How to Tell if Your Roof was Damaged by Hail and Wind in Oklahoma.

     Oklahomans are no strangers to severe weather. Hail can move through an area in just a few minutes, leaving behind damage that isn’t always obvious from the ground. Sometimes the shingles look fine at first glance, while gutters, vents, siding, or other parts of the property show signs that a storm came through.

Knowing what to look for after a storm can help you catch problems before they turn into bigger and more expensive repairs.

Start With the Shingles

One of the biggest problems with hail damage is that it isn’t always obvious from the ground.

A shingle may have damage that looks like a small dark spot or slight bruise. Other damage may be difficult to identify without getting close to the roof and knowing what you’re looking for.

The roof is the first place most people think to check, but hail damage isn’t always easy to spot.

You may also notice areas where the protective granules have been knocked loose, exposing the darker material underneath. Cracked, broken, or chipped shingles are another sign worth paying attention to.

It’s always a good idea to have the roof looked at more closely after a severe storm. Hail stones as small as 3/4 of an inch can damage or even total a roof.

Walking around on a roof without the proper equipment and experience can be dangerous, especially when shingles are wet or damaged.

If you don’t feel comfortable inspecting the roof yourself, you can call us for a No-Cost inspection.

Don’t Overlook Wind Damage

Hail isn’t the only thing that can damage a roof during an Oklahoma storm. Strong winds can lift shingles, loosen flashing, damage ridge caps, and in more severe cases, tear shingles completely off the roof.

Look around the yard after a storm for loose or missing shingles, but don’t assume the roof is fine if you don’t find any. Wind can lift the edges of shingles or break their seal without removing them completely. Those areas can become vulnerable to water intrusion during the next storm.

Don’t Forget the Gutters and Downspouts

Your gutters can provide another clue that your property was hit by hail.

Look for dents, dings, or areas where the metal has been noticeably damaged. Aluminum gutters and downspouts can show hail impacts fairly easily because the metal can bend or dent from relatively small impacts.

If the gutters were damaged during the same storm, it’s worth taking a closer look at the roof as well.

Check the Roof Vents and Other Metal

Roof vents, flashing, chimney components, and other exposed metal can also show evidence of a hailstorm.

Dents or impact marks on these surfaces can help indicate the direction and severity of the storm. While a few dents don’t necessarily mean the entire roof needs to be replaced, they are worth documenting and having evaluated along with the rest of the roof.

Look Around the Rest of the Property

Hail doesn’t only hit the roof.

Take a walk around the property and look at siding, window screens, exterior trim, fences, outdoor equipment, and other exposed surfaces. Hail can leave dents, chips, cracks, or small holes in these materials.

Your air-conditioning condenser is another area worth checking. The fins on the outdoor unit can be bent by hail, which can affect airflow through the unit.

Finding damage in several areas around the property can provide a better picture of what happened during the storm.

What Should You Do After a Hailstorm?

If you believe your property was affected by a storm, start by taking photographs of anything you can safely document from the ground.

It’s also helpful to write down the approximate date of the storm and keep photographs of any damage to the roof, gutters, siding, screens, or other property.

If you’re concerned about the condition of your roof, having it properly inspected can help determine whether there is actual storm damage and what needs to be addressed.

Avoid making unnecessary repairs before the damage has been documented, particularly if you intend to contact your insurance company about the loss.

Oklahoma Weather Can Be Hard on a Roof

Oklahoma roofs deal with plenty of sun, wind, hail, and severe thunderstorms throughout the year. A roof that looks perfectly normal from the driveway can still have damage that deserves attention after a significant storm.

Taking a few minutes to inspect the property after severe weather can help you catch problems early.

For homeowners who suspect their roof has been affected by hail or other storm damage, OL’ Red Roofing and Restoration provides roofing, guttering, siding, insulation and restoration services for Oklahoma homeowners. A professional inspection can help determine what condition the roof is actually in and whether repairs or further work may be necessary.

To contact us call 918-200-9578 or, check out our website! The Honest As Dog Roofers | Schedule Your Free Inspection Today