Is My Roof Needing Repair?

Identifying roof damage is a pivotal aspect of being a homeowner. Roof damage can be caused by an assortment of different factors such as high winds, extreme hot/cold temperatures, large gusts of wind, and falling objects such as tree branches. Damages to roofs should be repaired immediately to prevent any additional damage from materializing.

While inspecting your roof for damage it is important to look for obvious signs of damage such as fallen debris on or nearby your home. If you do come across fallen debris it is important that you inspect the surrounding roof areas of your home for such damages as cracked or broken shingles.

Upon inspecting your roof for damages you may come across areas of the roof that may be missing shingles completely. Most of the time this is due to high winds, and the missing shingles can usually be found in the surrounding area. Shingles can come off in complete sections or randomly dispersed throughout the entirety of the roof.

Water damage and leaking in the attic can also occur do to exterior roof damages. Water stains and any discoloration on the plywood underneath the shingles may be apparent signs that you might have damages to your roof.

Homeowners are encouraged to routinely inspect their homes for any roof damages throughout the year. If you do come across any damages it is recommended that you contact a roofing expert to get the proper advice on how to immediately fix any damages and to prevent additional damages from occurring.

Call Bella Roofing for advice/help... 817-313-9353

Preventative Maintenance

Although some roof systems take less maintenance than others, all roof systems should be checked periodically to be sure that they are free of debris and drains are clear. Bella Roofing recommends that you inspect your roof quarterly.

The best preventative maintenance that one can do is perform semi-annual inspections to identify and solve problems as they occur. Roofs get more abuse from the elements than any other part of the building, and preventative maintenance is a key element to saving money on your roof by providing a longer service life. This section will provide some general guidelines to help keep your roof in good working condition for as long as possible.

Asphalt Shingles

* Clean all debris from the surface of the roof. This includes debris that has gathered behind HVAC units, pipes and pitch pans, and any other roof penetrations. Debris has a tendency to hold water, and water will expedite roof deterioration, especially if your roof is asphalt based such as a built-up roof or asphalt shingles.
* If your roof is starting to collect moss or algae, install some zinc or lead control strips.
* Check all flashings and make sure that they are not deteriorated and there are no holes in them.
* Keep algae off of the roof surface. Install zinc control strips along the hips and ridges if necessary.
* Dab some roof cement under any loose shingle tabs. One dab on either side should do.
* Replace any damaged shingles.
* Keep all gutter free of debris. Make sure that the downspouts are draining properly by water testing them.
* Trim back any overhanging tree branches.
* Check the open valley metal for rust. Wire brush the rust then prime and paint the metal. If rust is prevalent, it can be removed using Rust-Away® Oxidation and Corrosion Remover. Manufactured by Hocking International, 2121 Hoover Ave., National City, CA 91950. Ph: 619/474-8457 Fax: 619/477-5630. It works very well. Paint the valley with Rustoleum® or similar product afterward.
* Check all caulking and sealants. Scrape and remove any caulking that is weather cracked and damaged. Clean the area thoroughly. Use a wire brush if necessary. Reapply a polyurethane caulking such Vulkem, NP-1, or equivalent.
* Check the mortar on chimneys and parapet walls, both in between the brick and on top. If it’s damaged or deteriorated, have it tuck-pointed. Any mason can perform this work.

Built-Up and Modified Bitumen Roofs

* Clean all debris from the surface of the roof. This includes debris that has gathered behind HVAC units, pipes and pitch pans, and any other roof penetrations. Debris has a tendency to hold water, and water will expedite roof deterioration, especially if your roof is asphalt based such as a built-up roof or asphalt shingles.
* If your roof has a gravel surfacing and there are some bare spots present, clean the bare spot thoroughly using a broom and a wire brush if necessary. Be sure to remove all loose dirt generated from brushing and sweeping. Blow on the area if need be. Spread a thin layer of asphalt roof cement (mastic) over the bare area about 1/8 inch thick. Gather some loose gravel from other areas of the roof and embed it in the roof cement.
* Check all flashings and make sure that they are not deteriorated and there are no holes in them.
* Check the edge metal. Make sure that it isn’t separating at the seams. If it is, then the repairs need to be made as soon as possible. This can usually be done easily by yourself or by any local qualified contractor.
* Check for blisters in the roof. DO NOT STEP ON OR PUNCTURE THEM. Call a local qualified contractor to patch them.
* Clean out and refill any pitch pockets where the filler is cracked and/or shrinking.
* Keep all gutter free of debris. Make sure that the downspouts are draining properly by water testing them.
* Water test any sump drains twice per year. Once in the spring and once in the fall before winter sets in. If they don’t drain properly, call a plumber and get them working properly. Drains will often leak if they are holding water.
* Trim back any overhanging tree branches.
* Check all caulking and sealants on flashings and copings. Scrape and remove any caulking that is weather cracked and damaged. Clean the area thoroughly. Use a wire brush if necessary. Reapply a polyurethane caulking such Vulkem, NP-1, or equivalent.
* Check the mortar on chimneys and parapet walls, both in between the brick and on top. If it’s damaged or deteriorated, have it tuck-pointed. Any mason can perform this work.

