Central Indiana is no stranger to powerful spring storms. These storms can bring heavy rain, strong winds, and yes, even hail. While hailstorms can be impressive to watch, they can wreak havoc on your property, especially your roof. Hailstones larger than one inch in diameter can cause significant damage to shingles, flashing, and even the underlying roof deck.

This article will serve as your guide to hail preparedness and recovery for your central Indiana home. We’ll cover:

• Understanding Hailstorms
• Signs of Hail Damage
• Protecting Your Roof from Hail
• What to Do After Hail Damage

Understanding Hailstorms

Hail forms within thunderstorms when strong updrafts carry water droplets high into the atmosphere. These droplets freeze into ice particles, which collide with other water droplets and ice particles, growing larger with each collision. Eventually, the hailstones become too heavy for the updraft to support, and they fall to the earth.

The size of hailstones depends on several factors, including the strength of the updrafts, the temperature within the storm cloud, and the amount of moisture available. Hailstones larger than one inch in diameter are considered “severe” and can cause significant damage.

Signs of Hail Damage

While a hailstorm may seem brief, the damage it inflicts on your roof can be long-lasting. Here are some signs to watch out for after a hailstorm:

• Visible Damage to Shingles: Look for cracked, broken, or missing shingles. Hailstones can also dislodge granules from asphalt shingles, leaving them looking smooth and lacking texture.
• Dents in Metal Roofs: Hail can dent metal roofs, especially softer metals like aluminum.
• Punctures in Roof Flashing: Flashing, the thin metal sheets that seal around chimneys, vents, and skylights, can be punctured by hail.
• Granules in Gutters: If you see an excessive amount of shingle granules in your gutters after a hailstorm, it’s a strong indication of hail damage.
• Leaks in the Attic: If your roof has sustained hail damage, you may notice leaks in your attic after a heavy rain.

Protecting Your Roof from Hail

While a complete guarantee against hail damage is impossible, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk:

• Regular Roof Inspections: Schedule regular inspections by a qualified roofing professional to identify and address any weaknesses in your roof that could be exacerbated by hail.
• Impact-Resistant Shingles: Consider investing in impact-resistant shingles when replacing your roof. These shingles are specifically designed to withstand hail impact.
• Hail Screens: In hail-prone areas, you can install hail screens over vulnerable areas of your roof, such as skylights.

What to Do After Hail Damage

If your roof has sustained hail damage, here’s what to do:

• Contact Your Insurance Company: File a claim with your homeowner’s insurance company as soon as possible. They will send an adjuster to assess the damage.
• Document the Damage: Take photos and videos of the hail damage to your roof, both from the ground and (if possible) from the attic.
• Temporary Repairs: If your roof has sustained significant damage and is leaking, you may need to make temporary repairs to prevent further water damage. However, avoid making any permanent repairs before your insurance company has inspected the damage.
• Hire a Qualified Roofer: Once your insurance company has approved your claim, hire a qualified and reputable roofing contractor to repair your roof. Don’t be pressured into hiring the first contractor who comes knocking on your door. Get quotes from several contractors and check their references.

The Wrap-Up: Central Indiana Hail Roof Damage

Spring storms are a fact of life in Central Indiana. By understanding the risks of hail damage, taking preventative measures, and knowing what to do after a hailstorm, you can protect your roof and your peace of mind.

Remember, a healthy roof is an investment, not just an expense. Don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with a qualified Indiana roofing professional today!

If you are interested in a visual inspection or a home roof replacement estimate for your residential roof, contact All That Roofing today for a complimentary estimate >> 317-460-1191, fill out the form to the right or email us at [email protected].