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The geography here in Dallas/Fort Worth is right in the heart of “Hail Alley,” which is one of the areas in the country with the highest frequency of hail. During storm season, it’s common to have hail that is large enough to damage asphalt shingles, especially because of the high winds that cause the hail to hit with more force.
Even if you don’t see visible damage to your roof, it’s possible that there are underlying issues that can lead to serious water damage in the future. So, it’s critical to call a contractor as soon as possible after the storm to see if you need hail damage roof repair before it silently progresses into mold or structural failures because of water damage.
How Shingles are Damaged During a Hail Storm
A hail damage roof inspection is the best solution to determine the amount of damage that occurred, especially since some of the signs of damage aren’t immediately visible. There are several ways that your shingles might have been damaged during the storm:
- Shingle Granules: The impact of the hail can damage asphalt shingles by knocking granules off. These granules are the protective layer and help with waterproofing. If the granules are gone, then the UV protection is decreased, and the underlying mat is exposed. As a result, the shingles age more quickly.
- Bruising and Soft Spots: The impact of the hail bruises the shingles and causes soft spots, which are only identified by a close-up inspection. These issues aren’t usually visible from the ground.
- Shingles Break Down: If the damaged shingles are left in place, they start to break down over the next 1-6 months. By the time you reach months 6-18, water infiltration starts to occur and can quickly turn into mold growth and serious structural damage.
The Most Common Roof Hail Damage Signs to Watch For
If you notice any of these signs, then it’s time to call an experienced contractor to see if you need hail damage roof repair:
- Check the gutters and downspouts to see if there are granules collecting. If you can see granules, then the shingles were damaged.
- Dented gutters and downspouts. The metal surfaces are dented when the shingles are dented, and the damage is more visible in these areas.
- Other external damage might indicate that the shingles were also affected, including damage to the window screens, paint, vents, and ridge caps. Even if the damage is cosmetic, it could be an indication of underlying issues that need to be repaired on the roof.
- Bruising, soft spots, cracked shingles, and broken seal lines aren’t visible from the ground, but they can be detected through a close-up professional roof inspection.
The Insurance Clock is Ticking: Why Timing Matters to Fix Hail Damaged Shingles
In the State of Texas, the local laws establish a window when hail damage claims need to be filed, and the insurance adjusters look closely at the timelines to try to get out of paying for the repairs. So, you should take action immediately if you think that your roof has been damaged by hail.
The amount of money that you receive from the insurance company depends on the type of policy that you have. For example, if you have an Actual Cash Value (ACV) policy, then you receive money based on the depreciated value of the roof. On the other hand, a Replacement Cost Value (RCV) policy pays for the full replacement. Make sure that you know what type of policy you have so that you can estimate your own out-of-pocket costs.
Early documentation is also important for increasing the likelihood that you will be able to receive the insurance payout for hail damage roof repair. Our experienced team can help with early documentation, such as photos, inspection reports, and written damage assessments. These details help to reduce the risk of insurers denying your claim.
Why Delaying Hail Damage Repair Costs More Than the Repair Itself
Not only does fast action increase the likelihood that you will be able to receive insurance money to fix hail damage on the roof, but it also helps you avoid bigger issues in the future. A damaged roof can cascade into major issues in your home. During the first few months after hail damage occurs, it’s a relatively straightforward repair. But the issues can compound over time.
For example, within six months of hail damage, you might have water infiltration through the roof deck and into the attic, which means that you also need to hire a restoration company to address mold issues, rot, and water damage. The costs go up exponentially at this point and can even result in full roof failure.
Another issue with delaying repair is that it might void the manufacturer’s warranties from some of the most reputable brands.
FAQs
Can hail damage a roof without any visible signs?
Yes, you might need hail damage roof repair, even if there is no visible cracking on the shingles.
What is granule loss, and why does it matter?
Since granules are the protective surface layer on asphalt shingles, it’s a red flag that your roof has been damaged when you can see these granules in the gutters and downspouts. When the granules are falling off, your roof will wear down more quickly because of increased UV exposure to the shingle mats.
How much does hail damage roof repair cost in Texas?
The cost of your roof repair will depend on the severity of the damage, the size of your home, and what type of roofing materials need to be repaired. The best solution to minimize costs is to catch the potential damage as early as possible, because you might be able to repair the roof instead of replacing the whole roof.
Call the Roofing Experts for Personalized Recommendations
If you suspect that your roof has been damaged, then it’s time to call our expert team for an inspection. The sooner you act, the easier it is to fix the issues before they turn into major water damage.
At Infinite Roofing, we offer full-service solutions for your roofing repairs and installation. Additionally, other available exterior services include windows, gutters, solar installation, and more. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your options.