Wood Shakes and Shingles

* Clean all debris from the surface of the roof. This includes debris that has gathered behind HVAC units, pipes and pitch pans, and any other roof penetrations. If your roof is starting to collect moss or algae, install some zinc or lead control strips.
* Keep all fungus and algae from the surface. Install zinc control strips along the hips and ridges if necessary.
* Check all flashings and make sure that they are not deteriorated and there are no holes in them.
* Keep all gutters free of debris. Make sure that the downspouts are draining properly by water testing them.
* Trim back any overhanging tree branches.
* Check all caulking and sealants. Scrape and remove any caulking that is weather cracked and damaged. Clean the area thoroughly. Use a wire brush if necessary. Reapply a polyurethane caulking such Vulkem, NP-1, or equivalent.
* Check the mortar on the chimney, both in between the brick and on top. If it’s damaged or deteriorated, have it tuck-pointed. Any mason can perform this work.
* Check the open valley metal for rust. Wire brush the rust then prime and paint the metal. If rust is prevalent, it can be removed using Rust-Away® Oxidation and Corrosion Remover. Manufactured by Hocking International, 2121 Hoover Ave., National City, CA 91950. Ph: 619/474-8457 Fax: 619/477-5630. This stuff works very well.

Single-Ply Roofs

* Remove all debris from the roof surface. This includes vegetation, dirt, loose nails and screws, unused equipment, etc. With a single-ply roof, you have only one layer of protection, so if a nail head gets stepped on and penetrates that one thin layer, then eventually there will be a leak.
* Check the seams. If they are coming apart, then they need to be patched as soon as possible.
* Check all flashings and make sure that they are not deteriorated and there are no holes in them.
* Check the edge metal. Make sure that it isn’t separating at the seams. If it is, then the repairs need to be made as soon as possible. This can usually be done easily by yourself or by any local qualified contractor.
* Check for bubbles and blisters in the roof. DO NOT STEP ON OR PUNCTURE THEM. Call a local qualified contractor to patch them.
* Clean out and refill any pitch pockets where the filler is cracked and/or shrinking. .
* Keep all gutters free of debris. Make sure that the downspouts are draining properly by water testing them.
* Water test any sump drains twice per year. Once in the spring and once in the fall before winter sets in. If they don't drain properly, call a plumber and get them working properly. Drains will often leak if they are holding water.
* Trim back any overhanging tree branches.
* Check all caulking and sealants on flashings and copings. Scrape and remove any caulking that is weather cracked and damaged. Clean the area thoroughly. Use a wire brush if necessary. Reapply a polyurethane caulking such Vulkem, NP-1, or equivalent.
* Check the mortar on chimneys and parapet walls, both in between the brick and on top. If it’s damaged or deteriorated, have it tuck-pointed. Any mason can perform this work.

Sprayed Polyurethane Foam (SPF)

* Clean all debris from the surface of the roof. This includes debris that has gathered behind HVAC units, pipes and pitch pans, and any other roof penetrations. Debris has a tendency to hold water, and water will expedite roof deterioration.
* Keep an eye on any blisters you see. If they get large enough that they split open, you will need to contact a foam contractor to repair them but they still should not leak.
* Any yellow exposed foam should be covered with polyurethane caulking.
* Any splits, punctures, or other forms of damage to the roof should be repaired using polyurethane caulking.
* Trim back any overhanging tree branches.
* Clean out all drains and water-test to ensure they aren't plugged.
* Check all caulking and sealants. Scrape and remove any caulking that is weather cracked and damaged. Clean the area thoroughly. Use a wire brush if necessary. Reapply a polyurethane caulking such Vulkem, NP-1, or equivalent.
* Check the mortar on chimneys and parapet walls, both in between the brick and on top. If it’s damaged or deteriorated, have it tuck-pointed. Any mason can perform this work.

