One thing we hear a lot from homeowners with existing hail damage is, “I’ll just wait until next year to fix it.”
And while we completely understand not wanting to deal with the insurance claim or having to get a new roof, heading into winter with existing hail damage is not a good idea. In fact, cooler temperatures, ice, and freezing winds can make an already precarious situation even worse.
If you have been hit by hail storms this year, now’s the time to schedule a roof inspection to determine if your roof has damage and to get it fixed ASAP. Not convinced? Read on to learn how winter weather can exacerbate existing hail damage on your roof and what you can do to protect your home!
#1 Reason Winter Worsens Existing Hail Damage
One of the primary reasons why winter weather can worsen existing hail damage is due to the nature of roofing materials. The constant freeze-thaw cycles can cause roofing components to expand and contract. This movement can cause any existing damage to get worse.
Existing hail damage is especially prone to expansion/contraction because of how the damage is formed. When hail strikes a shingle, it displaces the granule coating and exposes the felt matting underneath. When water seeps into these holes and subsequently freezes, it expands, widening cracks and pushing shingles apart.
Not only will this cause roof leaks, it can cause ice dams to form in the winter. Having existing hail damage and an ice dam can lead to seriously extensive repairs.
2. Existing Hail Damage Weakens Shingles
Hail damage weakens the integrity of your roofing materials. When the temperature drops during winter, these already weakened shingles become more brittle. This makes them prone to further damage from factors like heavy snow, ice, and strong winds. If your shingles are already compromised due to hail, they are less likely to withstand the additional stress winter weather brings.
3. Winter Roof Leaks
As mentioned earlier, winter weather can lead to water infiltration through existing hail damage. Water that seeps into your roof’s structure can lead to rot, mold, and insulation damage, creating a more significant and costly problem. It can also reduce the insulation’s effectiveness, causing higher energy bills during the cold months.
4. Existing Hail Damage Can Cause Ice Dams
Ice dams are a common winter roofing issue. They form when the warmth from your home’s interior melts snow on your roof, causing it to flow down towards the eaves. As this water reaches the colder edges of the roof, it refreezes, creating a barrier of ice. Ice dams can force water underneath shingles, especially in areas with existing hail damage. This trapped moisture can infiltrate your roof’s structure and insulation, leading to leaks, interior damage, and a weakened roofing system.
Can You Get A Hail Damage Inspection In Winter?
As long as your roof isn’t covered in snow, ice, or wet after a recent rain, you can still get a hail damage roof inspection! In fact, if you have not yet had a roof inspection this year, now is the time to schedule one. Not only will it help find any existing hail damage but it will also find any other areas of weakness that could turn into roofing emergencies this winter!
Key Takeaways About Existing Hail Damage
If your home has been hit by hail, it’s essential to address hail damage before winter’s chill sets in. Regular roof inspections and timely repairs can prevent the worsening of existing damage and help you avoid costly winter-related issues. If your roof has hail damage, consider contacting Triple Diamond Construction for professional inspection and repairs. Our team of experts is here to ensure your roof is in top condition and can withstand the harshest winter conditions.
Don’t wait until the first snowfall to address your roof’s hail damage – take action now to protect your home and investment. Stay warm, safe, and worry-free throughout the winter season with a well-maintained and damage free roof.
