After storms roll through Eau Claire, it's critical to check your roof for damage. After all, you don't want hail damage on roof components to cause leaks or other problems. You'll need to do a careful visual inspection to spot signs you need professional contractors to help with repairs or roof replacement.
What should you look for on your Eau Claire roof? Read on to find out!
When it comes to signs of roof damage, divots are a big one. After a strong spring or summer storm, you may notice indentations, or divots, on your roof.
You may be able to spot divots simply by standing on the ground and looking up. The size of these divots will vary according to the size of the hail from the storm.
Sometimes divots will present themselves as darkened areas on your roof. If you have a gray roof, for example, look for darker black patches that stand out from the gray granules. These black blemishes will be the points where hailstones made contact with your roof shingles.
Taking corrective action is key to preventing roof leaks that can result from divots. A professional roofer can assess the severity of divots or pockmarks on your roof.
You may also notice missing granules on your roof's shingles. Granules sit above the asphalt on a shingle plus a fiberglass mat.
Losing granules may seem like a small loss, but these tiny materials do a lot of work. They can:
The loss of granules can reveal roof felt, which is a thin layer beneath the shingles. As a result, the asphalt on your roof may look shinier or even bald. You could notice shingles start to curl over time, too, if you neglect to take action after losing granules.
While a little loss is to be expected as your roof ages, significant granule losses leave your home more vulnerable. The last thing you want is to find damp indoor walls because your shingles aren't able to offer enough protection.
Seeing significant granule loss from the ground can be challenging. It might be tempting to climb onto your roof and take a closer look to know where repairs are needed. But when it comes to roof repair tips, the biggest one is to let the professionals handle it.
Not all hail hits are sharp and clear. Some are softer but can lead to problems over time. Check for bruising marks on wooden or asphalt shingles on your Eau Claire home after a hail storm.
Bruising may reveal itself as a warped shingle with a concave center. Even though bruising doesn't look as bad, it is an indication that roof shingles have been dealt a blow. In other words, you'll want a roofing contractor to determine if those shingles need to be replaced.
Likewise, sometimes hailstones can tear roof shingles or remove corners. You may be able to spot this type of damage from the ground if your roof does not have a uniform appearance. Even so, diagnosing the extent of damage is best left to the professionals.
Keep in mind that roof insurance claims will require clear evidence of damage to move forward. A professional roofer can safely get on your roof and circle signs of hail damage and take pictures. A claims adjuster will be able to spot and confirm the damage more easily as a result.
Sometimes roof shingles might look okay from afar. But a closer, professional inspection can reveal hairline cracks after a Wisconsin storm. The force of a hailstone can be enough to fracture a shingle - and this can lead to interior leaks.
If you're just checking your roof from the ground, it pays to ask a reputable roofing contractor to do a closer inspection. Especially if you have an older roof, the shingles will be more susceptible to forming these thin cracks or splits.
Further, it's wise to check your attic for indications that a hail storm has done damage. You may notice water stains or signs of discoloration on ceilings, for instance. Or you could see wet walls.
If you notice any of these signs, don't delay reaching out to a roofer. Failure to take action can compromise the structural integrity of your home. This means you could also end up with damage to drywall and other structural components.
When you're trying to spot hail damage, remember that your roof isn't just a collection of shingles. Other materials help adhere the roof to your home and make it waterproof. The roof is surrounded by:
Chimney covers and other softer metal materials could be affected by hail, too. Sometimes these areas around the shingles can sustain significant damage. And if you're doing a ground-level hail storm roof inspection as a homeowner, signs of damage may be first apparent in these places.
Look for indications of dents in gutters. If you see them, there's a good chance your shingles were dealt a blow. Warped or bent gutters and downspouts can point to hail damage, as well.
Similarly, you may notice dents on siding on one side of your house more than another. You can determine the wind direction of the hail storm by the concentration of divots and damage. And you may notice hail damage in the form of dents on any cars that were exposed to severe weather.
When trying to identify hail damage on roof components, look for dents and divots in shingles. Additionally, you'll want to spot missing granules or bruising. And don't forget to check other areas, like gutters and flashing, for signs of damage.
At Forever Exteriors, we specialize in roof replacements and repair processes in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Our expert team will ensure your roof is up to code and sturdy. Contact us today to learn more!
