Hail storms can cause significant damage to roofs, particularly in areas like Phoenix, Arizona, where the weather can be unpredictable. When hail strikes, it can lead to everything from minor cosmetic damage to major structural issues. Understanding how to address AZ Storm Damage Roof Repair roof damage from hail is crucial for homeowners. This guide will explain the process of dealing with storm roof damage, focusing on hail storm damage repair, the repair process, and why choosing the right roofing company matters, specifically highlighting Overson Roofing.

Understanding Hail Storm Damage

Hail is a dangerous weather phenomenon that can cause a variety of issues, particularly for roofing systems. When hailstones hit a roof, the impact can puncture shingles, crack tiles, and even dent metal roofing. The severity of the damage often depends on the size of the hail and how long the storm lasts.

What Happens During a Hail Storm?

• Hailstones of Various Sizes: Hail can range in size from small pellets to golf ball-sized chunks or larger, with larger stones causing more significant damage.


• Impact on Shingles: Shingles can experience bruising, cracking, or even breaking off entirely, leaving the underlying layers of the roof exposed to further damage.


• Leaks and Moisture Penetration: When shingles are damaged, they may allow moisture to seep in, causing leaks and increasing the risk of mold growth or wood rot.

Signs of Hail Damage to Your Roof

Recognizing hail damage early can save you from more costly repairs down the road. Common signs that your roof has been affected by hail include:

• Dents on Metal Roofing: If you have a metal roof, check for visible dents caused by the impact of hail.


• Granule Loss on Asphalt Shingles: Asphalt shingles often lose their granules when struck by hail, which can cause the shingles to deteriorate faster.


• Cracked or Broken Tiles: Clay or concrete tiles can crack or break under the pressure of large hailstones.


• Bruises or Blisters on Shingles: In some cases, the shingles may appear discolored or have soft spots where the impact of hail caused damage.

The Impact of Hail on Roofing Materials

Different roofing materials respond differently to hail damage. It’s important to understand how various materials are affected by hailstorms:

• Asphalt Shingles: Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material in Phoenix, and while they are generally resistant, large hail can cause visible damage like cracks and granule loss.


• Wood Shake Shingles: Wood shakes can suffer from splitting or cracking under heavy hail, leading to leaks and other problems.


• Tile Roofing: Clay and concrete tiles are durable but can crack or break under the force of large hailstones.


• Metal Roofing: Metal roofs are often more durable in hail storms but can suffer from dents or scratches, especially if the hail is large and comes down at high speed.

Repairing Hail Damage to Your Roof

Once hail damage is detected, repair is often necessary. The repair process can range from minor fixes to a complete roof replacement, depending on the extent of the damage.

Step 1: Inspection

Before you begin any repairs, it’s important to have a professional inspection to determine the full extent of the damage. This is especially true in Phoenix, where the hot weather can exacerbate roof damage.

• Professional Assessment: Certified roof inspectors are experienced in identifying damage that might not be visible to the untrained eye.


• Insurance Claims: The inspection will also help with filing insurance claims for roof damage, ensuring that you can cover some or all of the repair costs.

Step 2: Repairing Shingles

If your asphalt shingles are damaged, they may need to be replaced. This process can involve removing the damaged shingles and replacing them with new ones. It’s important to choose shingles that match your current roof as closely as possible to maintain uniformity.

• Replacing Granule-Loss Shingles: Shingles that have lost their granules will need to be replaced to prevent further damage.


• Cracked or Broken Shingles: In cases of severe cracking or breaking, individual shingles may need to be swapped out.

Step 3: Repairing Tile Roofs

For homes with tile roofs, hail damage often leads to cracked or broken tiles. Tile replacement is necessary, and in some cases, entire sections of tiles may need to be replaced.

• Tile Replacement: The damaged tiles should be carefully removed, and new tiles should be installed to ensure proper fit and weather resistance.


• Preventing Future Damage: It’s essential to inspect the entire roof to check for other potential weak spots.

Step 4: Repairing Metal Roofs

Metal roofs are less likely to experience catastrophic damage from hail, but they can still get dented or scratched. These issues are primarily cosmetic, but it’s still important to address them.

• Dent Removal: Dents may be able to be buffed out, but larger dents or scratches may require patching or replacement of the affected metal panels.


• Coating Touch-ups: Metal roofs may need to be repainted or resealed to maintain their protective coatings.

Step 5: Leak Detection and Repair

Once the visible damage is addressed, it’s crucial to check for leaks. A roof that has been compromised by hail can let moisture in, leading to interior damage.

• Waterproofing: Apply additional sealant to ensure the roof is watertight and able to withstand future storms.


• Inspecting Gutters and Downspouts: Ensure that gutters and downspouts are functioning correctly to prevent water from backing up and damaging the roof further.

Choosing the Right Roofing Company for Repair

When it comes to roof repairs after a hail storm, choosing the right roofing company is essential. Overson Roofing, a well-established company in Phoenix, has built a reputation for providing quality service and reliable storm damage roof repairs.

Why Choose Overson Roofing?

• Expertise and Experience: With years of experience in handling roof repairs after hail storms, Overson Roofing brings a high level of expertise to every job.


• Certified and Insured Contractors: Certified roofers can ensure that your repair is done correctly and meets all local building codes.


• Customer Satisfaction: Overson Roofing is committed to customer satisfaction, offering detailed inspections and clear communication about the repair process.

Insurance and Hail Damage

One of the most important aspects of dealing with hail storm damage is understanding your insurance policy. In many cases, homeowner’s insurance will cover roof repairs resulting from hailstorms, but the exact coverage can vary.

• Filing a Claim: After the initial inspection, the roofing company can help you file an insurance claim. They may even work directly with the insurance company to ensure that all necessary repairs are covered.


• Deductibles: Keep in mind that you may need to pay a deductible before your insurance kicks in to cover the rest of the repair costs.

Preventing Future Hail Storm Damage

While you can’t control the weather, there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of severe roof damage during future hailstorms:

• Impact-Resistant Shingles: Consider upgrading to impact-resistant roofing materials, such as synthetic or modified bitumen shingles, which can withstand hail better than traditional asphalt shingles.


• Regular Roof Maintenance: Regular roof maintenance, such as cleaning gutters and inspecting the roof for damage, can help prevent major issues before they occur.


• Roof Inspections: After any significant storm, it’s wise to schedule a roof inspection to catch any early signs of damage.

Conclusion

Hail storm damage can be severe, but understanding the signs of damage and the repair process can help you protect your home. Whether you have asphalt shingles, tile roofing, or a metal roof, it's essential to act quickly and choose the right professionals for the job. Companies like Overson Roofing in Phoenix, AZ, can provide the expertise and support you need to get your roof back in shape after a hailstorm. By staying proactive with roof maintenance and repairs, you can ensure that your home remains safe from future storm damage.