How to spot if hail has damaged your roof
Whether it’s flat or pitched roofs, storm damage can cause lots of stress for property owners. The key to reducing roof repair costs is spotting any deterioration early. While we often think of harsh weather conditions as strong winds, heavy rainfall and icy conditions, hail is also a culprit when it comes to harming your roofing.
Here’s how to spot the signs of hail damage to your roof.
Cracked or missing roof tiles
Hail can cause significant damage to your roofing, affecting its lifespan, especially if you have an ageing roof. While hail doesn’t happen often, one of the main types of destruction seen is damage to tiles, whether made from slate, concrete or clay. Hailstones can cause cracking to vulnerable areas or even loosen the tiles.
After a hailstorm, look out for missing roof tiles, broken areas or cracks. While you should never climb up onto your roof yourself, you may notice debris on the ground or a gap in your roofing. This type of damage should be rectified as soon as possible, or it could lead to other problems, such as water ingress.
If you spot debris on the ground, but it’s not from cracked tiles, it could indicate there’s another area affected, such as your chimney stack.
Dents in metal roofing
If you have metal roof sheets on your garage, shed or outbuildings, you may have spotted dents after a hailstorm. Metal is a highly durable material when it comes to impacts, but don’t take this for granted.
Dents or punctures can indicate the material is starting to deteriorate and isn’t as robust as it once was. Always ask a qualified roofer to check all roofing areas after hail strikes to rule out long-term damage.
Felt roof damage
Many flat roofs are still covered in felt materials such as bitumen, so it’s important to check the surface hasn’t been damaged after a hailstorm. Even if there’s a small tear or rip in the material, it can cause huge issues, including blistering across the entire roof, leaks and algae growth if water can’t drain properly.
Sometimes, roof repairs are the most cost-effective solution, but if there’s a lot of deterioration, hail damage could even be the trigger for investing in a much-needed upgrade. Good flat roof alternatives include GRP fibreglass, EPDM rubber and liquid roofing systems.
Other signs of hail damage to your roofing
There are lots of other signs to look out for when it comes to storm-damaged roofs. This includes hail splatters that don’t cause structural issues but often look unsightly if marks and stains are left uncleaned. They could indicate how much hail has hit your roof.
Your contractor may also check your roofing vents for trapped debris during inspections. If left untreated, it can cause significant roof ventilation issues, leading to damp and mould appearing.
Request a roofing inspection
Call South Thames Roofing today to book a roof inspection in South London or Surrey locations such as Clapham and Banstead. Get started now by calling 0208 397 2900 or emailing [email protected].
