Posts tagged with "Hail damage"

How to Tell if Your Roof Has Suffered Hail Damage

When hail storms blow through the neighborhood, it can be a nightmare, depending on the severity. If you’re a homeowner, you’re likely worried about the kind of hail damage you’ll see to your roof when the storm settles. Things like missing granules, dents, dings, and missing shingles often point to problems and the likelihood you’ll need a roof repair. However, if you use these signs to identify where there is damage from hail to your residential roofing right away, you will reduce future issues and costs. Read on to learn more about what to look for.

Granule Loss

Granule loss on asphalt shingles is a clear indication of storm damage. The most common places to find the granules are in downspouts, gutters, or on the ground. If a decent amount of granules are found, there’s a good chance your residential roofing has been compromised.

Dings and Dents

You might not be able to see them from the ground, but if there has been storm or hail damage, your shingles likely have dents and dings in them. It might be a safer idea to have a professional come and handle this part of the inspection. The shingles might be spongy or soft, and if they are, that’s probably damage from hail.

Cracked or Missing Shingles

When hail hits your roof, the impact may crack shingles. If the hail hits hard enough, it could knock your shingle off the roof entirely. A missing shingle is something you definitely don’t want to ignore. The underlayment is then exposed to the outside elements, and you could be looking at water damage sooner if the problem isn’t handled right away. Make sure you look for gaps or other broken pieces of roofing material and if shingles are missing.

Water Leaks and Stains

Another primary indication that you have hail or storm damage is water infiltration in the attic. Stains on the walls or ceilings in the upper areas of your home are usually a sign that your roofing system has been compromised. You don’t want to leave even a little leak for any amount of time because those small leaks get bigger and more damaging rather quickly.

Seeking Out the Professionals

If you suspect your residential roofing has suffered hail damage, you may have to file an insurance claim. In those instances, you want to get assistance from the experts. With over 40 years of industry experience, you can rest assured that the contractors from Shelby Roofing and Exteriors will help you every step of the way.

Things to Look for When You Suspect You Have Storm Damage on Your Roof

As sturdy as your roof may be, it’s still exposed to the elements. This is especially troublesome when it comes to severe weather. From strong winds blowing tree branches onto your roof to damage caused by golf ball-sized hail stones, your roof can sustain severe storm damage that can cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars to repair. Storm damage on your roof isn’t always easy to spot, but there are signs that you can look for. Here are some of the most common.

Damaged or Missing Shingles

Missing or damaged shingles are a clear sign that you have storm damage on your roof. If you’re not sure if your shingles are in good shape, try looking up at your roof with a pair of binoculars after a storm. If you see spots where shingles are missing or you see shingles that are cracked, dented, or peeling, consider filing an insurance claim and having your roof repaired.

Asphalt Granules in Your Gutters

While you should inspect your shingles after a storm, you should also look at your gutters and rain spouts. If you see tiny black granules in your gutters, your shingles may have been damaged. These granules are part of the asphalt on your shingles, and they can be knocked loose by strong winds or hail damage.

Gutter and Flashing Damage

The flashing and gutters on your roof can also be damaged by severe weather, so check on them after a storm. If they’ve been loosened by debris or strong winds or they’ve been dented by hail damage, they should be repaired.

Debris on Your Roof

If you see tree branches or leaves gathered on your roof after a storm, don’t assume that your roof is still in perfect shape. It very well could be, but you should probably have it inspected just in case.

Leaks in Your Ceiling or Attic

A leaky roof is always a serious problem that should be addressed as soon as possible. You’ll probably notice a leaky ceiling in your living room or bedroom, but many leaks caused by storm damage are found in the attic. If you suspect storm damage to your roof, check your attic along with the roof itself. If you see water dripping from the ceiling or notice damp insulation, it’s time to file an insurance claim and have the leak fixed before it does too much damage.

If you suspect that your roof has suffered storm damage, contact Shelby Roof & Exteriors about making repairs.

Secrets to Preparing for an Insurance Claim After Storm Damage to Your Roof

Storms can be scary, and the aftermath can be even worse. If
your roof took a beating from hail, wind or heavy rain, you might be feeling
overwhelmed; however, there are steps you can take to make certain that your
claim is successful. Here are some key things to do before you call your
insurance company.

Safety First

Before you even think about contacting your insurance company, make sure
your home is safe. Damaged roofs can pose a danger of falling debris or leaks
that could damage your belongings. If there is major damage, it’s best to stay
out of the house until a professional can inspect it. You can also call your
local fire department or emergency services if there is a danger of immediate
collapse.

