If your roof is leaking, it might not be due to improper installation, a recent hail storm or strong winds. Hail can compromise your shingles to the point that water seeps down below and drips into your living space.
Have Your Roof Inspected After Hailstorms
Hail is just as much of a threat to your home’s roof as animals, torrential downpours and strong winds. However, most homeowners assume their roof is sturdy enough to handle the impact of hail. This is a grave mistake. If a hailstorm passes through the area, do not assume your roof made it through the event without damage. Neglect your roof after a hailstorm and you might end up with a leak that compromises your living space.
There is a good chance your roof has significant damage after hail strikes, yet you won’t have any idea damage has occurred until a professional roofer inspects this protective layer for damage. If there is any damage at all, have it repaired as soon as possible. Otherwise, it will only be a matter of time until the damage worsens and water moves down below and drips inside your home.
Hail Damage to Shingles
It does not matter if your roof shingles are made of metal, slate, asphalt, wood or tile – every type of shingle is susceptible to hail damage. Do not assume a superficial glance at your roof from ground level will suffice for shingle analysis following a hailstorm. Shingles can conceal hail damage as well as the extent of the repairs necessary to guard against leaks. Rely on a professional roofing company to analyze your roof. The roofer will look for damage to the seams, distortion, curling, granulation, curling, gaps and additional spaces where moisture can build up after a hailstorm.
Hail Damage to Flashing
All roofs have protruding items, whether it is a vent, soffit, skylight, chimney or something else. These protrusions are typically added to ensure the home is adequately ventilated. However, there is also the chance for these parts of the home to leak, especially around the perimeter. Particularly large hail is likely to compromise the metal flashing that surrounds the protrusions on your roof. Such hail damage can create dents and open gaps for water to move through and damage everything below. This is precisely why your roof’s flashing should be closely analyzed during roof inspections after hailstorms.
Why Hail’s Impact on Your Roof’s Granules is Cause for Concern
Asphalt shingles are laden with a protective layer of granules. These granules are supposed to safeguard the material below against the sun’s UV rays as well as other types of damage. Unfortunately, these granules do not always hold up to the wrath of a hailstorm. Hail weakens the bond between the granules and the asphalt. If the granules are hit with enough force, they will deteriorate sooner than they should and can even be knocked right off the shingles.
Though it is best to rely on an experienced roofing company like Foster Roofing to perform your roof inspection after a hailstorm, you should also examine the gutters and other areas around your home. If you notice granules have gathered in these areas, it is a clear sign hail damaged your roof and it will only be a matter of time until you notice water dripping from above. The sun’s UV rays gradually weaken the exposed areas of the roof, causing them to become brittle. The shingle will subsequently expand, contract, curl and crack. Moisture will seep on down below and infiltrate your living space.
Reach out to Foster Roofing today as they are the go-to professional roofing company in Northwest Arkansas and The River Valley.