After a big storm passes, it’s easy to overlook one potential area of hail damage: your roof. Since we can’t easily see our roofs, it’s okay to simply assume that the damage is minimal or nonexistent…right?

Wrong.

Hail can fall at speeds greater than 120 mph. So even if you think your roof looks okay after a storm, there’s more than meets the eye. Ignoring roof hail damage can have major implications, and it’s important to have your roof inspected soon after a storm and repaired if roof hail damage exists.

Read on to learn why it’s important to fix roof hail damage ASAP.

Wait, what? What do my gutters have to do with this?

Truth is, damaged asphalt shingles “shed” some their granules. Given the pitch of your roof, the granules only have one place to go: down, into your gutters. This can result in clogged, inefficient gutter systems.

If you have wood shingles, the same concept applies: the wood can splinter, leaving small pieces of wood to flood your gutters. This can impact drainage around your house, causing foundation and leakage or flooding issues.

As the shingles lose their protective granules following a hailstorm, the shingles become exposed to sunlight (harsh UV rays) and other weather like snow, wind, and rain. This can cause the shingles to become brittle and weak, further impacting the integrity of the roof.

Even in the case of a wood roof, the issues are similar: hail can cause small “rivulets” (holes) in a wood shingle, meaning the natural moisture-repelling feature of the shingle is compromised. Over time, these holes can create leaks in the shingles.

And  whether your roof is asphalt or wood , don’t forget that as the integrity of the roof lessens, your roof warranty may become void, or decreased substantially.

Whether wood or asphalt, as the shingles become brittle and ineffective, a host of more serious issues may arise. And these issues can affect your ceilings and interior, so it’s very important you don’t let the damage persist.

Mold is an issue given that weak roofing material permits moisture into your attic and ceilings. But think about the other things lying just inside the frame of your home: electrical wires, piping, and insulation. Water exposure to any of these can be devastating! Think fires, decaying drywall, or compromised foundations.

Many insurance companies have a “statute of limitations” on roof hail damage claims. This means that, even if you want to wait a little while to make your claim, you may not be able to recover the costs after a certain time frame.

Your best bet is to have a licensed inspector look at your roof as soon as possible after a storm, and begin repairs immediately in order to prevent the issues we outlined above.

What if your shingles are  specially designed to be impact-resistant ? It still can’t hurt to have a free inspection of your damage.

In 2015,  Texas ranked #1 in major hail events. If your house has been in the path of recent storms (which it likely has,) call us and schedule an appointment to have your roof inspected ASAP for roof hail damage. Don’t delay!