Though you can’t prevent hailstorms – this is Texas, after all – there are some things you can do to protect your roof from hail damage. First, it’s important to know that the way your roof was installed, as well as the roofing materials you chose, play a very important role in keeping your entire home safe. If your roof was installed properly and with the right materials, you are way ahead of the game. With that said, this guide explains how to protect your roof from hail damage and, by extension, the rest of your home.
5 Ways to Protect Your Roof From Hail Damage
Your roof was built to protect your home, even in the face of severe weather – including hail. However, there are a few things you can do to help your roof do its job. Check out these five things you can do to protect your roof from hail damage:
- Get your roof inspected at least once a year
- Keep trees trimmed
- Watch for trouble spots
- Don’t wait to make repairs
- Choose the right roofing materials for your next roof replacement
Here’s a closer look at each.
Tip #1 to Protect Your Roof From Hail Damage: Get Your Roof Inspected at Least Once a Year
You should have your roof inspected by a professional at least once per year. The good news is that reputable roofing companies, such as Brotherhood Roofing, offer free annual roof inspections to anyone who wants them.
During a free roof inspection, we’ll send an experienced inspector to your home. The inspector will climb up on your roof and check every inch of it to search for damage. Your inspector will look for problems with shingles or tiles, issues with flashing (the material used around things that protrude from your roof), signs of water incursion and problems with vents and other roofing materials.
If your inspector discovers any issues, they’ll let you know in a detailed report. They’ll also explain your options for making repairs so you can make the right decisions to prolong your roof’s lifespan.
Tip #2 to Protect Your Roof From Hail Damage: Keep Trees Trimmed
Wind often accompanies hail, and that can pose a major threat to your roof – particularly if you have tree branches hanging low enough to scrape your roofing materials. Additionally, large hailstones can knock branches right off trees; if the branches hit your roof, they can do extensive damage. It’s a good idea to trim any trees that pose a threat to your roof as soon as you notice them.
Tip #3 to Protect Your Roof From Hail Damage: Watch for Trouble Spots
If you can spot roof damage from the ground, you should call an expert right away. Roof damage can include missing, cracked or curling shingles, “bald spots” on shingles, cracked or damaged flashing, and a variety of other issues.
These types of issues never get better on their own, so you need to have them repaired as soon as possible in order to protect your roof from hail damage. In fact, if your roof is already damaged when a hailstorm hits, the hail can wreak havoc.
Related: Why is an annual roof inspection so important?
Tip #4 to Protect Your Roof From Hail Damage: Don’t Wait to Make Repairs
When you notice roof damage, or when an inspector tells you that your roof needs to be repaired, don’t wait. Again, roof damage never gets better with time – and it can become worse very quickly. Don’t put off repairs any longer than you absolutely have to. Keeping your roof in good, functioning condition is your home’s best defense against hail and other weather events.
An additional benefit to making repairs is that you may be able to put off a complete roof replacement for longer. Many people find that it’s far more cost-effective to make minor roof repairs as problems arise than it is to wait for the entire roof to fail and pay for a roof replacement.
Tip #5 to Protect Your Roof From Hail Damage: Choose the Right Roofing Materials for Your Next Roof Replacement
When it’s time to replace your roof, you need to know that the quality of the materials you choose will be the biggest determining factor in how your roof holds up during a hailstorm. You should talk to a roofing expert to determine what types of materials are right for your roof, fit into your budget, and match your home’s style. A representative from Brotherhood Roofing can walk you through everything you need to consider when you’re replacing your roof.
How Can You Assess Your Roof for Damage After a Hailstorm?
After a hailstorm, you may want to call an expert inspector to come check things out. However, in the meantime, you may be able to spot signs of damage from the ground. Look for dents in your shingles, as well as cracks and broken areas. If you find shingles in your yard, you know they had to come from somewhere; that means they most likely came from your own roof.
If your siding, windows, skylights, garage door or other components of your home were damaged by hail, there’s a good chance that your roof was, too. Though we don’t recommend climbing up on your roof unless you have experience working on a sloped and sometimes-slippery surface, we do recommend that you check for damage from the ground and call a roof inspector right away.
We can send an inspector to your home at a time that’s convenient for you, and if your inspector discovers any problems after a hailstorm, they’ll let you know right away.
Do You Need to Talk to an Expert About Protecting Your Roof From Hail Damage?
Maintenance is the best policy when it comes to protecting your roof from hail damage. If you need to talk to an expert about getting a free roof inspection, we are here to help. Call our office to schedule some time with an expert from Brotherhood Roofing now.
