How Will Hail Damage Affect My Horseshoe
Bay Roof? It Depends On The Material!
Learn About Hail Damage On
Different Roofing Materials
Hail is one of the most troubling issues for roofs. The ice balls fall from the sky, hitting homes at high speeds. But what is the effect of hail damage on your Horseshoe Bay roof?
Numerous materials form roofs in the Greater Austin Area. The most common include asphalt shingles, clay roof tiles, metal, and slate. Hail’s impact on your home largely depends on the material and installation.
Some roofing materials are more impact-resistant than others. However, all materials are vulnerable to hail damage. So, what kind of roof damage is likely to occur when hail storms arrive?
Legacy Roofing Pros is the hail expert in the Greater Austin Area. We can help you learn what to expect when hail falls on your roof.
Hail Damage To Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing materials because they’re affordable and durable. They allow for customization, allowing homeowners to choose how their roofs will look. However, the material isn’t as impact-resistant as other options and can suffer severe damage in hail storms.
When hail storms arrive in your area, they can damage your shingles, making them less effective. They can compromise the roof’s protection against water and the underlying structure. Some of the problems hail causes for asphalt shingles include:
- Granule loss: Hail knocks the protective granules off the shingle surface, exposing the underlying asphalt to the elements.
- Splits: Hail can create splits or tears in your shingles, leaving large gaps in the roof surface.
- Bruises: Hail can create bruises or indentions in asphalt shingles, weakening them and leading to leaks.
- Cracks: Hail can crack your asphalt shingles, reducing their ability to shed water.
Whether a roof repair or replacement is necessary depends on the extent of the damage. You can repair isolated damage by replacing individual shingles. However, widespread or severe damage might require a roof replacement to protect your home.
Hail Damage To Clay Roof Tiles
Clay roof tiles are popular because they’re durable and weather-resistant. However, this material is still vulnerable to impact from hail and falling debris. This can become a problem when hail storms arrive.
These tiles are stiff and brittle, making them susceptible to cracking or breaking under pressure. Since walking on them wrong can cause damage, you can imagine the impact of hail. Some of the signs of hail damage to clay roof tiles include:
- Microfractures: Small hailstones can cause microfractures in the tile, weakening the tile and allowing moisture to enter your house.
- Dislodgement: High winds and hail can dislodge your clay roof tiles, revealing the underlayment and decking.
- Chips or cracks: Hailstones can cause the tiles to chip or crack, especially on the edges and corners.
- Shatters: Several hail impacts can cause the tiles to shatter or break.
These issues create space in your roof where water and debris can enter, threatening your health and safety. Hail impacts can also accelerate the deterioration of the tiles, lessening the life of your roof. Roofing mortar can often repair small chips and hairline cracks, but extensive damage requires replacement.
Hail Damage To Metal Roofs
Metal is the strongest roofing material you can install on your home. While others suffer significant damage from hail, metal can withstand the impact. However, this doesn’t mean metal is immune to hail damage. On the contrary, hailstones falling on your metal roof can still impact its appearance.
In most cases, hail will cause little more than dents in your metal roof. However, it can also damage the protective coating and other components. Some of the hail damage metal roofs suffer include:
- Dents: Hailstones can dent the metal panels. This is primarily a cosmetic issue, but it can compromise the integrity of the seams.
- Chips or peeling: Hailstones can chip or peel the protective coatings from metal roofs, causing corrosion to the underlying material.
- Loose or missing fasteners: Hailstones can damage or dislodge the fasteners that secure the metal panels to the roof structure.
- Punctures: Severe hail storms can puncture metal roofs, creating leaks and compromising the roof’s structural integrity.
While metal is more impact-resistant than other materials, damage can allow water to enter your house. You might be able to repair minor damage with patching or repainting. However, widespread damage, punctures, and damage to the protective coating usually requires a roof replacement.
Hail Damage To Slate Roofs
Natural slate tiles make up slate roofs. These thin, flat pieces of rock are quarried and split or sawn into roof tiles. They offer more durability and longevity than clay tile roofs but suffer similar damage when hit by hailstones.
Slate roofs are weather and impact-resistant, standing up to the Greater Austin Area’s extreme conditions. However, they can still suffer damage during hail storms. Some of the damage hail strikes can cause to slate roofs include:
- Cracks and chips: Hail can cause chips or fractures to the slate, especially along the edge of the tiles.
- Broken tiles: Large hailstones can break or puncture the slate tiles, causing gaps in the roof.
- Displacement: Heavy hail impact and strong wind can shift the tiles out of place, creating gaps in the roof.
Slate deteriorates and becomes less effective as it ages, making it more susceptible to hail damage. Sometimes, you can replace tiles, avoiding a roof replacement. However, it depends on the extent of the damage.
Call The Pros For Hail Damage
A professional inspection is essential any time hail falls on your roof. While some damage is visible, other problems can be minor and hard to see. The experts can find these small issues that can make your roof vulnerable to future problems.
Legacy Roofing Pros is the most trusted roofing company in Horseshoe Bay. We provide roof repairs and replacements for homes and businesses around the Greater Austin Area. Our highly trained and skilled team works with various materials and will ensure your roof is as good as new.
Have you suffered hail damage to your Horseshoe Bay roof? Call Legacy Roofing Pros at (512) 256-1308 for help, or visit our website for a free estimate.