How to Spot Wind Damage to Your Roof

Following a strong wind storm, it is critical for homeowners to inspect their roof for damage. Spotting even minor damage to shingles and other parts of your roof can save major headaches for you down the road. Even minor failures in these roof components can leave your home unprotected from the elements, leading to costly repairs from water damage, mold and rot.

Here are a few things to look for if you fear your roof may be damaged due to high wind damage:

-Loose or missing shingles
-Loose or exposed shingles
- Interior water damage
- Fallen branches in and around your yard

As a homeowner, spotting these irregularities quickly and reporting them to your roofing repair service like Bella Roofing can often result in a simple repair. Or in cases where a weather event has significantly damaged the roof, we can work with you and your insurance agency on filing a claim to replace the roof.

Ways To Prevent A Leaking Roof

A leaking roof is the last thing that you need especially on a rainy night. Fortunately, you can prevent leaky roofs by following these simple steps, all aimed at taking care of the situation beforehand.

1. Check out the Most Likely Roof Leak Spots

The most likely places where you will get a roof leak are the chimney, plumbing vent flashing, skylights, furnace shingles, and missing shingles. It may be difficult for you to identify the problematic area in the absence of rain and therefore you may have to do the identification during wet weather.

Most leak spots are never directly above the location where the dripping occurs on the ceiling. For this reason, locating the exact spot may require you to start in the attic. Following leak stains is another way to find leak spots. Leak stains will normally be observed around skylights, chimneys, and vents.

2. Repairing Leaks in Shingle Roofing

One of the easiest leaky roof repair jobs that you can do is when the problem is identified as bent-back shingles. Here, the solution involves replacing the damaged shingles. Remove the layer of shingles above the damaged ones and then replace them with new ones.

3. Problems with Collars and Flashings

Pipes are also a major cause of leaking roofs and the troublesome spots will mostly involve the collars and flashings. These immediately call for new replacements. Pipe leaks may also require some extra work in terms of observing if the wood beneath the roof is soft from water damage. Such wood surfaces do rot with time and thus they become unreliable. The situation may require you to re-roof the house depending on the extent of the damage.

So you need to hire a roofing contractor?

Depending on how long you live at any one particular location you may, at some point, have to replace the roof of your house. More than likely you won't be able to do the job by yourself, so you'll need to find a reliable roofing contractor. Roofing contractors should be knowledgeable in the areas of; flashing and gutters, potential/common problem areas, an array of available materials and which ones will work for your particular home, and local building codes. The roofing contractor should be able to answer all of your roofing questions.

Don't just talk to one contractor. Compile a list of several, interview them, and ask those you're impressed with to bid on your job. Some of the information you should collect from them includes:

1. How long they've been in business

2. What type of insurance coverage they carry

3. Their business license number

4. Whether they hold the contracting licenses required by your state

5. Ask for multiple references

6. Check with your local Better Business Bureau as any trade associations that pertain to home building

7. You should also be sure to check the references they provided you

Once you have interviewed the prospective contractors on your list, start collecting proposals from them. It's fine to narrow the field by getting estimates, but when it comes time to select someone, you need to put your agreement in writing in the form of a proposal. Things to consider include product warranty and workmanship guarantees, what sort of building permits you'll need, hours of work and the project completion date, site safety and clean-up rules, information regarding any subcontractors they use, and proof of payment by your roofer. Make sure you have a well written contract. You also need to specify the materials you choose and include details regarding how and when you'll pay as well as any laws regarding property liens if you can't pay on time.

Once you've hired a roofing contractor, be prepared to work closely with them when selecting colors and design.

Roof Maintenance Checklist

A well maintained roof will last longer under normal circumstances than a roof that was neglected.

Here is a roof maintenance checklist for you to use as a guide in keeping your roof in one piece:

1. Clean all gutters and downspout. Make sure there is nothing that will cause a block. As added protection you could put screens over the gutters to keep debris out and allow the rain and water to flow off of the roof.

Checking the gutters should be done every few months to make sure water does not end up standing on the roof for a long period of time. More frequent checks should be done during the fall months to make sure leaves and so forth are not clogging your drains.

