As theinclement weather continues to pummel through major Florida areas, it’s important for you to understand the serious problems that pummel along with it. You may not see obvious damage to your roof from the ground, but our rooftop specialists can both understand and identify hail damage in Stuart and elsewhere throughout the state resulting from recent (and severe) storms.
As recent headlines read, “Fast-moving storms caused blinding rains, strong wind gusts and hail late Monday afternoon in areas of Martin County,” residents and visitors to the area were unprepared for the arrival of the damaging weather.
“The weather just got progressively worse so I wasn’t sure if I should keep driving or stop. Then the hail got really big. I couldn’t see anything in front of me. Then the car started rocking and then the tree came out of nowhere,” described Palm City resident, Melissa Knox.
In this blog, Crown (your local Florida roofing contractor, specializing in roof repair and roof replacement) will discuss a few (very important) reasons why you should never ignore hail damage on your roof. Remember, hail damage is oftentimes not apparent until years later when it has turned into leaks and other severe and costly roofing issues. The full-life damage process is a slow, but almost sure, process. It all starts the moment hail slams into your rooftop and knocks off (or chips) the protective outer layer. This can cause deeper layers of your roofing system to become exposed, making them more susceptible to leaks. For these reasons, it’s critical to have your rooftop examined and inspected by a roofing professional in Port St. Lucie or any nearby area immediately following a Florida hail storm.
Once damage is identified, insurance companies will prefer you tomake a claim as soon as possible. This helps to ensure that repairs are completed in a timely manner and that more problems will not arise. By allowing a hail-damaged roof to remain exposed to the elements, the risks for more severe (and more costly) problems skyrocket. Weather and storm-related roofing issues carry a number of characteristics as they pass through seasons and only get worse as they pass through time.
While hail may be more prevalent in our friendly states to the north, recent weather events in the Sunshine State prove we’re not in the clear. Just across the US, there were 5,382 major hailstorms in 2019, according to the NOAA’s Severe Storms database. In 2018, 4,610 major hailstorms occurred, resulting in $810 million in property and crop damage.
At Crown, all our estimators and service technicians are sent through extensive training and, therefore, possess the knowledge to identify storm damage and assist with any necessary insurance claims, working with homeowners to fight for the compensation they deserve. Answering calls 24 hours a day, we’re always ready, and willing to work with your insurance company to get your rooftop restored as soon as possible. With offices in Tampa, Sarasota, Fort Myers, Pompano Beach, and Orlando, we are your local, full-service roofing contractor. Call today: (855) 685-3850
How does hail damage affect a roof? Unraveling the impact and effects.
When hail strikes a roof, it can have significant and detrimental effects. The impact of hailstones can cause visible damage that may compromise the integrity of the roof. Here are some of the key ways hail damage affects a roof:
Shingle Damage: Hail can cause cracks, dents, and punctures in roofing shingles. These damages create weak spots that expose the underlying layers of the roof to potential water infiltration and leaks.
Granule Loss: Hailstones can dislodge the protective granules on asphalt shingles. Granule loss leads to accelerated aging of the shingles, making them more susceptible to UV damage and reducing their lifespan.
Weakened Seals: The impact of hail can loosen the adhesive seals between shingles, which can result in shingle displacement and leave vulnerable areas of the roof exposed to the elements.
Gutter and Downspout Damage: Hail can dent or even puncture gutters and downspouts, obstructing proper water drainage and potentially causing water damage to the roof and the home’s foundation.
Hidden Damage: Not all hail damage is immediately visible to the untrained eye. Hail impact can weaken the roof’s structure, and over time, may lead to issues like leaks and sagging.
Decreased Energy Efficiency: Hail damage may compromise the roof’s insulation, leading to reduced energy efficiency and higher utility bills.
Insurance Concerns: If left unaddressed, hail damage can worsen over time, leading to more extensive repairs. Timely inspection and repairs are essential to ensure insurance claims are processed smoothly.
Given the potential long-term consequences of hail damage on a roof, it is crucial to have a professional roofing inspection after severe weather events. Prompt repairs can prevent further deterioration and protect the overall integrity of the roof, extending its lifespan and safeguarding your home from potential water-related issues.