Hailstorms may be brief and infrequent, but they can cause massive damage. Your roof must be in top shape to protect your home from hailstorms.
Roofing contractors know that hail can chip away at shingles, causing them to curl, break, and dent. Therefore, regular roof inspections following hailstorms are a must.
If your roof is damaged in a hailstorm, contact an expert roofer in Northern Virginia to help survey the destruction and advise you on what to do next. In the meantime, here are some steps you can take while you wait for a professional roofing company.
1. Inspect Your Roof
A local and certified roofing company in Northern Virginia will tell you that regular inspections are essential to assess your roof's state. While inspections should be conducted twice a year (spring and fall), a professional should also survey your roof after any severe storm.
Inspections are also ideal for assessing your roofing before you sell your house. This will help determine your home's value and whether you need to conduct some roof repair before listing your home on the market. The best roofers in Northern Virginia will find issues before they become dangerous problems.
Always schedule a roofing inspection after a strong storm to ensure your roof is in top shape year-round.
2. Prevent Further Damage
The next step is to ensure you limit any damage to your home. Hailstorms often bring severe winds that can result in debris and other large objects landing on your roof. These objects can easily pierce your shingles, causing indentations, leaks, and other issues.
If you have trees near your roof, consider trimming back large overhanging branches as a preventative measure. And contact a roofing expert for assistance.
3. Know What To Look For
Check for dampness, wetness, streaks, or even rotted wood. You might also see mold or mildew. These can all be signs of a damaged roof.
See if you can spot anything obvious, like roof tiles falling off, broken flashing, or faltering gutters. Contractors who specialize in roofing repairs and installations in Northern VA can help you.
4. Further Inspections
Not all faults and damage can be seen from the ground. That’s why it’s important to ask for the advice of an expert roofing contractor. They'll search for specific issues, like:
• Moss and Mold. If algae or moss is growing out of your shingles, it is likely to eat through them. This is especially common if they are made of limestone.
• Light poking through the shingles. This is a sign of holes and cracks.
• Missing tiles. Missing, loose, or worn shingles won't protect your house like they need to. You may need to replace your roof to avoid serious damage to your home.
• Sagging. This happens when the roof has been over-exposed to water, moisture, and severe weather like snow and ice weigh down on it.
Prolong The Life of Your Roof
If your property has been damaged following a hailstorm in the Northern Virginia area, it's a good idea to put in place some temporary measures and request the advice of an expert at A&M Roofing. Our repair and maintenance services will make your roof last longer, and if it’s time for a replacement, we’ll guide you and present you with the best cost-effective options available.