2. Examine the shingles on top of the house. You should be looking for signs of wear and or damage.

Inspections on the shingles should be done quarterly.

3. Look around the chimney or other opening/joining of surfaces. Take note of any irregularities. This can include bubble or lifting of the shingles, broken or cracked shingles and so forth. Immediately replace and do necessary repairs before there is a problem.

This should be done every two to three months. If harsh weather is typical for your area you might want to do this more frequently. This will help you catch a potential problem in the making before the problem actually occurs.

4. Look at your landscaping. If the trees that are near your home are overgrown or have branches hanging over or touching your roof you need to remove them.

5. Look for any signs of water damage in your home. You should look close to the ceiling on the top floor of your home.

Now that you have a basic roof maintenance checklist to use as your guide, you should know what to look for and when to look for it. Knowing your roof condition and keeping potential problems at bay is essential for extending the life of your roof and keeping your money in your wallet.

Heat Related Roof Damages

You must choose the right type of roofing that can withstand extreme weather conditions especially if you live in an area that is exposed to constant high winds, heat, hail, rain, and snow. We are now in the dog days of summer where the temperatures outside are hot, and the temperatures on our roofs are even hotter. In extreme heat, residential roofs can suffer a significant amount of damage that can reduce the life of a roof. We at Bella Roofing are here to help you with the right roofing choice to ensure minimal weather related and other issues for a long to come.

Here are some common heat related roof damages to look out for when inspecting you own roof.


Cracks
If your home features asphalt, wood or tile shingles, cracking may occur with aging and weather damage. Drying and cracking of the felt material beneath occurs when the shingles are exposed due to splitting for a long period of time. This leads to leakage that has to be addressed with the help of professional roofers immediately.

Minor Heat Cracking

Minor heat cracking occurs as the roof ages. It is one of the first signs that the roof is nearing the end of its useful life. In most cases the roof can still be certified for one to three years, depending on the severity of the heat cracking.

Major Heat Cracking

When a roof has been heat cracking for an extended period of time, it becomes major heat cracking. At this point the roof has reached the end of its useful life and is not certifiable.

BlisteringBlistering is another major cause of shortened roof life. With aging of the roof and with exposure to elements, open or closed bubbles form leading to blistering. Build up of moisture occurs due to the exposed felt and this in turn shortens the life of shingles.

Minor Blistering

As the roof gets older it starts to blister. Blisters expose the mat and shorten the life of the shingles. Blisters are raised areas either open or closed. Open blisters expose the mat of the shingle. Closed blisters are a bubble in the granules and will become open when they pop.

Loss of Granules
With aging and with constant exposure to harsh weather conditions, granules are lost thereby exposing the felt matting to elements. This in turn results in shortened shingle life. It is normal for shingles to lose some of granules over time.

These are just a few of the heat related damages that can occur to a residential roof. Residential roofs have to be maintained well. They must be inspected by professionals at least once a year to detect and repair any damage. We offer expert roofing consultation and services backed by well trained professionals. Call us instantly for roof replacement or roof repairs.


The team at Bella Roofing would love to offer a quote and proposal to help you with your roof.
Please call us at   (817) 313-9353 or email your request to info@BellaRoofingus.com .

How to File an Insurance Claim for Roof Hail Damage

Claims for hail damage to roofs is on the increase due to a recent eruption of thunderstorms that have hit DFW and surrounding ares. If you live in an area where you can get hail large enough to possibly cause damage to your roof, you will want to know how and when to file an insurance claim for damages. If you are not sure whether your home has been damaged by hail , start by calling us a Bella Roofing and we will help you inspect any damages you might have. All of our sales personnel have been trained in a similar manner as your insurance adjuster and can also walk you through the steps of settling your claim.

Suggested steps to take when filing an insurance claim:

1. Note the date. If you know for sure that you've recently had a hail storm, note the date. You'll need this date to file a claim.

2. Get a qualified opinion. If you suspect you have damage to your roof from a hail storm, get an opinion from qualified roofing companies, such as us here at Bella Roofing.

3. Meeting the roofing companies. When the roofing companies come, spend some time getting to know them and ask about the service they provide. At Bella we will provide you with the highest quality workmanship, materials and service you deserve when replacing, repairing or installing your roof. Ask them all if they'd be willing to be there when the insurance adjuster comes to access the damage. Our experts here at Bella are more than willing to work with you and your claims adjuster in settling your claim.

