29 May What the Hail! How Hailstorms Impact Your Roof

While Central Florida is known for its diverse culture, resort hotels and family theme parks, it is also home to varying and extreme weather conditions. According to FSU’s Florida Climate Center, no other part of the nation has more thunderstorm activity than Florida. Hail is often a companion to the lightning, wind and rain during these intense storms. This precipitation is formed when rising warm and cool air meet, repeatedly sweeping moisture upward to form layer upon layer of ice. When ice pellets finally make their way to earth, these hailstones can be as large as grapefruits and deliver a violent attack with amazing force on land and property alike.
We recently saw our first major storm systems of the season; the Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1^st to November 30^th. Weather officials and construction experts caution homeowners to examine their house for existing damage and take precautions against future storms.Here are several things to consider when determining if your home has suffered hail damage.

• Talk to your neighbors.  Have they repaired or replaced their roofs due to hail damage?   Even if you don’t remember seeing hail, if your neighbor’s roof has suffered hail damage, chances are your home was also affected.

• Look at your home’s exterior.  Search closely for dents around window mullions and splatter marks.  Mullions are the vertical dividers between the sections of your windows, and are where visible dents may result from hailstone impact.  When soft hailstones, or sloshballs, strike they leave splatter marks removing oxidation, dust, dirt and microbial growth from exterior surfaces. The presence of dents or splatter marks is an indicator of possible roof damage.

• Call a professional.  If you suspect hail damage – or if it has been over a year since you have had your roof inspected – it is time to have a licensed roofing contractor take a look.  Bruised, torn or pitted shingles and dislodged trim or flashing can lead to water intrusion, wood rot and mold infestation.  Even minor damage that goes unattended can leave your home vulnerable and precipitate expensive major repairs.

• Next, prepare your home for the storms’ arrival.  Take a look around your yard and minimize flying debris by trimming loose branches, repairing fence posts, and properly storing lawn and patio furniture.  Have a household emergency plan, and be ready for severe weather and evacuation situations.

Don’t wait; a property damage inspection by a licensed contractor can help secure your home. And in spite of the hailstorm, you and your family will be covered to survive Florida’s aerial ammunition, and once more enjoy the many pleasures our Florida culture and climate have to offer.
Listen to “In the House with Ken & Jared” on WDBO’s News Talk FM96.5, and get more home tips and radio show info at the In the House Show website. For a free inspection and free estimate for your next Roof Repair, Roof Replacement, Siding or Home Improvement project,contact us or call now: 407-295-7403