2021 has brought its fair share of hail storms here in Texas. Last spring, insurance companies reported tens of millions of dollars worth of hail damage in Austin from the March hail storm alone.
As temperatures start to cool in Austin and other Central Texas communities, there’s a good chance that hail storms will make a return winter appearance. Unfortunately, when it comes to maintaining your roof after a storm, not all hail damage will be obviously visible, which is why property owners need to know the signs of hail damage to schedule a roof repair.
Signs that you may need a hail damage roof repair
Here are five signs of hail damage to keep an eye out for this season:
Circular divots
Larger hailstones (at least 1 inch in diameter) can cause oval or round divots on your shingles. These divots are often visible from afar and can feel soft or spongy to the touch due to lost granules.
Discolored shingles
If you’re unable to see the divots themselves, you can always look for areas on your roof that seem discolored from the rest of the shingles. This color change often indicates a strike to the site, and as a result, granules fell loose.
Cracked shingles
Small hall pieces fall between 9-25 mph, and larger hail sizes can reach upwards of 70 mph! This speed can cause shingles to crack upon impact, minimizing their defense levels and making your home subject to water damage.
Dented gutters
Shingles aren’t the only roofing component subject to damage. Because metal is often easier to mutate, be sure to check your gutters for any dents and divots. In addition, check the end of your gutter’s downspout for any granules that have piled up, as this can be a sign of concerning shingle damage.
Rely on your neighbors
If you’re not confident in your ability to check for hail damage signs to determine roof repair, one of the easiest things you can do is check to see what those around you are doing! If your neighbors have hail damage, then you most likely do too. So ask them directly, or keep an eye out for any roofing company vehicles in their driveway and schedule your own inspection.
Scheduling a repair
If you notice any of these signs of roof damage, you should contact a roofing professional immediately to inspect your property. You should also simultaneously file a claim with your insurance provider to help cover the cost of repair.
Because hail storms are a naturally occurring event out of residential control, insurance companies consider these events an “act of God” and offer a range of coverage to homeowners. By scheduling an inspection, roofing companies can assist in the claim process by documenting the damage and taking photos to share with your insurance provider. Be sure to get an inspector out as soon as possible so that damage is as accurate as possible to help substantiate your claim.
Don’t let hail damage magnify your roofing problems!
Postponing a roof repair to address hail damage will only contribute to more significant and costly repairs down the line. By conducting regular upkeep and maintenance, you can prolong your roof’s lifespan to keep you protected for years to come.
Here at XL Roofing, we take pride in our high quality of workmanship and customer service. We want to ensure that our customers are taken care of for as long as they need us. So if you’ve recently been hit by a hail storm or need a roof repair, contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation inspection!