Hail Damaged Roof: Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

In northern Illinois, asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material used on residential homes. You should be aware that hail and wind storms can cause a great deal of damage to asphalt shingle roofs. This may require replacing all or part of your asphalt shingle roof. Otherwise, the damage may later lead to water leaking into your attic and living space causing damage to ceilings and walls as well as your belongings.

Depending on the wind direction during a hail storm, some parts of your roof may sustain more hail damage than other parts. In fact some parts may have no damage to the asphalt roof shingles whatsoever. The extent of damage varies according to the size, shape, hardness and density of the hail. There is therefore no “rule of thumb” to go by.

Bruising occurs when hail crushes the shingles’ mat. This leaves dark spots about an inch or larger on the roof’s asphalt shingle. The broken mat compromises the ability to shed water. The hail damage can also loosen the granules on your asphalt roofing shingles. This causes the granules to separate from the coating and eventually wash away from the roof. The center of the shingle is exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet rays which may cause further damage.

Indicators of Potential Hail Damage To Your Roof 

Depending on size, hail may damage your homes’ shingles, air vents, gutters, skylights and roof flashing immediately upon impact. Generally smaller size hail will not damage your roof shingles. However, even numerous small hits over time may cause damage. In either case, water may eventually penetrate causing leaks and further damage.

Our advice is to inspect your asphalt shingle roof and siding immediately following a hailstorm in your area for tell-tale signs of hail damage. Even if you can not see it, this doesn’t mean damage to your asphalt shingles wasn’t cause by hail. If there is damage, ideally your asphalt shingle roof should be repaired or if necessary replaced as soon as possible following the storm.

Check cars, patio furniture, roof vents, fascia, gutters, siding and shutters for dents. Also check windows and skylights for cracks or breakage. Another indicator may be plants and trees near your home that were stripped of leaves.

Delaying repairs to your hail damaged roof can reduce its life expectancy, void warranties and ultimately lead to cracks and holes which turn into leaks. It may also leave you with additional cost in repairs when you try to sell your home.

If you are unable to inspect your roof by yourself, by all means have one of Euclid Roofing and Siding trained technicians do it for you. Call today at (847) 202-3740 for our free roof inspection.*

Maintain your peace of mind knowing Euclid Roofing and Siding   has you covered!

* Our Free, no obligation roofing inspection is a one time per address offer.

Did you know most towns and villages in the Northern Illinois area served by Euclid Roofing and Siding require contractors to be both registered with the municipality and to also obtain (pull) a building permit(Image Courtesy of InterNachi) to re-roof or install a new roof on your home? The additional requirement is the contractor must, of course, be a holder of a current State of Illinois Roofing Contractor License.

These requirements are ultimately meant to protect you, the home owner, against being burned by unscrupulous contractors or fly-by-nights. The cost is generally but a small part of the total cost to install a new residential roof. Whereas failing to do so may save you some money, it may ultimately cost you more in return in shoddy workmanship or inferior supplies.

Inspections covered by the fees insure certain requirements following code are followed. This may include items such as installation of ice and water shield, proper roof ventilation, etc.

We advise you to be leery of any roofing contractor wishing to work without following local code. Don’t take the chance! Always adhere to your local regulations. And rest assured, Euclid Roofing and Siding is a licensed Illinois Roofing Contractor and adheres to local requirements regarding registration and permits for installing roofs. Call Euclid Roofing and Siding today at (847) 202-3740 for your free roofing estimate.

Samples of Permit Requirements of references per Illinois towns, villages and counties for new or re-roof installations:

• Addison, Illinois
• Buffalo Grove, Illinois
• Cook County, Illinois
• Lake County, Illinois
• Norridge, Illinois
• Park Ridge, Illinois
• Rock Island, Illinois
• Round Lake, Illinois
• Skokie, Illinois
• Sugar Grove, Illinois

Selecting the right roofing material can greatly impact your home’s energy efficiency, an essential consideration for Chicago homeowners dealing with extreme weather variations.

Impact on Energy Efficiency

• Reflective Materials: Roofs made of reflective materials, such as cool roofs, reduce heat absorption, keeping your home cooler in the summer.

• Insulating Properties: Materials like asphalt shingles and metal roofing offer excellent insulation, maintaining a stable indoor temperature and reducing heating costs in the winter.

• Environmental Benefits: Energy-efficient roofs lower your home’s carbon footprint by reducing the need for heating and cooling systems.

Popular Energy-Efficient Roofing Materials

• Asphalt Shingles: Affordable and energy-efficient with proper insulation.
• Metal Roofing: Highly reflective and durable, offering long-term energy savings.
• Tile and Slate: Natural insulators that keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Benefits of Energy-Efficient Roofing

• Lower Utility Bills: Significantly reduce your heating and cooling costs.
• Increased Comfort: Maintain a consistent indoor temperature regardless of outdoor conditions.
• Enhanced Property Value: Energy-efficient homes are more attractive to buyers and can command higher prices on the market.

Conclusion

Investing in energy-efficient roofing materials can lead to substantial savings and increased comfort for Chicago homeowners. Contact Euclid Roofing & Siding to explore the best roofing options for enhancing your home’s energy efficiency.