EFFECTS OF HAIL & WIND DAMAGE TO YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS
HASSLE-FREE storm restoration services
Many home and business owners are not aware of hail & wind damage on their roofs. Or the effects that hail and wind damage can have on a home or business. Skyline provides restoration in the Chicago and other nearby city areas.
Functional vs Compromised
Functional Damage
Functional hail damage refers to damage that affects the integrity and longevity of the roof.
The severity of hail damage depends on several factors including: type of roofing material, age of roof, roof slope, quality of construction; as well as hail size, hail shape and the velocity and angle of its fall.
Compromised roof
Many homeowners are not aware of hail damage on their roofs. Hail damage to roof tops often times cannot be seen from the ground, and that’s a big reason why the idea of hail damage hardly ever crosses a homeowner’s mind.
The Skyline team is trained in spotting and identifying the type of damage that has compromised the integrity of your home’s roof.
Once your roof has sustained this type of damage, eventually moisture will begin finding its way through the plywood decking and eventually into the areas below.
roof replacement
Wind and hail damage to asphalt shingles may consist of punctures, tears, fractures (bruises) or the more common displacement of granules. Displacement of granules occurs when granules have been knocked off by the impact of the hailstones hitting the roof.
The loss of protective granules exposes the underlying asphalt to damaging sun rays.
When asphalt is exposed to the sun, without a protective layer of granules, the shingle becomes vulnerable to UV light degradation, which can accelerate cracking, blistering, algae formation, edge damage and water leaks.
MORE ABOUT STORM DAMAGE
One of the first things any homeowner should do after a storm is check for roof damage. Even if you have no visible water inside your home, roof damage is still a possibility.
While it might be tempting to climb up on the roof, we recommend homeowners avoid this whenever possible. Always try to assess roof damage from ground level if you can. Try using a pair of binoculars to see more clearly before making the decision to use a ladder.
On its own, rain is not usually enough to damage a structurally sound roof. Add wind, flying debris, and hail to the mix, however, and roofs may take a serious pounding.
Sometimes, roof damage is obvious to the eye. Still, you should take your time and look closely when assessing your situation. Some symptoms can be surprisingly hard to spot.
Let’s review some of the most common types of storm damage:
Signs of Wind Damage
Damaging winds are classified as those exceeding 50 miles per hour. Winds associated with severe thunderstorms or hurricanes are often called “straight line” winds to differentiate them from tornadoes. Wind damage is associated with more than half of all severe weather events.
Signs of wind damage include:
- Missing Shingles: Shingles that were already cracked or peeling are at major risk of being lost once wind speeds exceed 60 miles per hour. Although roofing manufacturers cover severe winds in their warranty, the estimated wind speed a roof can endure is based on a new, well-maintained roof.
- Visible Granule Loss: Some granule loss is common, especially with a brand new roof. With storm damage, granule loss is found in characteristic horizontal lines. This indicates where the shingle seal was broken. Granules rub off as shingles flap in the wind and come into contact with other surfaces.
- Visible Water Infiltration: Most visible leaks that penetrate through to the ceiling of the building are the direct result of wind damage. In these cases, both the shingles and the roof underlayment are compromised, allowing water to flood into the attic or the upper rooms of the building.
- Loose Debris: Any loose debris you notice around your home – such as yard waste, outdoor furniture, and so on – could indicate something struck your roof during high winds. Clear debris away as soon as you can to minimize risk and look for characteristic broken shingle patterns to assess impacts.
Signs of Hail and Snow Damage
Hail forms in strong thunderstorm clouds at temperatures of 32°F and below, the same range at which snow is possible. Hailstones are balls of ice, usually most damaging between 1 inch and 1.75 inch in diameter. Because they are compact, they can punch through solid objects.
Signs of hail damage include:
- Missing or Hail-Damaged Shingles: Hail damage can result in immediate loss of shingles that were intact before the storm started. Even if shingles are still present, they may be in need of replacement. Look for cracks and dents with a characteristic round shape showing the location of impact.
- Clogged or Broken Gutters and Downspouts: After a storm, clogged gutters should be cleaned out as soon as possible. Water drains from a broken gutter directly down into the foot of the building. In time, this can erode the foundation and make the structure unsafe. Check all gutters and downspouts for bending and dislocation.
- Ice Dams: Shingle roofs that have not been maintained correctly are prone to ice dams. Ice dams develop as a result of snowmelt freezing on the eaves of the roof. This ridge of ice prevents additional water from melting snow from leaving the roof and can encourage leaks. Most ice dams are easily visible.
Signs of Water Damage
It’s not just water driven by high wind that damages a structure. Even a small amount of standing moisture from a storm can lead to serious issues. With that in mind, it’s important to examine your home and surroundings carefully even after winds die down.
Signs of water damage include:
- Damage to Roof Supports or Accents: It might not always be obvious if supporting elements of your roof are damaged. Even if shingles appear to be completely intact, look for areas where water seems to pool during or after heavy rain. Also check flashing around vent pipes, your chimney, and other elements.
- Visible Attic Issues and Moisture: Your roof and attic make up a whole ecosystem that works together closely. Check your attic for any signs of moisture penetration that can disclose leaks. Inundated surfaces and insulation may need to be replaced to stop the development of dangerous mold or mildew.
There is no project too big or too small for our trained and experienced Skyline staff. The experts at Skyline Exteriors will take care of all your roofing, contracting and construction needs. Delivering exceptional service every step of the process from an inspection to an estimation and installation.
Our partnerships with the leading manufactures in the industry give our customers a wide range of styles, finishes, and affordability, as well as pertinent product information that allows homeowners to make a well-informed decision.
Services Provided
Aluminum Siding, Asphalt Shingle Roofing, Fiber Cement Siding, General Contracting, Gutter Installation, Gutter Repair, Home Remodeling, Metal Roofing, Siding Installation, Siding Repair, Slate Roofing, Vinyl Siding, Wood Siding
Areas We Serve
Barrington, Barrington Hills, Chicago, Cuba, Deer Park, Forest Lake, Fox River Grove, Hawthorn Woods, Inverness, Kildeer, Lake Barrington, Lake Zurich, North Barrington, Palatine, South Barrington, Tower Lake
