Storm Damage - Shull Roofing

Larned Residents’ Homes Sustain Storm Damage Following the Severe Weather on Tuesday

Oct 4, 2023 | Blog, Larned, Local News, Storm Damage

Tuesday evening, the Larned area was hit with a large thunderstorm that brought heavy winds and substantial pieces of hail. The severe weather caused high levels of damage to homes around the Larned region.

What: 60 mph. winds and hail up to 2.90 inches in diameter
When: October 3rd
Where: Larned, KS

Earlier this week, KSN reported on its website that Larned and surrounding areas were impacted by a severe thunderstorm with heavy winds and baseball-sized hail.

If you or someone you know sustained damage to their home from the thunderstorm, here is some information about hail, storm safety tips, and some relief resources for residents in Larned.

Image via ksn.com

Hail & Damage

Extreme weather can often result in hail, which is a form of ice pellet that can range in size. When hail is around or larger than 1” in diameter, it can cause high levels of damage to your property, home, roof, and belongings. This damage can range from compromised structural integrity of your home to dented roofing and gutters, cracked siding, shattered windows, and ripped screen doors.

According to KSN, residents in and around the Larned area reported broken windows, damaged siding, and fallen trees.

Storm Safety Tips

Here are some ways that you can prepare for an upcoming storm or help reduce potential damage to your home.

Before a Storm:

• Clear out any weak branches near your home and roof
• Bring in any outside furniture or decorations
• Move your car to a safe and covered place

During a Storm:

• Stay inside your home
• Keep away from any windows and doors
• Make sure your animals are safe and inside
• Close your curtain windows to create a barrier

After a Storm:

• Inspect your home and roof for any damage
• Safely clear away debris
• Call a roofing professional to inspect your home

Storm Damage Resources

Pawnee County has an emergency management page where you can find information about the local weather and ways to prepare for and stay safe during various types of storms and natural disasters. These guides can be useful in alleviating stress during an emergency.

Shull Roofing

Shull Roofing has been serving the Larned area for 13 years and has expertise in storm damage restoration. At Shull Roofing, we are committed to offering high-quality and professional workmanship and creating long-lasting relationships within our community. It is our goal to set the standard for home improvements.

If you or a loved one sustained damage from the recent severe weather in Larned, call us today to learn more about our services and request a free estimate in 24 hours.

Huge Hail: How Big Does Hail Need to Be to Damage Your Roof

Jun 5, 2023 | Blog, Hail Damage, Salina, Storm Damage

The residents of Salina are quite familiar with a variety of weather conditions and patterns. Springtime in this area of the country boasts thunderstorms, massive hail, and damaging winds. During the last 12 months, trained spotters have reported 41 on-the-ground hail, 16 severe weather warnings, and Doppler Radar has detected hail on 6 occasions according to research done at Hail Map for Salina, KS.

What is the Smallest Amount of Hail Needed to Damage a Roof?

To properly answer this question, the homeowner must understand and be aware of the age of their roof and the quality of materials used. Obviously, if the roof is nearing the end of its useful life, it may not take much to cause some damage. Likewise, if an inferior product is used, or it was haphazardly installed, the damages can be more severe.

roof hail damage Salina

What Damage Occurs to a Roof Based on Hail Size?

¼” hail – Pea-sized – A “safe” hail. This size of hail doesn’t tend to last very long, and the force against the roof is minimal.

½” sized hail – Marble-sized – Most generally, this size of hail won’t cause great damage, unless a storm gains strong winds and intensity. If a roof has some previously damaged areas, the hail can puncture these areas and increase the depth of damage.

¾” to 1” – Now we are beginning to shift the discussion and discuss hail damage to a roof. When stones of hail begin to increase in size, a trusted roofing company should be contacted after the storm has passed. There is a good chance some areas may need repair.

As hail increases in size, damages can occur in the form of dents, cracks, splits, and breaks in the roofing material and/or siding. Leaving these areas unattended after a storm is only asking for trouble when the next storm approaches.

1 ¼” and Larger – Golf ball size and larger – Take a deep breath and have the phone handy because hail this size pounding on your home can cause substantial damage. Not only to your roof but also to any vehicles left outside. These pounding chunks of ice can cause intense rips in the siding, broken windows, ripped screens, and broken shingles.

Hail is just part of the springtime season, and soon it will pass. Be prepared when you see a storm approaching to move all outdoor furniture and vehicles into a safe area. Be sure the children come inside where it is safe, and advise them to stay away from windows and doors. When fierce winds accompany some of these feisty hail and thunderstorms, it is hard to predict the outcome.

Place your trust in a roofing company that will experience that same storm you did. Shull Remodeling is a local contractor ready to assist you with an inspection and any roof repairs that may be needed. Don’t panic, and understand it is just part of the season. We can work together with your insurance company and take the proper steps to repair your home to its former glory.

