Preventing Roof Hail Damage: Protective Measures for Your Home
While hailstorms are rare in Salem, they can wreak havoc on your roof, which leads to expensive roof damage and an endless back and forth with insurance. If you don't have the time or money to deal with that — and who does — we strongly recommend you take measures to prevent roof hail damage. Keep reading and we'll tell you what kinds of damage hail can do, why you want to prevent it, and how homeowners in Salem can keep their roofs over their heads no matter the weather. If you are looking for a Salem roofing company now, let us know!
Did you home suffer damage from a hail storm? 3Rs Construction & Remodeling, your professional contractor in Salem, Oregon, is here to help you with repairs!
How Storm Damage Can Lead to Costly Roof Repairs
Hailstones are formed during severe thunderstorms when water droplets get caught in updrafts and turn to ice inside clouds. Eventually, they get too heavy and come crashing down with little care for our cars, heads, and homes. They are particularly known for causing roof damage like the following:
Granule Loss:
Due to their weight and velocity, hail can knock off the protective granules on asphalt shingles. This exposes the underlying material to damage!
Cracks and Bruises:
Falling hail can create cracks, dents, or bruises on roofing, which weakens their integrity.
Leakage:
Damaged roofs may allow water to infiltrate your home, leading to the interior on top of the costly roof damage. With all the rain in Salem, water damage can get costly! You can prevent water damage to your home during winter by inspecting water supply lines, avoiding ice dams, removing snow from your roof, and protecting pipes from freezing.
Reduced Lifespan:
Roofing materials, including asphalt shingles, wood shakes, and even metal roofs, are vulnerable to hail damage, potentially shortening their lifespan.
Hail varies in size from very small pellets to golf ball-sized or even larger. As a force of nature, hail can be totally unpredictable, and the weather has only been getting crazier lately.
Can Hail Damage a Chimney?
Not only can hail damage the shingles on your roof in the right conditions, but it can also damage your chimney. The impact from hail can damage the mortar, the cap, and even the flue liner of your chimney. And that's not even mentioning the unsightly cosmetic damage these falling ice chunks can cause. If you're in need of chimney repair, let us know — we do that, too!
Need help repairing or replacing your roof? Contact 3Rs Construction & Remodeling, located in Salem Oregon today!
How Can I Prevent Roof Hail Damage?
Protecting your roof from hail damage requires a proactive approach. Here are a few essential preventive measures you can take to keep your roof in tip-top shape:
Choose Hail-Resistant Roofing Materials:
Whether you're building your home from the ground up or are just due for a new roof, make sure you purchase hail-resistant options, like impact-resistant shingles or materials designed for severe weather. Some roofing materials are better than others, but at 3Rs we recommend slate, rubber & synthetic tile, class 3 or 4 asphalt shingles, and metal roofs to minimize hail damage on your roof.
Regular Roof Inspections:
Schedule a routine roof inspection to have a professional take a close look at your roof. At 3Rs, we recommend scheduling a roof inspection once a year. It's also a good idea to check again after a rough storm.
Professional Roof Repairs:
If you suspect or observe any roof damage, call a professional like 3Rs Construction in Salem right away.
Hail Isn't the Only Thing That Can Damage Your Roof
Direct hail damage to your shingles is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think about hail damage to your roof. However, branches, gutters, and chimneys can also cause big problems like water damage! Look out for:
Overhanging Branches:
Trees with branches extending over your roof pose a risk during hailstorms since they can fall and cause severe damage to your home. Make sure you or a professional trim back or remove branches that are likely to fall on your home.
Chimney Repair:
Ensure your chimney is in good condition and your chimney cap is undamaged. The more sturdy your chimney is, the better it can withstand large impacts from hail.
Gutter Maintenance:
No one likes cleaning gutters, but it's one of the most important things you can do to protect your roof. If a bad hail storm hits and damages your roof, clogged gutters can easily make a bad problem much worse. Broken gutters can damage your roof and walls. Water that pools has nowhere else to go but overflow into your home or basement, which can cause damage and cracks in your foundation.
Looking for an experienced Salem home contractor to make repairs? Contact 3Rs Construction & Remodeling today for a quote!
Repairs for Roof Hail Damage — 5 Easy Steps
In a perfect world, insurance repairs would be a breeze — it's what you pay for after all. But, in this world, you need to follow these steps to make sure you're covered.
1. Report Damage ASAP:
As soon as you suspect hail damage, contact your insurer and have them send out an adjuster to assess the damage and guide you through the process.
2. Know Your Coverage:
Hail damage, including repairs or roof replacement, is typically covered by your policy, but be sure to double-check sooner rather than later.
3. Document Thoroughly:
Take clear photos and videos of damage, including shingles, vents, and chimneys — this might mean it's time or (you may want to buy that drone the kids have been asking for).
4. Chimney Matters:
It's easy to forget and miss chimney damage. Be sure to include it in your claim, as neglected damage can lead to more problems.
5. Timely Repairs:
Insurance often requires timely repairs to prevent further damage. Coordinate with the roofing contractor you trust in Salem for guidance. Note: You do not have to hire the contractor your insurance company recommends. These contractors work to make the insurance company happy and often don't look out for your best interests.
Salem's Best Roofing Contractors – 3Rs Construction & Remodeling
Hailstorms, while infrequent, can bring costly roof damage and potential water damage to your home. Safeguarding your home against roof hail damage in Salem is important for making sure your home is a long-lasting investment. At 3Rs, we're here to help you make sure you have hail-resistant roofing materials, assist with roof inspections, and promptly address any damage with our team of professional Salem roofing contractors.