Document the Damage

Once it is safe to do so, take lots of pictures and videos of
the damage to your roof. Get close-up shots of any missing shingles, cracks or
holes. Also, take pictures from a safe distance to show the overall extent of
the damage. If possible, try to capture the date and time in the photos using
your camera settings. This will be helpful evidence for your insurance company.

Make Temporary Repairs (If Possible)

While you wait for a professional adjuster to assess the damage, you
might need to make some temporary repairs to prevent further damage from rain
or leaks. This could involve covering exposed areas with a tarp or plywood. Do
not try to do any of these activities yourself because you can put you and your
family in serious danger. It is always best to err on the side of caution and
hire a professional.

Gather Important Documents

When you contact your insurance company, they will likely ask
you for some documents. Here are a few
things to have on hand:

• Your insurance policy information: Find your policy
documents or contact your insurance company to get your policy number and any
other relevant details.

• Proof of ownership: This could be your mortgage paperwork
or the deed to your house.

• Roof maintenance records: If you have any records of
recent roof repairs or inspections, those can be helpful.

By taking these steps before you call your insurance
company, you will be in a much better position to get your claim approved quickly
and efficiently. The more information you can provide, the easier it
will be for your insurance company to process your claim, and you will have a higher chance of a successful outcome.

If you need help with your storm damage claim, contact Shelby Roofing & Exteriors. Started in 1983 by Pat Shelby, Shelby Roofing & Exteriors focuses on residential and commercial servicing. We service Southern IL and the Missouri area, and we are well-known for our outstanding workmanship. Our experts will guide you through the process, and we will make all the necessary repairs to restore your home to its glory.

What You Should Do When a Large Tree Falls on Your Roof

It’s an unusual incident, but a tree falling on your roof isn’t entirely unique. Wind damage and storm damage are guilty of dropping tree limbs and even whole trees on top of roofs. When it’s a limb, the damage usually isn’t so bad. An entire tree is rather catastrophic, but it isn’t the end of the world.

Find a Contractor for Emergency Roofing Services

The first thing you need to do is relocate to a safe location. Then you need to find a contractor that offers emergency roofing services. The contractor will have to work quickly to remove the tree, piece by piece, from off of your roof. Then the real damage can be assessed before repairs begin. The contractor will put a tarp over the roof if the tree crushed the roof with enough force to leave large openings.

Filing an Insurance Claim

This is an “act of God”, something that most insurance companies will cover when you file a claim. File your insurance claim as soon as the tree has been removed so that you can get good pictures of the damaged roof. The insurance company may still send a claims adjuster to your address to see the damage and get an adequate estimate for repairs. It’s the same process even if you only had hail damage.

Replacing the Roof

If the tree was of immense size and crushed the roof, there may be structural damage to the roof and possibly to the walls in your home. After a thorough investigation and determination of the damage to your home, the work begins. The roofer can replace and rebuild the roof, but any structural damage to walls will have to be done before the roof can be replaced. Expect a couple of weeks for really major repairs and roof replacement work to be completed.

When the Wind Blows: Signs of Wind Damage to Your Roof

You’ll not just walk into or see roof damage as you walk around your
home. Our hearts rejoice at the sunlight streaming into our homes through
parted clouds. However, rarely do we think of the effects the storm and wind
might have left on our roofs. The roof may have bang-ups, missing asphalt, or
loose shingles.

Most roof damages are caused by strong winds blowing roofing materials
off your home. This is more common in storm-prone regions, such as tornado and
hurricane zones. Below are several signs of wind damage:

1. Missing or Loose Shingles

Missing or loose shingles are widespread with asphalt shingles after a
windy storm. Avoid walking on your roof to check its condition as it could lead
to serious falls if it’s slippery. Hence, you can inspect your roof using
strong binoculars.

2. Curling Shingles

Hail damage is also more susceptible at the edge of asphalt shingles and
other pressure points. Hence, when inspecting your roof, you should check for
signs of curling shingles before they start peeling off. Shingles on your roof
are responsible for protecting your home from water damage. However, when the
shingles are curled, it is possible to encounter potential leaks. If not
addressed on time, your roof could deteriorate faster than expected.

3. Missing Granules

Asphalt shingles are covered with small pieces of crushed stones known
as granules. These granules offer an additional safeguard for your asphalt
shingles. When your roofs get old, the granules begin shedding, exposing your
roof unprotected from impact. Storm damage can cause these granules to be shed
off prematurely.

