Hail may not seem like a huge threat to your home, but it poses a much bigger problem than you may think. Depending on where you live, hail can be a small pebble, or can be the size of softballs raining down on you. But no matter how large the size, you should always be concerned when hail falls on your home. In Plymouth Michigan we don’t have hail storms often, but when we do most home’s roofing is at risk. Having your roofing in Plymouth Michigan damaged by hail during one of these storms can lead to a roof leak and other damage to you home.
Why You Should Take Hail Damage to Your Home Seriously in Plymouth Michigan
One big problem when it comes to hail damage on the roof is that it’s usually not obvious. Since hail can damage the roof in very small spots it’s difficult to see from the ground but will likely end up with a roof leak if it is not detected and repaired. Another problem for hail damage is that it’s all over the roof at once so you won’t have just a single leak if your roof was damaged by hail but your entire roof will be damaged. Getting a full roof inspection on your home by a qualified roofer such as Home Pros Plymouth can determine if your roof was damaged in a hail storm.
How Hail Damage Impacts Your Home
Hail damage often leaves dents in your roof or siding. Depending on the size of the hail and the strength of the wind, the damage can appear minor or very severe. Hail damage can greatly affect the appearance of your home, drastically lowering your curb appeal. This also lowers the value of your home and its resale value.
Besides the cosmetic issues, there is also a real threat of damage that can quickly escalate. A dent may not be strong enough to fully penetrate the material, but will greatly weaken it. The greater the impact, the more likely it is that a second impact will cause a crack. Once a crack has formed, you can expect moisture to find its way in, making it easier for mold to grow and spread. Even the smallest impact will be an issue later on, making it important to take note of anything and keep an eye on it.
How to Repair It
Repairing hail damage greatly depends on whether there is a crack or not. If there is a dent with no opening, you can use caulk or putty to fill in the hole on siding or a metal roof. In any case, DIY repairs on your roof is not advised. You may end up voiding the warranty on your roof.
When to Replace It
For materials like shingles, regardless of whether there is a crack, it is better to replace them, rather than trying to repair the damage. This is because shingles are much more fragile when dented or bruised, making it more likely that they will not be able to do their job properly.
When there is any type of crack or hole, it is important to replace the material, rather than repair them. This is because moisture may have already gotten in before you noticed the damage, allowing further damage inside your home to occur. If your roof or siding is old, it is also better to replace then repair. Older materials have much less durability than newer materials, making it much easier for serious damage to occur.
Always Use A Professional
An experienced professional is always a must when dealing with damage to your home’s exterior. This is because a professional knows what to look for and can spot damage you may otherwise miss. They can also recommend ways to better protect your home in the future and materials that can better handle hail storms.
Check Your Insurance Policy
Some homeowner’s insurance policies will cover hail damage to your home, while others will not. It is important to review your policy and see what they will take care of and how to file a claim. You need to be prompt with this because some damages may not be covered if they are not taken care of when you first spot an issue.
If you’re concerned about your roof it’s always best to get a full roof inspection by Home Pros Plymouth. Call us today to schedule an appointment on your home at 734-548-9911