{"id":1527,"date":"2023-12-29T02:22:26","date_gmt":"2023-12-29T09:22:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sdshail.com\/?p=1527"},"modified":"2024-01-11T16:22:04","modified_gmt":"2024-01-11T23:22:04","slug":"hail-damage-may-not-be-obvious-get-your-roof-inspected-and-avoid-expensive-roof-replacement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sdshail.com\/hail-damage-may-not-be-obvious-get-your-roof-inspected-and-avoid-expensive-roof-replacement\/","title":{"rendered":"Hail damage may not be obvious – get your roof inspected and avoid expensive roof replacement"},"content":{"rendered":"

Some signs of roof damage are easy to see, but what about the not-so-obvious signs? Roof issues aren’t always immediately noticeable. Early damage identification not only catches problems early, it assures that you can file a timely insurance claim if warranted, potentially saving you tens of thousands of dollars or more! Subtle roof damage can silently cause damage beneath the surface, leading to bigger and costlier problems if ignored. Hail or other storm damage can be subtle and require a trained eye to identify. Ignoring a minor surface leak can quickly turn it into a major problem.<\/p>\n

The good news is that most of these warning signs can identify problems that can be easily fixed if detected early. After Tucson’s monsoon storms, you need to schedule a roof damage assessment even if you don’t see any immediate issues. At Storm Damage Specialists, our team has seen many roof emergencies that could have been prevented with a proactive inspection. These issues were often identified too late to file an insurance claim, further adding to the financial impact of the hail damage. Don’t let this happen to you\u2014let’s look at the various types of roof damage you may have experienced and why it takes a professional to identify and rectify them before it’s too late.<\/p>\n

Why Storm Damage Roof Inspections Are Necessary<\/h3>\n

Every year, the Tucson area is hit by dangerous storms. From wind and hail to heavy monsoon rains, these natural disasters can wreak havoc on the roofs of commercial and other buildings. Most of these storms occur during the spring and summer, so a professional inspection of your roof after storm season ensures any damage is detected and addressed.<\/p>\n

Even the smallest damage left behind by these storms can lead to serious structural problems for your roof. That’s why it’s essential to have regular roof inspections during or after storm season, conducted by reliable and experienced roofing contractors like SDS<\/a>.<\/p>\n

To ensure the long-term health of your roof and avoid any potential dangers, schedule regular roof inspections during storm season. A professional roofing contractor will check for storm damage and perform a comprehensive inspection to identify any other maintenance or repair needs. If your roof is in poor condition, we may recommend a complete replacement and provide a detailed cost estimate.<\/p>\n

Why It’s Important to Get Your Roof Inspected After a Storm\"\"<\/h3>\n

After a heavy storm, your roof can be vulnerable to damage from high winds, hail, and fallen trees. This damage may not be immediately noticeable but can lead to leaks and other issues down the line. That’s why getting a professional roof inspection is crucial. A small surface leak allows water to enter the roofing layers, leading to complete roof failure sooner than it should.<\/p>\n

Assessing Damage<\/h4>\n

Our trained roof inspectors will identify any problems that may not be visible from the ground. They’ll check for missing roof shingles, tiles, indentations, damaged flashing, and other signs of damage you might miss.<\/p>\n

Preventing Future Problems<\/h4>\n

A professional roof inspection can also help prevent future issues. If your roof has sustained significant hail damage, it can be more susceptible to leaks and future damage. By addressing these issues early, you can schedule roof repair or replace your roof before it further damages your building.<\/p>\n

Saving Money<\/h4>\n

You can save money in the long run by getting a professional roof inspection from SDS. If you delay addressing the problem, the roof problems can worsen and become more expensive to fix. Early detection and repairs can prevent costly repairs or the need for an entirely new roof.<\/p>\n