Therefore, after a windy storm, you should look for pooled granules in
the gutters. A few pieces here and there shouldn’t worry you. However, noticing
a significant collection of these granules might be a sign of wind damage.

Wind storms can cause serious damage to your roof. Thankfully, most of
these damages are repairable if it is caught early. For better and more
reliable roof inspection, contact Shelby Roofing & Exteriors today. We’ll
also handle Insurance Claims for you with ease.

What You Should Do When a Large Tree Falls on Your Roof

Find a Contractor for Emergency Roofing Services

Filing an Insurance Claim

Replacing the Roof

Key Areas on a Roof That Every Homeowner Should Check After a Storm

Storm damage, whether from rain or hail, is a trying time for homeowners. Hail damage is considered the leading cause of property loss in the United States, with the most impacted area being the roof. The cost of roofing replacements ranges between $9,191 and $80,000. This makes the roof the key area to check for damage after a storm. With roofs being designed to protect your house from any harsh weather, they suffer the most. You could be in for a big surprise if you fail to check them after a storm. Below are the critical areas on your roof you should inspect after a storm.

Shingles

Shingles are the most apparent areas to check after a storm. A hail storm involves hailstones between 1 and 1.75 inches in diameter punching through your roof with very high intensity. Hail damage on shingles takes the form of cracks, missing shingles, or torn shingles. If you observe shingles damaged by weather-related damage, you must document them to file an insurance claim.

Long Valleys

For those with high roofs with peaks, you most likely have long valleys. Rain and hail storms pummel these areas, causing them to loosen and lift. Check the hails for any hail damage and ensure they are still intact and no water leaks underneath them. Confirm whether the flashing is loose, which, if it is, you can include in your insurance claim to cover the costs of replacements or repairs.

Attic

From the outside, your roof may appear undamaged. However, there may be unseen leaks that can only be located from the inside. This may require you to go up in the attic after a storm and look for signs of storm damage. Water stains on walls and ceilings to mold on your exterior walls are the signs of invisible leaks.

Flat Areas

Storms, especially hail, love to hit flat areas, resulting in storm damage. As the hail bounces off, it leaves dents the size of an orange or nickel. If you have flat or close-to-flat surfaces on your roof, check them for hail damage. The damage can be repaired as part of a homeowner’s insurance claim.

If you need help spotting roof damage, hiring a professional roofer is wise. At Shelby Roofing & Exteriors, we offer roof repairs and replacements and work with your insurance claim in case of storm damage. Contact us for all your roofing needs in St Louis.

Gutters vs Roofs: Which One Should You Replace First?

Remodeling or designing the exterior of a new home can be overwhelming for homeowners in Pacific MO. Choosing which projects to tackle, such as siding, roofing, windows, or gutters, can be particularly challenging. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to exterior remodeling, opting for a new roof is generally advisable.

Numerous compelling reasons exist to install a new roof before addressing your gutters. The primary reason is the need to uninstall the gutters before reinstallation, especially those attached to the roof. This prolongs the installation timeline and exposes your new gutter system to potential damage during the uninstallation and reinstallation phases. Additionally, repairing and repainting the gutters can be costly and bothersome.

Reasons to Replace Your Roof First

When you choose to have a new roof installed, it’s essential to consider the impact on your gutter system. The roofing company must typically remove the gutters before installing the new roof. However, this process can potentially cause damage to your gutters, especially if they are new. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid replacing the roof after installing new gutters.

If you are forced to replace the roof after a hail damage, there are a few things to consider. First, you may need to repaint and possibly repair your gutters following the roof replacement. This additional maintenance can be avoided if feasible by having the roof replacement and gutter installation done simultaneously.

Coordinating the roof replacement and gutter installation minimizes the risk of damage to the gutter system. This approach allows for a smoother transition between the two projects and reduces the need for additional repairs or maintenance.

When to Replace Your Gutter

Don’t delay installing a new gutter system if you’re considering a roof replacement after a heavy hail damage effect. Removing and reinstalling new gutters during a roof replacement may not be ideal. However, leaving ineffective gutters on your home can result in expensive water damage to your foundation and landscaping. In the larger picture, it is wiser to promptly address the replacement of your gutters upon recognizing the need.

If you have any inquiries or require roof replacement or repair services in Pacific MO contact Shelby Roofing & Exteriors! We are committed to helping you comprehend the situation, enabling you to make well-informed choices that suit your home.