ROOF INSPECTIONSSo how do you know if your roof has been damaged after a storm?
Damage from wind can sometimes be identified by the homeowner, and usually consists of sliding or missing shingles. But what about hail damage?
For hail to damage your roof it typically needs to be the size of a golf ball or larger. The shape, density and speed of the hail as it impacts the shingles are also factors. In the worst cases when the hail strikes the shingles it tears through the top layer and allows water to leak through the shingles. In these cases water penetration can happen immediately or within the first few weeks after the storm.
Here's what's important for you to know:
Most hail damaged roofs (from hail 2 - 3 inches) will not leak for several months.
In these cases the damage cannot be seen from the ground. An inspection must be made while on the roof with a perpendicular view.
The damage may appear as nothing more than a thumb size, half moon shaped black line. This is an outline of the impact from the hail hitting the shingle. It may seem to be harmless, but this sign indicates that the mat of the shingle (the base upon which the shingle is built) has be cracked. At this point it is only a matter of time before the roof begins to leak.
Another common problem from the smaller size damaging hail is the bruising of shingles. This happens when the hail impact drives the top granules down into the shingle.
At the point of these bruises (over a period of a few months to 1 year) the granules will disappear and the shingle and mat will began to break down from exposure to the UV rays of the sun. Leaks are inevitable, although it may be 6 months to 3 years before this happens.
Unfortunately, many people have leaks in their roof that continue to cause damage for months or even years before it is found!! Protect your investment in your home. If a damaging storm has been in your area, have your roof inspected by a licensed Home Inspector or Roofing Contractor (and guess what? -- we happen to be both!)
