Concerned About Hail Damage? Here's What to Do.

The strong winds, flying debris, and the wind-driven hail of a fast-moving hailstorm can result in real damage to your home — particularly to your roof, siding, and gutters. Damage to your home after hail the size of golf balls may not come as a surprise. Yet, many homeowners are unaware that even smaller hailstones can cause unexpected harm.

The extent and type of damage doesn't just depend on wind speed and the size of the hailstones when they reach the ground. It also depends, in large part, on the shape your home was in before the storm. Check out this article for tips on how to prepare for a hailstorm.

When the storm has passed, the first thing to do is take a look at your gutters or any metal flashing on your roof. If you have them, use binoculars to get a good view. If your gutters or flashing appear to have any dents or dings, you'll want to take a closer look at your roof.

Check out your deck and siding as well. If they appear to have dents that weren't there before, your roof should be your next stop.

Missing or torn shingles are the most obvious result of damage. Yet even if you don't see these clear-cut signs, be aware that there may be some less obvious types of hail damage.

Missing granules

You may notice that your gutters are clogged with tiny pellets or that some of your shingles seem darker than others. These are signs that the granules on the surface of your asphalt shingles have sloughed off, weakening the surface of the shingle.

Dings

Hail that strikes your roof with force can leave dings or actual small, round holes in the shingle's surface.

Cracks

The same forceful strike that causes dings can also result in cracks in your shingles that can allow moisture to seep through.

Exposed fiberglass

The shingle's underlying surface may become exposed, particularly if granules are missing and a tree limb, for example, has swept along the roof's surface.

Damage to siding and gutters from the hail itself, or from wind-driven debris is usually easier to see than roof damage. It's a good idea to do a thorough check of your home's exterior to evaluate any issues.

Whether or not insurance companies will cover property damage from a hailstorm depends on the individual policy. After evaluating your home and before making any repairs, consider whether you'll file a claim. If so, take photos of any damage and contact your insurance agent. Make only the emergency fixes that will make your home weather tight before your adjuster makes an assessment on the repair cost and coverage.

Thankfully, at McCoy's, we know just what to do. That's because we got our start in Galveston in the 1920s as a roofing business. In the more than 90 years since, we've sold quality roofing supplies and accessories at prices you can depend on, come rain or shine (or hail).

We carry a full line of shingles and roofing accessories. We're also a full-line dealer of James Hardie and LP Smart Side siding. We offer a wide array of vinyl and galvanized gutters and accessories to help you get your home back in tip-top shape.

Not sure what you need? Come on in, and we'll get you set up with the right solutions.