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 ZEO Roofing;s trained technicians do it for you. Call today at 224-400-9500 for our free roof inspection*. Maintain your peace of mind knowing ZEO Roofing has you covered!

Dealing With Your Home Owner’s Insurance

At ZEO Roofing, we understand, as does your insurance carrier, that a proper roof helps protect you as well as the insurance company from further claims and losses. We will assist you in filing a claim only if we find damage to your roof which is typical of a hail storm.

Most insurance carriers inspect a 10 foot by 10 foot area on each of your roof’s slopes for a specific number of bruised or broken asphalt shingles. They also inspect for dented gutters, downspouts, siding, etc. If determined as a partial or total loss, the damages will be repaired and you will be compensated less your deductible.

As your representative ZEO Roofing deals with your insurance company and helps you through the process of submitting claims. We determine the extent of damage and costs of repairs, as well as a time frame to complete the necessary repairs. We meet with your insurance adjuster to help determine final disposition and making sure your claim is processed and paid.

Call 224-400-9500 TODAY to set up a free, no obligation roofing inspection* by one of our trained technicians to determine how much, if any, hail damage to your roof has happened. Or for an estimate on other repairs or re-roofing your home.

ZEO Roofing is licensed in Illinois, bonded and insured.

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

Photo Courtesy of State Farm