Many people assume that cars are the most vulnerable pieces of property in hailstorms. However, your roof is the first component of your home that will be exposed to hail when a storm strikes. This makes roof hail damage a significant threat to homes in Englewood and throughout Colorado. The impact of hail against your roofing system can leave a mark, potentially requiring extensive roof repairs.

After a hailstorm, you can ensure that roof hail damage doesn’t get worse over time by identifying it ASAP. Hail damage can quickly get exacerbated with the unpredictable weather here in Colorado. Make sure to look out for signs of roof hail damage after a storm so that you can promptly schedule the Englewood roof repairs that you need. 

Factors Impacting Roof Hail Damage

Multiple circumstances can impact the extent of the roof hail damage that your home experiences. These include:

• Hailstone size

The size of the hailstone varies from storm to storm. But, this is one of the biggest factors that determines the extent of roof hail damage. Hailstones the size of golf balls are far from unheard of here in Englewood. Larger, more dense hailstones will wreak more havoc on your roofing system. 

• Wind speed and direction

The speed and direction of the wind during a hailstorm can alter the damage that it causes to your roof. Wind can exacerbate the impact of hailstones on your roof. 

• Roofing material

The material of your roof will make a sizable difference in hail damage after a storm. Some types of roofing materials are more resistant to hail damage than others. Also, if your roofing system is old or has pre-existing damage, it’s likely to be more affected by a hailstorm than a roof that’s in better condition. 

• Structures around your home

The positioning of structures, whether it be your neighbors’ homes, fencing, and even trees can affect hail damage. Anything that obstructs your roof may take the impact of the hailstones before it can reach the surface of your roof. 

Types of Roof Hail Damage To Look Out For

Dents

Hailstones have a circular shape. When a hailstone hits the surface of your roof, it can create a dent. Many different types of roofing materials, from metal to asphalt and even slate, may become dented in a hailstorm. Dented roofing materials may need to be replaced to restore the full strength of your roof. 

Cracks

Hailstones can crack the surface of many different types of shingles. When a shingle is cracked, it will expose the layers of your roof that lie beneath it. This weakens your roofing system and could lead to extensive damage down the line. 

Missing Granules

Asphalt shingles have outer protective granules. These granules are designed to offer protection against the elements, especially the sun’s harsh rays. Hailstones can knock these granules off of the shingles on your roof. This will leave the surface of your roof weaker and more likely to become damaged in the future. 

Weak Seal

Asphalt shingles feature a self-seal strip. Hail, as well as the high winds that are often present during hailstorms in Englewood, can cause this seal strip to wear down. A weakened seal makes it more likely that your asphalt shingles will be ripped off or otherwise damaged in a future storm. 

Checking For Roof Hail Damage

The more severe the roof damage, the easier it will be to identify. For example, you can walk around the perimeter of your home after a hailstorm to find any shingles that have been fully broken off of your roof. You may also be able to find missing granules in your gutter system after a storm. 

Some types of roof hail damage, however, may only be identifiable by walking on your roof to take a closer look. Enlisting the help of your Englewood roofing company is always the best choice in this scenario. Professionals will know exactly where to look and what to look for after a hailstorm. Plus, they’ll be able to recommend the proper repairs to restore your roof to its former strength. 

Contact RME today to schedule an inspection or repairs for roof hail damage.