Types of Roof Damage<\/h3>\n

When it comes to roof damage, it’s not just holes and leaks that you need to worry about. With years of experience repairing and replacing roofs in the Pima County area, our SDS team has encountered all types of roof issues. Some are inevitable after a severe storm, while others can be avoided through proper maintenance.<\/p>\n

While certain areas may be more prone to specific types of damage, these forms of roof damage are common in Arizona. Some may seem insignificant at first glance, but ignoring even the slightest damage can compromise the integrity of your roof in the long run.<\/p>\n

Missing Shingles<\/h4>\n

\"typeLook out for cracked, curling, or missing shingles\u2014these are clear indicators that your roof has experienced significant hail damage.<\/p>\n

Spotting shingle damage from the ground can be tricky, so having a professional get on your roof might be necessary for a closer look. If wind damage is the culprit behind the missing shingles, you may have a viable insurance claim. But remember that improper installation can also cause shingles to go missing, in which case your options may be limited unless your workmanship warranty is still in effect.<\/p>\n

Roof Decking Discoloration<\/h4>\n

After a storm, compromised roof decking poses serious risks such as mildew, mold, and structural damage caused by the weight of your roof. Unfortunately, identifying such damage is challenging without removing the old roof.<\/p>\n

Nonetheless, if you observe rotten or discolored decking, it clearly indicates that you need a new roof or extensive repairs. Damaged roof decking suggests that water has penetrated the roofing materials, saturating the wood.<\/p>\n

Possible causes include water seepage, faulty installation, or deteriorated roofing materials. If left unaddressed, widespread damage can lead to a roof collapse under excessive weight.<\/p>\n

Missing or Damaged Flashing<\/h4>\n

Roof flashing uses waterproof strips to prevent leaks and safeguard vulnerable areas from water damage. Commonly installed near chimneys, vent pipes, skylights, or walls, roof flashing is sometimes called metal flashing due to its material.<\/p>\n

Don’t overlook potential flashing damage\u2014even some professional inspectors may miss loose or compromised materials that are still in place. Our roofers at SDS are particularly conscientious about identifying damaged flashing. In addition to flashing, gutters, and downspouts can also suffer dents, cracks, or breaks from hail damage.<\/p>\n

Soft Spots<\/h4>\n

Soft spots on your roof can lead to serious damage if left untreated. These weak spots occur when moisture seeps into the underlying decking, causing it to deteriorate. While missing or damaged shingles are often the main cause, damaged flashing and clogged gutters can also contribute to soft spots. If left unchecked, the roof decking may sag, leading to visible low spots on the roof and potential water damage to your building’s interior.<\/p>\n

Regular inspections and maintenance can help catch soft spots early on. By having SDS inspect your roof annually, you can identify and address any soft spots before they become a major issue. Spot repairs are much more cost-effective than a full roof replacement.<\/p>\n

Interior leaks<\/h4>\n

Don’t let a minor leak on your ceiling deceive you\u2014it could be the start of a major problem. Water damage can cause rot and make your roof more prone to future leaks. Cracked shingles and granule-filled gutters are telltale signs of roof water damage.<\/p>\n

A leaky roof can result in water damage in your ceiling or attic, leading to additional problems. The first step to preventing water damage from roof leaks is recognizing when your roof is leaking and finding the source. During our inspections, we look for residue on nearby materials, even in hard-to-see areas. Excessive moisture is often an early sign of roof damage. This will help pinpoint the exact location of the roof leak damage.<\/p>\n

Typically, undamaged ceilings are straight and solid. If you notice any cracks (straight or angular, resembling a spider’s web) or a sagging or crooked ceiling, your roof may have an underlying issue. Once water starts seeping into your building, call SDS immediately.<\/p>\n

Assessing Damage on Different Roof Types<\/h3>\n

Different types of roofing materials will show hail damage differently. SDS has experience with all types of commercial roofs and we know what to look for after a storm.<\/p>\n

Metal Roofs<\/h4>\n

When determining wind damage to a metal roof, we look for:<\/p>\n