Hail is a common occurrence during thunderstorms. Even small hailstones can affect the structural integrity of your roof, requiring roof repairs to address broken or cracked shingles. Understanding how hail may impact your roofing will help you know what to do following a storm. To help you protect your home, here’s a guide to what hail does and how to safeguard your unit against this element.

The Cost of Hail Damage

According to the Insurance Information Institute, hail caused more than $1.8 billion worth of damage in 2017. Over a twenty-year period spanning from 1996 to 2016, hail storms were responsible for $29.7 billion in commercial and residential losses. Since they’re wide and located high up, roofs are susceptible to hail damage during a storm.

Stones large and small can be incredibly dense and create cracks or holes on asphalt shingles. Strong winds also alter the way hail hits the surface, which can exacerbate the issue. The older the roof, the more likely it is to sustain cracks upon impact.

How to Protect Your Roof Before a Storm

While scheduling timely roof repairs is a must after the damage has occurred to prevent leaks, there are steps you can take to avoid issues in the first place. If you have an older unit with missing shingles and gaps, consider having it replaced now. A stronger roof will be able to hold up against storm damage much better than one that’s already been compromised. Missing shingles may also allow for water infiltration, which may harm surrounding shingles and lead to wet attic insulation.

When making a roof repair, you may also choose a shingle material that is more resistant to hail. For example, plastic shingles are highly durable in all types of weather.

American Roofing in Anchorage, AK, carries a variety of the very best shingles on the market. If you’ve experienced hail damage, they’ll assess your roof and offer an affordable and effective repair solution. Along with roof repairs, they provide new installation. Additionally, all services are fully licensed and bonded so you can rest assured that you’ll be satisfied when work is completed. Call (907) 345-8700 to schedule an appointment or visit their website to learn more about the services they provide.