How to Repair a Roof After a Hail Storm

Hail is one of the biggest causes of weather related roof damage, especially in Colorado. Severe hail damage can warrant a roof repair, or even replacement. Although hailstorms can be destructive to a roof, the amount of damage can vary greatly. Below are some factors that impact the severity of a hailstorm, as well as a guide on how to identify hail damage to different types of shingles and roofing materials.

• Wind – During a hailstorm, wind direction and speed can affect the severity of the hail impacts.
• Hailstone size – The size and density of hailstones can affect the degree of damage. A hailstone can be as large as a softball, or as small as a pea. But, even the smaller hailstones can cause severe damage to your roof.
• Building materials – Building material absorbs hail differently. For example, hail can cause puncture aluminum siding, gutters or asphalt shingles. Alternatively, softball-sized hailstones can blow holes all the way through roof decks. The age and condition of a roof can also affect the degree of damage.
• Surrounding Elements – The position of adjacent structures and vegetation like trees, fences, or neighboring homes can reduce the ability of hail to cause damage.

How to Know You Have Roof Hail Damage

Roof hail damage is typically visible in nature. After a hail storm — if you feel comfortable — you can inspect your roof. We do not recommend this. Accessing and walking on roofs is dangerous and scary if you do not have experience.We recommend calling a local roofing company. Holladay Grace Roofing is highly experienced at detecting and repairing hail damage. In addition, the Holladay Grace team will documents storm damage for your homeowners insurance.

During the roof inspection, it is important to do a thorough assessment. Hail damage to asphalt and composition shingles can look different than hail damage to wood shingles or tile roofing systems. Vents, chimneys, sky lights, and other roof features should also be inspected.

Indicators of Shingle Hail Damage:

• Random, no discernible pattern of visible damage.
• Parts of the shingle that are soft to the touch.
• A split in the shingle that compromises the integrity of the roof.

In some cases, damage can be hard to detect if untrained. We always recommend having a roofing professional inspect your roof after a hail storm.

Repairing vs. Replacing Roof After Hail Damage

In most cases, hail damage means a total replacement of a roofing system. With metal roofing systems, hail will likely dent the material. With asphalt shingles and concrete tiles, it will leave visible cracks or bruises in the material. The extent of the hail damage will determine if the roof can be repaired, or if the roof needs to be completely replaced.

How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Roof

In cases of extensive hail damage, a full roof replacement may be needed. A new asphalt roof can range between $7,500 and $25,000 depending on roof size, location, and other variables. In cases where home insurance covers the damage, there should be no out-of-pocket expenses other than your deductible which varies depending on the type of policy you have. Knowing that your insurance company will cover a roof replacement can be a huge relief.

If you are a homeowner who has experienced hail damage, please give Holladay Grace Roofing a call: 719-596-0733. We have been serving Colorado’s Front Range since 1979.