4. Filing the claim. If the roofing companies recommended you call in a claim, just call your insurance company and tell them you want to file a claim for hail damage. They will then requests all the important dates and data from you and will probably also ask if you have any interior damage. In most states you have up to one year to file a claim for any damages.

5. Meeting the insurance adjuster. The adjuster will take about a half hour to access and take picture of any damage and then explain the next steps to you. Some companies may give you a settlement quote right then, but many can take up to a couple weeks. When the adjuster is done, you contractor, or contractors, will probably compare notes with the adjuster mainly to see if the total roof measurements are about the same. In a case where the adjuster states they didn't think there was any significant damage, ask your contractor to debate it with them. Even if you didn't have one there at the time, and you later tell your roofing company what the adjuster said, most insurance companies will send their adjuster back to discuss with your contractor.

6. Getting the work done. If your insurance company approves your claim, you will most likely get enough, less your deductible, to complete the work. If it's not enough, your contractor should help you dispute the amount based on the work needed. They are just holding back some of the money until the work is complete. So, if they hold back $600 for depreciation and the actual cost of work is a little more then they sent you, all you have to do is send them a letter of completion from your contractor with the exact amount when the work is done and they'll send you the difference.

Recent DFW Area Hail Damage

Hail, hail, hail. Due to several recent hail storms that erupted in the DFW area many home owners have suffered significant hail damage to their roofs. Are you one of these unfortunate home owners that suffered damage to their roofs? If so call us at Bella Roofing. Our trained professional staff will come out to your residence and inspect any damages you might have as well as provide you with a free estimate, and are more than willing to assist you with your insurance claim.

All of our sales personnel have been trained in a similar manner as your insurance adjuster and can also walk you through the steps of settling your claim. We will provide you with the highest quality workmanship, materials and service you deserve when replacing, repairing or installing your roof.

You can be assured that your home or your commercial property is in good hands when you call on Bella. Our seasoned professionals have a broad range of construction experience, from roofing, to home building, to commercial construction and we can assist you in almost any size project. So don't wait, give us a call at Bella where "We've got you covered".

Some of the Most Common Roof Leak Locations

Finding the source of some leaks is easy. Others will require detective work and possibly a garden hose and an inside spotter. If you don't feel comfortable on a roof, you will have to find an honest roofer to assist you. Sometimes this can be as hard as finding the smallest leak. Here are some tips that may help you find a pesky roof leak.

Chimneys

Chimneys contain four different types of flashing. All must be right or you will have a leak. Plus, the counterflashing that goes into the brick mortar joint must be right. A hairline crack above the flashing can allow vast amounts of water to run behind the flashings. Look for soldered corners of flashing that might have broken or have holes. Do not use caulk to repair these flashings.

Ice Dam Leaks

These leaks can happen even if everything on your roof is just fine. Ice dams block the natural flow of water down a roof. The water begins to back up under flashings, shingles, tar paper, etc. Once water begins to flow into the house, it can drip for days. The only means of prevention is to install membranes under the roofing. The membranes won't stop the ice but will stop water leaks if installed properly.

Wind and Rain Leaks

Wind driven rain can also be a major problem. You could actually have a good roof and wind will drive water up and under your roofing materials. The only lines of defense are tar paper and the ice dam membranes.

If you have metal valleys, you may want to hem the edges. This means that the hidden edges of the valley actual have a 180 degree bend. This creates a channel that directs wind blown rain back to the bottom of the valley.

Roof Ventilation

Attic ventilation is an important part of roofing. Proper attic ventilation extends the life of a roof and reduces problems because it minimizes the temperature differential between the attic and the air outside. Proper ventilation will remove moisture and heat from the attic. Trapped heat and moisture can raise energy costs, cause ice dams, and damage roof system components as well as structural and personal items located inside the attic where temperatures can easily reach 150° F. Condensation that forms inside attics can be caused by the use of washing machines, dish washers, bath tubs, showers, and tumble driers unless these items are properly ventilated through the roof. In some cases the condensation can be bad enough to be mistaken for a roof leak.

Roof vents become particularly important in the summertime because without them them attic of a home can become extremely hot resulting in cracking wood and premature aging. The heat buildup can also make your air conditioning less efficient, or if you don't have any AC it can make the home unbearably hot in the warmer months. Either way, you are faced with higher energy bills. If you have air conditioning you will be turning up the thermostat during the summer months.

