular a few decades ago. Instead, they are going with architectural shingles, and in some cases, with even more eco-friendly options like green roofing or slate. Whether you're shopping around for a new roof or are thinking of having repairs made to your current roof, it pays to be educated. Learn the basics on this blog, where we discuss roofing in the modern world. We explore various roofing materials, roofing techniques, and how to find the right roofer.
Asphalt roofs can often withstand a typical summer hailstorm, but when the hailstones are large, the roof destruction can be extensive. If you can see dents from hail in the metal parts of your roof, then your shingles are probably damaged too. The shingles should be inspected from the roof by a contractor so repairs can be done in time to file an insurance claim. Here are four things to know about hail damage to asphalt shingle roofs.
1. New Roofs Can Be Damaged Too
While old roofs sustain all kinds of damage more easily than a new roof, if the hail is large enough, a brand new roof can be destroyed too. Hail damage is usually not covered under a roof warranty. Instead, if you want to file an insurance claim, you'll need to do so through your homeowner's policy. Getting timely repairs is important because your new roof warranty might become void if you don't have hail damage repaired, which often means you'll need a roof replacement.
2. Hail Strikes Look Like Black Spots
Hail damage is often hard to see. That's why the shingles need to be inspected up close from the roof. The damage usually looks like dark spots on the shingles. When hail hits, it knocks off the granules and makes the hit spot look different from the surrounding area. Initially, the hit area has a shiny appearance, but the dark spot weathers with age. A new and old hail mark look different from each other, and that's how an insurance company can tell if you have old damage you should have repaired before when deciding whether to honor a claim.
3. You May Need A New Roof After Hail Damage
A heavy hailstorm peppers your roof with ice balls, so nearly every shingle will probably have damage, at least on one side of your roof. Since the damage is so widespread, putting on a new roof is often the best way to make repairs. Having this work done is important since the dark spots may start leaking in the months ahead due to the loss of granules and damage to the shingles. Metal flashing might have to be replaced too.
4. Repairs May Not Be Quick
If you're working on a claim with your insurance company and many homes in your area had hail damage too, the process for repairing your roof might take a long time. If your roof is already leaking, the roofer might put a tarp over the roof while you wait. Damage from hail doesn't always leak right away, so you might have enough time to go through the process of clearing your insurance claim and waiting in line for a new roof before your roof starts leaking.
For more information about roof repair, contact a company like Benjamin Brothers Construction.