Untrained eyes may see noticeable damage to a roof, such as torn shingles or fallen branches. However, more serious damage can be tough to see. Have a trained professional roofer Boulder CO inspect your roof to determine the extent of hail damage. Among the key damage to watch out for include:

Surface defacement

This is the most common type of hail damage, showing as small, localized patches of granules detaching from the hailstone. Roofing damage of this type will impact the roof’s expected life over time.

Granule loss

Granules are pieces of shingle that resemble sandpaper. Whenever a shingle loses its granules, the asphalt coating is exposed, which results in quicker aging. To confirm whether any granules came off your roof during a hailstorm, check the gutters and downspouts.

Cracks in the shingles

Wind and hail can cause cracks in your shingles. The result can be exposed areas and tears on the roof. Your roof cannot be protected from the weather effectively if your shingles are cracked.

Exposed underlayment

In the event of hail impact on a roof, the shingles’ surfacing may shatter, causing the underlayment beneath them to separate.

Broken underlayment

When a hailstone strikes the underlayment, it can tear and crack. In some cases, underlayment fractures can be harder to detect, requiring more inspection expertise.

Damaged self-seal strip

Strong winds and hail can cause your roof’s seal to deteriorate. As a result of a weakened seal, a shingle can blow off, leaving your roof exposed. The shingles nearby could tear, leading to massive leaks.

Hail Damage What to Do

Following bad weather, inspect your roof and its surroundings. Even if, at first glance, the damage seems trivial, keep in mind that it can be the cause of more serious damage if not repaired in time. This is particularly the case with water leaks, responsible for many problems (persistent humidity, mold, rotting of frames and wooden structures, etc.).

Call a roofing professional

Only a professional roofer can accurately diagnose the condition of your roof following a hailstorm or high winds. Once the damage has been listed, the roofer will inform you of the repairs needed and provide you with a quote detailing the cost of the work needed.

If your roof is damaged, roofing Boulder contractors can repair or replace your roof to prevent more water or debris from entering your home.

Contact your insurer quickly

Your home insurance generally covers damage to your roof caused by hail or heavy rain. Our insurance experts can help you explain the situation to your insurer and determine the steps to be taken to obtain your compensation.

Take action

If a storm is a forecast, protect your skylights with thick coverings, if practical. Also, regularly check the condition of your gutters and remove dead leaves and other debris likely to prevent the proper drainage of water from your roof.

Have the general condition of your roof checked regularly by professionals. They will make sure that your roof has no cracks and that the overall waterproofing of your roof is adequate. Also, note that certain treatments applied to your roof, such as “coating,” effectively protect it against humidity and bad weather, thus limiting any damage.