Roof ventilation is also very important in the winter months. If you have a poor ventilation system it will cause condensation to build up inside your attic due to the warm air from appliances and showers, as previously stated above. There is a host of problems that will occur as a result, including wood rot and mold. Sometimes the condensation can become so intense during the winter months that it will begin to appear as a roof leak.

There a two different kinds a roof vents that you will find in a proper ventilation system. There are intake vents that are located around the eaves, and there are exhaust vents that are found near the ridge line of your roof. The only way to tell if your roof ventilation system is working properly is to hire a roofing contractor who can inspect your attic. So give us a call at Belle Roofing and we will send out one of our experts to see if your roof is properly ventilated today.

How to Detect Roof Hail Damage

Spring has arrived once again bringing rain, thunderstorms and even hailstorms to all areas. It is this time of year that insurance claims for hail damage are more prevalent than any other time of the year. It is estimated that every year hail damage to residential homes costs more then $1.6 billion, year in and year out making it one of the costliest natural disasters. After a hailstorm it can be hard to detect any damages to roof shingles, it is recommended that you look at the vents and gutter downspouts to detect possible damage. It is important that after a heavy rainstorm, or any hailstorm, that you take a walk around your house and look for any signs of possible damage to you shingles and roof in general.

Steps to Detect Roof Hail Damage:

1. Check around the downspouts. Hail damage is when hail strikes the shingles of a roof with such impact that it degrades the shingles. In most cases, an untrained eye can’t see the damage. If you suspect damage but are unable to visually see any damage call our experts at Belle Roofing, and we will send out one of our roofing experts to assist you. If you have asphalt shingles on your home you will want to check around the downspouts for excessive tile granules.

2. Inspect your roof for possible leaks. Hail damage is not always visual from the outside you could possibly have internal damage to your roof such as leaks. Many times than not hail damage is not detected immediately causing headaches for homeowners. Leaks do not always appear right after a hailstorm but develop slowly over time due to hail damage. As damaged shingles degrade your roof may begin to leak. Inspect your interior ceiling after heavy rains and any hailstorm for any apparent water damage. Over time leaks, if undetected, can cause thousands of dollars in damages for homeowners.

3. Inspect your roof. If POSSIBLE you might want to get on top of your roof and take a walk around, inspecting your roof for any possible signs of hail damage. Of course, not all homeowners have the option or the desire to inspect their owns roofs. In this case Belle Roofing will happily send out one of our trained roofing specialist to inspect your roof for any possible damages for you.

4. Take action. Once you have followed the above steps you need to contact you insurance provider to possibly file a claim and to see what options you as a homeowner might have for repairing your damaged roof.

Please feel free to contact us at Belle Roofing for any questions that you may have regarding any possible damages to your roof. One of our roofing experts will come out to your residence to answer any questions, inspect your roof, and let you know what options are available to you.

Hail Storm?

When hail storms come thundering along, they mean trouble of a particular kind for your roof. No roofing system is hail-proof. But there are roofing materials with hail-resistance ratings. These are provided by the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM).

You can choose a material rated one through four (four being most resistant.) They achieve this rating by dropping a steel ball from a predetermined height onto the roofing material and determining the damage.

Many roofs carry this rating. For steep slope, these roofs include some metal roofs, some tile and some composition shingles. For flat roofs, these are some gravel-surfaced built-up, and some spray foam (with the right coating system), and just a few others.

Installing a Class IV hail resistant roof may qualify you for lower insurance premiums, depending on where you live. Call your agent for verification. Keep this in mind, too: not many agents and adjusters will know the specifics about hail resistant roofs. Consult either a good roofing contractor or your local roofing supply warehouse.

Since World War II scientists have tried many techniques to lessen the damage from hail storms. The most well-known technique involved "seeding" large thunderstorms with silver iodide. The theory was that the resulting small hail would probably melt and therefore not cause any damage. Unfortunately other experiments using this technique were not successful, and hail suppression remains elusive.

Another novel technique to supress hail was recently installed in a company parking lot by an auto manufacturer trying to protect its inventory of newly painted cars. Under certain thunderstorm conditions detected by the company's own radars, a cannon-like device will send sonic waves up to 50,000 feet in the air to keep hailstones from forming. Now they must wait for a hailstorm to pass over the parking lot to test the device!

