A roof that appears to be in good shape from the driveway may be severely damaged from a hailstorm. Hail may damage vents and gutters, dent flashing, bruise shingles, and tear off granules.

During the same storm, strong winds can lift up shingles or damage roofing elements that are exposed. Those issues can be found before they become a leak or larger repair through a professional inspection. This is why it's important to consider a Hail Damage Roof Inspection in El Paso after a big storm.

The Inspection Starts with a Detailed Roof Assessment

The first step in a proper roofing system inspection is a general overview of the roofing system. The inspector assesses the condition of the roof and inspects for any hail or storm damage and for signs of normal aging and weather exposure.

All of the following areas need attention: shingles, flashing, roof edges, vents, gutters, drainage areas. The hail impacts may manifest as small marks, bruising, or loss of granules, which may not be apparent from the ground. Other parts may develop dents or damage from a storm.

The roof as a whole can help identify if a roof problem is storm-related or a gradual issue that has worked its way into the roof.

Hail Damage May Not Be Immediately Obvious

A hole or leak in the roof doesn't have to be exposed to be storm damage. One of the more important things homeowners should know following a hailstorm.

A roofing material can be damaged by hail without opening the roof, thus creating an opportunity for water to enter the roof. When the roof is exposed to the elements of sun, wind and rain further damaged areas could become more vulnerable. This means that small problems can be more apparent weeks or months after the initial storm.

A professional inspection provides homeowners with a more accurate picture of the roof's condition, as opposed to what can be seen from the ground.

Additional Inspection May Be Necessary in Hard-To-Reach Areas

For some roofs, the surface area is extensive or parts of the roof are hard to reach from the ground. Drone technology can come in handy here.

Drone inspection can offer detailed views of areas that are hard to reach and/or view clearly. Photos can also help capture the condition of the roofing materials and ease the understanding of specific findings for property owners.

That visual record can be especially helpful in case of hail and storms. It offers a better benchmark to consider the roof's status and what is in store next.

Storm Damage Documentation Can Help with Insurance Claims

Another question for homeowners to consider is whether an insurance claim should be made when hail and severe storms occur. It is best to first understand the actual damage to the roof prior to making that decision.

Photographs and written inspection reports can be helpful to document when the damage has been caused by the storm and is being reviewed by the insurance company. The inspection does not automatically mean that a claim will be approved, as it will be covered by the property owner's own coverage and insurer. However, well-documented evidence will make it easier to describe the finding and location of the damage.

If you own a home that's suffered from hail damage, it's a prudent move to get the roof evaluated and documented before you decide on repair options.

What Happens When Hail Damage Is Detected?

Their inspections do not necessarily imply that a roof needs to be replaced. The recommended work is a function of the extent and severity of the damage, as well as the condition of the roofing system in general.

There may be problems that are amenable to repair. If there is enough storm damage, there will need to be some restoration or replacement. That distinction is possible with the information that the inspection gives.

For appropriate roofing systems, roof coatings may be an alternative. One of the things to review for a coating project is the warranty's length. Most coatings offer a 10-year and/or 15-year warranty. While warranty length is an important consideration, homeowners should also consider the specific terms and conditions outlined in the warranty, such as coverage and maintenance requirements.

How Long After a Hailstorm Should You Wait to Inspect a Roof?

Don't always have to wait for a leak. When water is noticed in a structure, damage can be beyond the roof surface.

Once a significant hail or windstorm occurs, homeowners should inspect for missing or damaged shingles, strange granules around the home, dents in metal elements, broken flashing, or water damage on the interior. But just because there's no apparent damage does not mean the roof was spared from damage.

Even if the roof seems structurally sound, it's possible to learn some useful information from a professional inspection.

The Importance of a Professional Inspection In El Paso

El Paso roofs experience the hottest days and coldest nights, as well as powerful winds and seasonal rain and snow. These conditions may affect roofing materials over time. If you're not careful, a hailstorm can cause additional damage that's hard to distinguish from regular wear and tear.

Red Rhino Roofing offers roofing services and roof inspection in El Paso. Property owners can get a professional opinion on whether their roof has storm damage, the condition of the roofing system, and determine what kind of work may be suitable.

Conclusion

A hail damage roof inspection goes beyond the issue of missing shingles. This includes inspection of roofs for damage caused by hail and storm damage, inspection of hard-to-reach areas, documentation, and considering repair, restoration, or coating and/or replacement options. Good documentation can also help if you have a claim with your insurance company due to a storm. In the case of property owners who are looking for Roofing Contractors in El Paso who are knowledgeable and have experience, Red Rhino Roofing can offer a professional inspection to help determine if there is roofing damage and what to do about it.