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Hail Damage Vs Wind Damage: What Roofers Look For During an Inspection
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- Hail Damage Vs Wind Damage
After a storm rips through Kingsland or the county, most people look up from the driveway to see what condition their roof is in.
The issue is that damage is not always easily apparent. Wind can lift shingles, and hail can bruise them without a gaping hole in the roofing material. Heavy rains can reveal a long standing problem with the flashing. The roof looks fine from the ground before one storm, and it starts leaking after the next.
This is why it helps to understand just what the differences are in hail damage vs wind damage, and what roofers look for when inspecting storm damaged roofs.
If your roof has already suffered storm damage, Southern Roofers offers storm damage roofing, roof repair, inspections, emergency tarping when appropriate, and more. We provide our services to residents of Kingsland and the surrounding area.
Helpful Southern Roofers links:
Why Storm Damage Needs Inspection
When a storm has the potential to cause roof damage, it is typically more than just rain. The National Weather Service classifies severe thunderstorms as containing hail at least one inch in diameter or wind gusts of over 58 mph.
This is important because the damage producing potential in these storms is different. Wind can pull, push, bend, and break the roof’s integrity. Hail, on the other hand, imparts impact damage on the roofing materials. Both can happen at the same time, and roofers know both must be looked for during any storm damage inspection. Wind damage can also reveal other issues, meaning the roof has to be inspected more closely than just at the damaged spot visible from the ground.
What Wind Damage Looks Like
Wind damage will typically be on edges, ridges, corners, or sloping areas that have taken the brunt of the wind force. It can also be hidden, making it necessary to look closely at what the wind could have pushed through.
Roofers look for:
• Missing shingles
• Lift on shingles
• Creased shingles
• Seal failure
• Ridge cap damage
• Loose flashing
• Exposed underlayment
• Debris impact damage
One of the telltale signs of wind damage is the lifting on shingles. During a wind gust, they may have been lifted and then replaced, but the bonding strip failed, leaving the shingle vulnerable to water damage.
Southern Roofers notes that storms in South Georgia can cause significant damage to roofs, with wind, rain, hail, and falling debris damaging roofing systems and impairing their ability to keep water out. You can learn more about storm related roofing concerns on the Storm Damage Roofing page.
What Hail Damage Looks Like
Hail damage is impact damage to the roofing materials. Instead of pushing at the roof and working underneath its protective layers, hailstones come at the roof like small bullets, damaging the shingle surface and potentially working underneath to damage the roof underneath.
Roofers look for:
• Bruising on shingles
• Soft spots from impacts
• Heavy loss of granules
• Exposed black matting
• Dented vents
• Dented flashing
• Dented downspouts
• Random, widespread damage over exposed roof sections
Hail damage can be difficult to assess because, to the naked eye, it might not appear as severe as it is. A bruised roof surface can lose granules and have its integrity compromised, shortening the roof’s lifespan. Roofers will look at the shingles to determine the damage, and if possible, check more exposed metal roof parts for dents.
Why the Difference Matters
The difference in hail damage vs wind damage is important because it will dictate what repairs are necessary.
One or two shingles may be replaced in the case of wind damage, while hail damage can necessitate a complete roof replacement if the damage is extensive enough. The repair method for flashing looseness will be different than one for hail bruising.
If there is water in the home already, the roofer will have to inspect the attic, insulation, decking, and ceiling in addition to the roof.
What Roofers Look For After Hail or Wind Damage
A professional roof inspection after hail or wind damage is more than just checking for the obvious. The following are some of the things a qualified roofer will look for on a storm damaged roof.
Shingle Surface
Checking the roof surface is important to see if there are any missing tabs on shingles, upturned edges, creases, bruising, punctures, or granule loss.
Edges and Ridges
These areas tend to be where the wind exerts the most pressure, loosening ridge caps and placing stress on roof edges.
Flashing and Penetrations
Roofers will look at chimneys, wall intersections, vents, pipe boots, and valleys for proper sealing since these are areas where water tends to enter the home. Storms can also loosen flashing, creating new potential entry points even if the roof otherwise appears undamaged.