Massive Severe Storms Rage Through Larned and St John, Kansas – 05/09/23

May 10, 2023 | Blog, Larned, Local News, St. John, Storm Damage

Residents of local towns are shaken and stirred as massive storms rage through and deliver explosive chunks of hail creating damage to homes and properties.

What: 4″ Grapefruit-sized hail

When: May 9, 2023

Where: Larned and St. John Kansas

Residents of Larned and St John, Kansas run for safe shelter as a massive storm surges through the local communities bringing much-needed rain, but along with it, hail and damaging winds nearing 80 mph.

As reported on stormersite.com, “grapefruit-sized hail was reported at 4:40:00 PM CDT on 05/09/2023 about 6 miles from the center of Larned, Kansas. Local stations reported that through the night as the storm continued, it escalated to broken power lines, downed trees, and widespread destruction.

What Does This Mean for Your Home?

Damaging winds of this magnitude caused asphalt shingles to break, rip, and fly off of homes. Not to mention the enormous chunks of hen-sized and grapefruit-sized hail which accompanied it. Massive clouds of great force brought alarm and concern for families and their homes. The following video taken by a passerby was taken as the storm approached St John

https://youtu.be/Usd8jdM3k9M

What Can I Expect as Damage?

This storm brought hail in various sizes, with the largest being near hen-sized chunks of ice.

Hail even the size of 1” in diameter can create great damage, and a professional inspection is advised once the storm has passed. What are some ways this size of hail can damage your home?

Create dents in shingles
Bruise the underlayment
Dented or cracked siding
Rip holes in window and/or door screens
An excessive amount of granular loss

Hail can create even more damage, closer to what Larned and St John experienced. Add to the above list,

Broken ridge caps or roof vents
Even more destruction to siding, including areas being torn off
Cracks in doors and windows from impact

Add to this, the strong winds presented in this storm, and your home can be hit by falling trees, broken branches, or areas of roof materials ripped off the house. There will be days of cleanup and repairs that need to be addressed.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Contact Shull Remodeling and Construction for assistance in a full and thorough inspection and guidance on any repairs needed. Don’t wait to get the areas fixed or another storm may create more damage. We are just beginning storm season in the Kansas area. Keep your home safe this season and call Shull Remodeling and Construction, a reputable Great Bend roofing expert, for assistance.

Your Comprehensive Guide to Roof Hail Damage

May 5, 2023 | Blog, Emporia, Roof Repair, Storm Damage

Springtime offers a change of pace. It’s time to open the windows and let the warm airflow through your home, refreshing the scent. Flowers planted last autumn begin to poke their sweet tops up, emerging through the dirt and grass to bring smiles to our faces. Children begin to spend longer moments outside relearning how to rollerblade and play on the slides of a playground. A sweet sense of openness brightens our once-gloomy days.

Along with the fabulous aspects of springtime, there are a few downfalls. Allergies for some begin to grab hold. Hail accompanies the many rainstorms pounding against our rooftops creating damage. We notice areas of our homes that need roof repairs after a chilly winter.

Let’s just focus on one aspect of the good, the bad, and the ugly of springtime. Hail. As mentioned above, severe storms can bring those irritating chunks of ice with them, creating damage to our vehicles, outdoor decorations, and our homes.

Emporia, KS reliable storm damage roof repair contractor

What Should We Do After a Storm?

After a storm has passed, it is wise to safely go outside and inspect the condition of the home. Make note of any damages and take pictures if necessary. Here is a small list of things to look out for when doing an inspection.

Cracked shingles

This is an obvious indication of damage. The corners may be lifted and parts of the shingle may be present on the ground. This damage must be fixed soon or a future rainstorm can cause more damage and you may find an unwanted puddle of water in your home from the leakage.

Granule Loss

This may only be noted if you look inside your gutters. As the hail hits your roof, it loosens the granules, which are then gently carried to the gutter system. A small amount of granule loss shouldn’t be concerning, but if you notice bare spots on your shingles, call a professional roofer to come and evaluate the situation.

Dented Gutters and Downspouts

Gutter and downspouts are made of metal, and the pounding hail can easily dent them. You may not need to replace the gutters and downspouts, depending on the extent of the damage.

These last three items may require the assistance of a professional roofing contractor to help detect them. Many of us just aren’t trained to know what we are truly looking for.

Dents in the Roof

tropical storm damage - Shull Remodeling & Construction

Depending on the size of the hail, the dents will vary in size. Some could be small little dimples while others are substantial in size. These areas will need to be repaired as the damage could be deeper than what appears.

Dark Spots

How strange to be looking for areas that are darker in color. That is because the black asphalt under the surface is revealed due to the impact of the hailstones. The dark areas will continue to become weaker with every storm unless they are properly repaired.

Missing Flashing

The flashing helps to move the water from the roof to the gutters, downspouts, and away from the home. Water will find the path of least resistance, and if the flashing is damaged, that then becomes the path. A professional roofer can replace and secure these areas as they should.

