Can Roof Hail Damage Result in Replacing an Entire Roof

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Roof replacement due to hail damage is one of the most pricey fixes for homeowners and insurance companies. Hail can vary in size dramatically, falling as small as the size of tiny pellets, or as huge as baseballs. It is typically the larger hail that can cause enough damage to your asphalt roof to justify a roof replacement.

Signs of Hail Damage to an Asphalt Roof: - Bruises or small dents in the asphalt shingle - Granulation is displaced exposing the asphalt - Granulation has settled at the base of your downspouts - The spots hit by hail usually leave a soft spot in the shingle - Significantly damaged metal air vents on the roof indicate similar hit sample for roof - Damage and denting of siding, or gutters

Most people are a bit conscious about the damage hail can cause, in particular the larger variety of hail that is notorious for damaging and denting cars. This awareness doesnt always absolutely translate into the impact a hail storm can have on your homes roof. While you can visually see the damage to your car after a hail storm, you cant always see the damage to a roof. The damage you cant see can put the longevity of your roof at risk.

Asphalt Roof Shingle Damage from Hail: Hail damage to asphalt roofs occur when hail beating against the surface of asphalt shingle results in the protective granular surface of the shingle to loosen and potentially fall off. When the granules are loosened, the asphalt shingles loses some of its protection potential and becomes susceptible to additional damage. - Note: Damaged asphalt layers can potentially allow water seepage into the roof. - Tip: If the granules of an asphalt shingle are removed by a hail storm, the shingles longevity will also be severely decreased.

How a whole lot damage to your roof can come during a hail storm? In Georgia, hail storms are not that uncommon and many homeowners visually see hail several times during the year. That is the case in metro Atlanta, where the last few years have resulted in elevated hail activity.

If my Roof is damaged, how fast should I replace it? There is a misconception if your roof sustains damage from a hail storm that your roof needs to be replaced out of the blue. Youll find some conflicting evidence online from other roofers that propose out of the blue replacing your roof. In Georgia for example, any reliable roofing contractor in Atlanta should tell you otherwise. Typically the damage sustained from a hail storm will pose no immediate threat to your roof. The threat is in the longevity of the roof, simply because hail can dramatically cut back a roofs life expectancy. The deteriorated protection from a roof that is just not expected to last its full life is why insurance companies will authorize the replacement of your roof.

Will Homeowners Insurance Cover a New Roof? This answer varies by the coverage on your homeowners insurance coverage. For some homeowners the answer is "yes." If you believe your home has been the victim of hail, contact your insurance company to establish if your policy will cover the damage. For many homeowners they will be capable to have the roof repaired, or replaced and may ought to pay a deductable. - Tip: If you are unsure if you homeowners policy covers hail damage to your roof, contact your insurance company.