Gutters and Downspouts
Gutters can show signs of damage or give clues about the type of storm the roof has been through. Dents indicate hail damage, while granules in the gutters suggest shingle wear. Downspouts that are loose or damaged can also be a sign of wind damage.
Attic and Interior Surveys
If the roofer suspects water intrusion based on what they have seen on the roof, they will have to check inside the home as well. Southern Roofers’ roof repair page notes that their roofers can check the attic or inside of the home for signs of water damage when necessary.
What Homeowners Can Look For
While only a trained and certified roofer can conduct a full roof inspection, homeowners can look for things that may suggest roof problems.
From the ground, homeowners can look for:
• Shingles in the yard
• Roof lines that are not straight
• Dented gutters
• Branches or other debris on the roof
• Flashing near the chimney or walls that is loose
• Water stains on the ceilings or walls above the roof
• Granules near the downspouts
Pictures from all angles can help, and if there is interior damage, the damage should also be photographed.
FEMA recommends taking photos of damaged property before beginning any cleanup, so it is a good idea to take notes and photographs for the insurance adjuster as well.
Things Not to Do After a Hail or Wind Storm
Some of the things that should not be done after a hail or wind storm include:
• Checking the roof if it is wet or damaged
• Assuming that there is no damage if there is no leak
• Allowing someone to make up damage that is not there
• Using only sealant to stop leaks if the flashing, shingles, or other roof coverings are compromised
• Waiting too long if there is active water leakage
Moisture can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which the EPA says can be detrimental to health. If water damage has already occurred, the source should be turned off or stopped, and the wet items dried as soon as possible.
Repair or Replace After Storm Damage?
Roof repair is often the preferred method when the damage is localized, the roof is otherwise in good condition, the shingles are a good match, and the decking and underlayment are not compromised.
Roofers may suggest roof replacement when hail damage is widespread, the seal on shingles is broken over several roof sections, the roof has multiple leak points, and the decking is wet and damaged. The roofing system may also need to be replaced if the roof was already near the end of its lifespan.
Southern Roofers offers roof repair and roof replacement, as well as renovation and storm damage repair, so the inspection can lead to the most suitable option rather than forcing every homeowner into the same mold.
Helpful Southern Roofers links for this section:
Helpful Resources for This Blog Post
The following resources support the blog post and add extra credibility for readers.
National Weather Service Severe Thunderstorm Safety
FAQ: Hail Damage Vs Wind Damage In Kingsland GA
Can Wind Damage My Roof Without Taking Off Shingles?
Wind can not only lift shingles, but it can break the bond on the roof deck, causing future leaks. Even if shingles that have been lifted replace themselves, the bond could still be broken, allowing water to penetrate the roof during the next storm.
What Does Hail Damage Look Like On Shingles?
Hail damage on shingles can look like dark spots, exposed matting, loss of granules, or soft spots on the surface of the shingle. It can also cause dents on vent pipes, flashing, and other metal parts on the roof.
Should I Get My Roof Inspected If I Dont See A Leak?
Even if you don’t see a leak, you should still get your roof inspected because the storm could have made other damage that might not be apparent. The roof might need repairs even if it is not leaking right now.
Is Hail Damage Always Worse Than Wind Damage?
Hail damage and wind damage are two different types of roof damage. While hail damage can cause issues on the roof’s surface, wind damage can allow water to penetrate the roof’s layers. Both types of damage can be serious and need professional evaluation and repair.
What Should I Photograph After A Storm?
After a storm, you should photograph the roof from the ground, if possible, as well as any damage to the gutters, branches or other debris on the roof, shingles on the ground, water stains on the ceilings or walls, active drips or leaks, and any other damage you can see.
Does Southern Roofers Inspect Hail And Wind Damage?
Southern Roofers provides both storm damage roofing and roof repair services to residents of Kingsland, St. Marys, Woodbine, and the rest of Camden County.
Need A Storm Damage Inspection In Kingsland?
If a storm has swept through your area, you can’t rely on a cursory glance from the driveway to tell you if your roof has sustained damage. Leftover storm damage can cause larger roof leaks if not repaired properly.
Southern Roofers serves the residents of Kingsland, St. Marys, Woodbine, and the greater Camden County area. Contact us at (912) 673 0001 or schedule an inspection online.
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