Several neighborhoods in Central and East Omaha were hit by a surprise hailstorm storm Wednesday night. Softball-sized hail was reported in some areas!
Hail of any size can be very destructive, causing damage to windows, roofs, siding, and gutters. Here are some tips from the Rooferees to help you assess if your home has been damaged by hail.
· Leaking Roof – Water in your home is a good sign of roof damage. Look for signs of water on the ceilings in the top floor of your home. If you see water in the basement, clogged downspouts or drains might be the cause.
· Visible Roof Damage – Look for loose or missing shingles. If you can safely view your roof from a second-story window or a ladder on the ground (for a single-story roof), look for missing, loose, or broken shingles which can indicate that the roof has suffered damage.
· Asphalt granules – Check the perimeter of your house for loose asphalt granules, which may be a sign of damaged shingles. Run water from the garden hose in the gutters and downspouts to watch for granules as the water washes out.
· Dents on vehicles, downspouts, or siding – Most downspouts are made of aluminum, and if you notice dents in the downspouts, or on vehicles left unprotected, it’s likely your roof has also more than likely been damaged.
Keep in mind that the average life span of an asphalt roof in a freeze and thaw environment like ours is 15-20 years. If your roof has suffered hail damage, or is in need of a replacement, it is important to use a local company, not a stormchaser. This can save you money – and headaches down the road.
