What Homeowners Need to Know about Hail Damage

As a homeowner, you are all too aware of the surprise expenses that often arise. You may not, however, have given much thought to hail damage. Westmoreland County gets hit by plenty of severe weather, including harsh storms and heavy hail. Ultimately, hail can do serious damage to your home’s roof and siding, which means your losses can be immense. If you have concerns about hail damage to your home, our experienced Westmoreland County roofing and siding specialists at KSL Roofing and Remodeling are here to help.

Knowing What to Look For: Damage to Your Roof

Following a hailstorm, it’s a good idea to check out your roof for the telltale signs of hail damage. You should not, however, get up on your roof; that kind of inspection is best left to roofing professionals. Instead, walk the perimeter of your home with your eye toward the following clues that your roof was damaged by hail:

• Any shiny dents along your downspouts and the top curves of your gutters
• Dents on your outdoor AC condenser’s aluminum fins (if this soft aluminum took a hit, your roof is likely to have done the same)
• Lost granules from your roof’s shingles in the gutters or around the base of your home
• Any visible signs of roof damage, including lifted, curled, cupped, torn, or ripped shingles
• Visible dents or scratches in metal roofing

The sooner you consult with a knowledgeable roofing and siding tech, the better protected you’ll be. Successful insurance claims require careful detail, and the time limits are brief.

Knowing What to Look For: Damage to Your Siding

The signs that indicate hail damage to siding depend on the kind of siding you have. Begin by examining the storm-facing side of your home and be on the lookout for issues related to your siding.

Vinyl Siding

The hallmarks of hail damage on vinyl siding include hairline fractures, small holes, chips near the edges of the panels, and starburst-shaped cracks. As vinyl becomes more brittle with age, hail can do even more serious damage, and sometimes, panels buckle or unhook from their locking systems.

Aluminum or Metal Siding

Aluminum and other metal siding are prone to round dings from hail. An orange-peel texture is closely associated with hail damage on metal siding.

Wood Siding

When wood siding is damaged by hail, the most common signs are divots, chipped paint, and splintering. This is the result of the protective coating being stripped away, exposing the wood to moisture.

It’s Time to Consult with Our Experienced Westmoreland County Roofing and Siding Pros

Our reputable Westmoreland County roofing and siding experts at KSL Roofing and Remodeling are very familiar with just how damaging hailstorms can be, and we will do what it takes to get your home back in tip-top shape. Learn more by contacting us online or by calling 724-539-1200 today.