Hail-Resistant Roof Options

As winter temperatures begin to fade, increasingly higher temperatures begin to take over bringing spring storms with them. Every year thousands of homeowners suffer damages to their roofs from storms causing them serious headaches. One of the major contributors of roof damage when dealing with spring storms is hail.

Strong to moderate hailstorms can cause damages to a roof. The difficult part to assessing damages to your roof after a hailstorm is that you may not be able to see the damages right away. Different types of materials will experience different types of damages.

There isn’t anything such as a ‘hail-proof’ roof, but there are some types of roofing materials that can be labeled ‘hail-resistant’ that may reduce the amount of damage inflicted to a roof. In general, clay tile and wood roofs are not likely to survive many hailstorms unscathed. Concrete tile, composite shingles and metal roofs are more likely to endure hail with minimal or no damage. If you are interested in a ‘hail-resistant’ roofing system a Belle Roofing specialist can advise you on what is available for your home.

Composite shingles are designed to protect your roof from water by using a tar/asphalt layer covered by gravel and granules that protect the tar from the UV rays of the sun. This means that hail can cause future damage to a roof by dislodging the granules on the surface of shingles. Over time it is important that you track any damages to your shingles by looking for granules in gutters of your roof and by giving your roof a general inspection from time to time after large storms.

The good news is that most damage from hailstorms is cosmetic and won’t adversely affect the life of the roof. If you have any questions or suspect that you may have damages your roof it is best that you don’t wait and contact or roofing experts at Belle Roofing.

Hail Damage Roof Repair

If you live in an area that is considered to be a prime location for hail storms, your home or business is extremely susceptible to roof damage. If you suffer any hail damage you can call our experts at Bella Roofing. Our helpful, knowledgeable, roofing experts will be there to help you with any damage to your roof.

Typically, hail must be around 1 1/4 inches in diameter to cause damage to either heavy composite shingles or wood shake shingles. Composite shingles made of lightweight materials may sustain damage from hailstones as small as 1 inch in diameter. If you already have some signs of wear or deterioration on any composite shingles, hail may damage your roof if it is 3/4 inch to 1 inch in diameter.

If a hail storm has recently passed through your area, you should have your roof inspected by a professional. One determinate of whether you may have hail or wind damage to your roof is to pay close attention to any other damage that may be observable after a storm. A tell-tell sign of hail damage is if you see a significant amount of shingle granules at the ends of downspouts. If you see these granules in your downspouts, you may have damage to your roof.

If you suspect that you may have damage to your roof due to a recent hail storm, contact us at Bella Roofing and we will send out one of our roofing experts to give you an expert roofing opinion.

Rain and Water Damage

Water underneath singles and other roofing materials can cause extensive damage to your roof that will eventually filter down into your home and cause extra damage there as well. Water damage to you roof can lead to moisture collection on a roof deck or other areas and cause roof structures to rot. In addition, the extra moisture may encourage moss and algae growth in other areas of you house, including ceilings, walls, electrical systems, and insulation.

Rain can invade your roof in any number of ways. Exposed roof nails, previous wind damage, hail damage, and flashing deterioration all provide avenues for rain and water to seep into your roofing materials. While roof flashing is designed to keep wind-driven rain and moisture from penetrating seams on your roof, any small flaw or deterioration of flashing will allow water to leak into your house.

Left unchecked rain, or water can damage the frame of your house and cause harmful mold, mildew, and ultimately rotter-wood problems. If you think your roof might have sustained damage, you should have your roof thoroughly inspected for new roof warning signs by one of our expert roofing inspectors at Bella Roofing before added damage occurs in your home .

Wind Damage

When you think of wind damaging your home, you usually think it takes a hurricane, tornado, sever thunderstorm, or an extreme winter storm to cause any major damage. But, wind doesn't have to be that strong to cause roof damage to your home. Gusts of wind at 75 to 85 miles per hour can easily raise poorly-sealed shingles off your home in a second, exposing your roof to possible rain and water damage.

With your roof being the last and first defense between you and your family and the elements, you want to be aware of the damage that wind can do to your home. During high-wind weather events, wind speeds fluctuate and sometimes even change directions. Consequently, roofing materials are lifted up, allowing debris to lodge between shingles and the underpinning of your roof. Over time, this process will cause your roof to deteriorate, and inevitably, you'll lose roofing material and notice it lying in and around your yard.