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Preparing For Spring Roof Hail Damage

In Lakewood and throughout the Centennial State, hailstorms are common, especially in the late spring, summer, and early autumn. The weather here in Colorado is unpredictable, so hailstorms may seem to appear suddenly during the peak reason. Unfortunately, hail damage to cars, windows, and, namely, roofing systems is a concern among homeowners around the state.

Hail damage, (especially to your roof, given that it’s entirely exposed to the elements), is often unavoidable. But, there are preparative steps that you can take to minimize Lakewood roof hail damage throughout the peak hail season. Preparing your roofing system for future hailstorms is a maintenance task that can prolong the lifespan of your roof and keep repair costs to a minimum. 

Types of Roof Hail Damage

Hailstorms can affect various types of roofing systems in different ways. Here, we’ll focus on the damage that hail can do to asphalt shingle roofing, the most common residential roofing material in the U.S.:

Lost Granules

Asphalt shingles have an outer layer of protective granules. When a hailstone hits the surface of an asphalt shingle, it may knock off some of these small granules. After a significant hailstorm, many, if not all, of the asphalt shingles on a Lakewood roofing system may be missing outer granules. Given that these granules protect the shingles from UV damage and water damage, this type of roof hail damage can shorten the lifespan of your entire roof. Your Lakewood roofing contractor can recommend the right repair solution if your asphalt shingle roofing system is missing much of the outer protective layer. 

Dented Shingles

Hailstones can leave sizable dents in asphalt shingles. This is a visible sign of roof hail damage that many homeowners can identify on their own. If you have dented shingles after a Colorado hailstone, it’s worth it to have your roof inspected by a professional. This way, you can ensure that any necessary repairs are made to preserve the strength and longevity of your home. 

Cracked Shingles 

If hailstones are heavy enough and hit the surface of your roof with enough impact, they can leave cracks in your asphalt shingles. Cracks in the asphalt coating can leave the inner layers of your roofing exposed to the elements. This can lead to water damage and rotting within your roofing system, as well as eventual leaks. 

Seal Damage

Asphalt shingles are typically installed with a self-sealing strip. This strip may separate from the asphalt shingle in a severe hailstorm. In high winds, after the seal strip has separated from the shingle, the entire shingle may be pulled off of your roof. In a big hailstorm with high winds, this can lead to many missing shingles, which will notably weaken your roof.  

Preparing For Roof Hail Damage

Check Your Homeowners Insurance

One of the first steps that you can take to prepare for hail damage to your roof is to ensure that you have adequate homeowners insurance to cover the damage, if it occurs. Typically, homeowners insurance policies cover at least a portion of repair costs for roof hail damage. But, for more comprehensive protection, you can likely secure a roof hail damage policy. You can call your homeowners insurance agent to learn more about the types of insurance plans available for maximum roof hail damage protection.  

Maintain Nearby Trees

Trees that are close to your roof or have branches hanging over your roof can exacerbate roof damage resulting from a hailstorm. If a branch breaks and falls onto your roof in a storm, it could leave a big, detrimental mark. So, make sure that your trees are trimmed back, away from the roof. If any trees on your property are dying or ill, be sure to have them removed to avoid the risk of a fallen tree. 

Find a Local Roofing Company

Finding a trusted, reputable Lakewood roofing company that you can work with in the case of roof hail damage now, before the peak hail season, will save you time down the line. With the phone number of your roofing contractor handy, you’ll be able to have a roof inspection completed ASAP after a hailstorm. This can help you prevent further damage after a storm, and speedy repairs will even strengthen your insurance claim for roof hail damage.

Contact All Seasons Exteriors today for help with roof hail damage in Lakewood.