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Texas Ranks First for Hail Damage to Roofs. What Does That Mean For You?
Everything is bigger in Texas—including the hailstorms. Giant hailstones, some larger than the size of a baseball, battered the Lone Star State relentlessly last year, crashing through windshields, pummeling rooftops, and racking up thousands in damages.
It’s always a good idea to be prepared for Texas hail damage. According to a recent State Farm report, Texas ranks number two in terms of hail damage claims processed, clocking in at $510 million in hail damage alone. And because of the rise in hail damage claims, the average claim increased by nearly $2,000 in 2022. That’s the largest year-over-year increase to date.
What does this mean for your home or business? If you own property in Texas, taking preventative steps to lower your risk of hail damage is key. In this article, we’ll explore the impact that hail has on a roof, hail damage prevention strategies, and how to recover from hail damage.
How Can Texas Hail Damage A Rooftop?
Hailstorms can cause varying degrees of damage to a rooftop. This can include cracked or broken shingles, punctured materials, dented metal panels, commercial roofing materials, and granule loss from asphalt shingles. Forceful hail can also shatter the roofing material and single-ply membranes, causing breakage from the fiberglass mat underneath. And coupled with high winds, hail can compromise the integrity of your roofing materials. If the seal is weakened, the shingles are at risk of flying clean off.
What’s more, hail damage doesn’t stop at the surface. Damaged shingles or commercial roofing materials can lead to water leaks, which can result in structural deterioration, mold growth, and further interior damage to the property. Over time, these issues can escalate and require extensive and costly repairs.
Neglecting hail damage repairs can have serious consequences for property owners. Ignoring or delaying repairs may worsen the existing damage, making the roof more susceptible to further deterioration during future hailstorms. This can lead to increased repair costs, potential safety hazards, decreased property value, and difficulties when filing insurance claims. It’s crucial to address hail damage promptly to prevent these long-term consequences.
How To Prevent Hail Damage
To minimize the impact of hailstorms on your roof, it’s important to take proactive measures before they occur. Generally, hail season in Texas lasts from March until August. Some tips for preparing and protecting your roof include:
- Ensuring proper attic insulation
- Reinforcing vulnerable areas such as skylights or vent pipes
- Installing impact-resistant roofing materials
It’s also important to conduct regular roof maintenance to prevent and detect hail damage. Schedule routine inspections to identify and address any pre-existing issues that might make your roof more susceptible to hail damage. Keep gutters clean and clear of debris to ensure proper water drainage and prevent water backup that could lead to roof leaks. Additionally, trim overhanging tree branches that could potentially fall and cause damage during a hailstorm.
Calling a professional reconstruction company for roof inspections and repairs is strongly recommended to ensure the integrity of your roof. Qualified roofers have the expertise to assess the extent of hail damage accurately and provide appropriate repair solutions. They can identify hidden or subtle damage that might not be immediately visible to an untrained eye. Hiring professionals also helps ensure that repairs are conducted safely and in compliance with local building codes.
Recovering From Hail Damage
No matter how prepared you might be, hailstorms have a way of sneaking up and wreaking havoc on buildings. If you’ve incurred roof damage due to a hailstorm, get in touch with an experienced reconstruction company like Cavalry right away. The longer you wait to make repairs, the more expensive the damage caused to your roof might become. Restoration can also increase your property value, so it’s best not to wait.
Our experienced, GAF-certified roofers will conduct a thorough site assessment, examining the extent of the hail damage and identifying all affected areas before getting to work. Here’s what you can expect from the recovery and restoration process.
- Our team will provide an estimate after the inspection is completed. You’ll know exactly the extent of the damage, what needs to be repaired, how much it will cost, and how long it will take.
- We get to work securing your property, covering exposed areas with tarps or temporary protective materials to prevent further water damage or structural issues. Based on our assessment, we’ll order the right materials required for fixing your roof.
- Our team carefully detaches and disposes of the damaged materials while minimizing any further disruption to the roof structure. This clears the way for us to begin replacing the damaged roofing components based on our predetermined repair plan, which may involve installing new shingles, repairing or replacing underlayment, fixing damaged flashing, or addressing any structural issues caused by the hail damage.
- If a complete roof replacement is necessary, we’ll ensure that all old and damaged materials are removed, and a new roof system is installed.
- Throughout the repair process, the Cavalry team performs quality checks and inspections to ensure the repairs meet industry standards and comply with local building codes. We’ll conduct a final inspection of the repaired roof to verify that all repairs are complete and meet your expectations.
Our goal is to effectively restore hail-damaged roofs to ensure peace of mind and provide a durable roof system designed to last.
Texas Hail Damage FAQs
How can I determine if my roof has been damaged by hail?
Look for visible signs of damage such as cracked or dented roofing materials, granule loss, or punctures. Additionally, check for leaks or water stains inside your building home. However, it’s preferred to have a professional roofing inspection for a more accurate assessment.
How soon should I address hail damage to my roof?
Address hail damage as soon as possible to prevent further deterioration and potential water leaks. Prompt repairs can help mitigate additional damage and reduce the risk of more costly repairs in the future.
Can I repair hail damage on my own, or should I hire a professional?
While minor repairs may be possible for property owners with roofing experience, it’s generally recommended to hire a professional roofing contractor. They have the necessary expertise and equipment to assess the damage and ensure proper repairs are conducted accurately.
How long does the hail damage repair process typically take?
The repair timeline depends on the extent of the damage and the availability of materials. Minor repairs may be completed within a few days, while extensive damage or roof replacements can take several weeks. The Cavalry reconstruction team can provide a more accurate estimate based on your specific situation.
About Cavalry Construction
Cavalry has served home and business owners across Austin, Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas/Ft. Worth since 1989. Our clients count on us to help restore their homes and businesses after experiencing roof damage from a hailstorm, and our experienced roofing contractors and restoration teams are always ready to help in times of need.
If you have questions about hail damage restoration or other reconstruction services, get in touch. You can reach us anytime at 888-601-3473.
