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.
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
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.