The most qualified local company to contact after a storm with hail is Shull Remodeling in Emporia! We can come out and assess the damage, offer you proper solutions, and assist with any storm damage repairs. We have the knowledge and expertise to evaluate the damage, as we have seen enough hail-damaged roofs to predict the outcome if not repaired. We are a trusted contractor in the Emporia community and have probably already helped many of your friends, neighbors, or family members with their roofing needs. Contact us for an inspection after a major storm, and get back to enjoying the quality and special aspects of a lovely spring.

4/20/23 Severe Storms and Hail Blast Parts of Kansas

Apr 21, 2023 | Blog, Kansas, Local News, Storm Damage

Areas of Kansas were devasted Wednesday, April 19, 2023, as a massive storm canvassed the area with quarter-sized hail up to ping-pong and teacup-sized hail. The damages were extensive and the cleanup from downed trees and broken branches may take days.

What: Hail, up to tea cup size

When: April 19, 2023

Where: Tipton, Ellsworth, Hoisington, Claflin, Bushton, Peabody, Florence, Elmdale, Strong City, Cottonwood Falls, Americus, Kansas

WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOUR HOME

KSN TV reported several areas of Kansas were affected by the severe storm that delivered funnel clouds, hail, and massive storm clouds.

https://www.ksn.com/news/state-regional/storm-reports-up-to-golf-ball-sized-hail-falling-in-parts-of-kansas/

Strong winds, broken trees, quarter-sized hail, and damaged power lines were evident as the storm ravished the area. Some areas, such as Tipton and Peabody, reported hail up to ping-pong size.

Hail larger than 1” can create damage, and a professional inspection is advised now that the storm has passed. What are some ways this size hail can damage your home?

Create dents in shingles
Bruise the underlayment
Dented or cracked siding
Rip holes in window and/or door screens
An excessive amount of granular loss

Hail, closer to what Tipton and Peabody experienced, can create even more complications. Add to the above list,

Broken ridge caps or roof vents
Even more destruction to siding, including areas being torn off
Cracks in doors and windows from impact

Add to this, the strong winds, and your home can be hit by falling trees, broken branches, or areas of roof materials ripped off the home.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Life in Tornado Alley: Preparing Your Salina Roof for Spring Storms

Mar 17, 2023 | Blog, Roof Maintenance, Salina, Storm Damage

According to Kansas records, Salina is a hot spot for tornadoes. In a quick internet search, videos and reports can readily be found showing the different tornadoes and how they have impacted the Salina area. This is a clear indicator that tornadoes will happen at some point if you live in Tornado Alley. Being prepared for the disaster and knowing what to do if your roof sustains damage is imperative during a springtime storm.

Be Prepared

This simple motto has been vocalized for decades by the Boy Scouts of America organization. Being prepared is the same as being proactive. Don’t wait until damages happen before you access some problems. For example, check your gutter system. Of course, in a tornado, your gutter system won’t hold the house together. However, in springtime rainstorms, the gutter system must work efficiently to divert away from the home to a safe location. If your gutters are clogged or blocked with debris, the water will only spill over the edges like a waterfall.

Leaks

roof leaks Shull Remodeling - Salina

After the storms pass, do a thorough check for any areas of leakage. In addition, do you notice discoloration on the ceilings of your attic? What about the walls of your attic, are they discolored with water stains? Water damage can lead to mold, mildew, and rot. Make sure to have these areas addressed and sealed up before the damage increases.

Trim Back Overhanging Trees

This project may require some outside professional assistance. The trees don’t stop growing just because they extend over your home. You need to make sure they are trimmed back so a fierce spring storm doesn’t break off limbs or branches on your roof causing extensive damage.

Buy Some Tarps

This seems easy, but it is indeed essential. When spring storms arrive, shingles have the potential of flying off and leaving the roof open and vulnerable. Have some tarps set aside to protect the area until a roofing contractor can do the storm damage repairs.

tornado roof damage Salina

Review Your Insurance

Pull out the homeowner’s policy and do a quick review of what to do, and what is covered in a nasty storm. It is wise to have this information ready in case it is needed. Keep the roof warranty information with your insurance policy for easy access as well. Snap a few photos of what your roof looks like on a normal day, so there is something to compare it to after the storms do their dirty work.

Remove Debris From the Roof

This may seem simple as well, but on a nice day, make sure any branches, twigs, nests, or other unessential items are removed from the surface of the roof. You don’t need to add to the damage a storm can do on its own.

Inspect the Roof

Before the storm season, have your roof inspected yearly for areas of weakness or sections to repair. In a storm, these areas could be vulnerable to extensive damage. Place your trust in Shull Roofing in Salina to yearly inspect your roof and fix any areas that need attention.

It isn’t comforting to live in Tornado Alley and understand the potential for nasty storms. However, being prepared for the worst can make the whole situation slightly more bearable. Shull Roofing will be right there with you! We know the weather devastation that can happen because we live right here in this community with you. We can stand arm in arm with you and face roof damage together.

Call today and let’s plan ahead for the upcoming spring storm season with a thorough inspection, and hope the storms pass us by with minimal complications.

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