There are a lot of things we love about living in the greater Milwaukee area, even if that means putting up with strong storms on occasion. Unfortunately, our area isn’t immune to hail storms, which can take quite a toll on your roof. Below, read our tips on how to spot hail and storm damage on your Oconomowoc roof so you’re prepared the next time a storm hits.
If you have any roofing questions in the meantime, we’re here to help. Please feel free to give us a call at 262-544-4885 or contact us online to talk to one of our roofing experts.
What Hail Can Do to a Roof
When a strong hail storm comes through, these are the most common signs of damage to your roof.
Cracks in the Shingles
The hard impact of hail can crack your shingles, which means your roof is vulnerable to developing leaks.
Damage to the Fiberglass Mat
When hail damages your shingles, they can start to break away from the fiberglass mat underneath them. In more severe storms, the fiberglass mat itself can become fractured due to hail impact.
Loss of Granules
After a hail storm, it’s not uncommon to see granules from asphalt shingles on the ground or in your gutters. While this might not seem like a serious issue, missing granules means your shingles are more exposed to the elements and vulnerable to damage.
How to Spot Hail and Storm Damage on Your Oconomowoc Roof Safely
After a storm, you should not climb on your roof to assess the damage. Doing so puts you at risk of serious injury. Instead, take a look around your home from the ground. If you notice any of the following signs of damage, there’s a good chance that your roof is also damaged.
- Your deck or porch has broken boards, chipped paint, or other signs of damage
- There are dents on your siding or window sills
- You see holes in your window screens
- Your air conditioning unit is dented or otherwise damaged
- You see dents in your gutters and downspouts
At the first sign of these issues after a hail storm, call your local roofing contractor for a full roof inspection.
Factors That Influence the Extent of Hail Damage
Your home isn’t damaged every time it storms or hails. Have you ever wondered why? It’s because there are a few factors that influence the extent of the damage to your home:
- Protective barriers: If you have barriers around your home like fencing, trees, or nearby homes, they can act as protection during a storm. These barriers help shield your roof from hail, reducing the amount of damage it can do.
- Materials used on your home: Different building materials are affected by hail in different ways. A metal roof, for example, may get small dings from hail, while an asphalt roof may lose its shingles. The age of your roof also plays a role in the extent of the damage.
- Size and density of the hail: Hail can range in size from a pea all the way up to a grapefruit. The bigger the hail, the more likely it is to damage your roof.
- Wind: If it’s especially windy during a hail storm, it can impact the severity of the impact on your roof.
Hail Damage FAQs
How quickly should I schedule roof repairs after a hail storm?
While you shouldn’t delay the repairs for too long, you’ll want to follow these steps to make sure you have everything you need for your insurance claim before starting on the repairs.
Will my homeowners insurance cover hail damage to my roof?
In most cases, your homeowners insurance will cover hail damage, after you pay your deductible. Our team will work with your insurance company during the repair process to make things easier for you.
Call the Semper Fi Roofing & Exteriors Team After a Hail Storm
Now that you know how to spot hail and storm damage on your Oconomowoc roof, you know the best actions after a storm rolls through. The next step is to enlist the help of the Semper Fi Roofing & Exteriors team. We specialize in roof repairs and replacements, particularly after storm damage. When you’re ready, please call 262-544-4885 or contact us online to request a free quote.
