Golf ball sized hail can wreak havoc on your roof.
Storm Season is Here
The North Carolina storm season generally begins in early spring and runs through fall. During this time it is not uncommon for Charlotteans to experience high winds, heavy rain, and even golf-ball sized hail when these storms occur. As defined by the Atlantic hurricane season, which begins June 1st and ends on November 30th, it is also possible for areas as far inland as Charlotte to feel the effects of tropical cyclones that form in the Atlantic basin as well. Storms can not only be a danger for you and your family; the effects can also cause an exorbitant amount of damage to your home. In particular, hail can cause severe damage to your home’s roof.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, hail causes an average of $1 billion damage to crops and property each year. There were 7,031 major hail storms in 2012, according to statistics culled from NOAA’s Severe Storms database, with the largest number of severe hail storms occurring in May (1,689 storms), March (1,146 storms), and April (1,053 storms). Texas had the largest number of severe hail events in 2012, followed by Kansas, Nebraska, North Carolina, and Oklahoma.
When meteorologists try to predict how large a hailstone will become and how potentially damaging a hail storm will be, they say it all depends on the updraft. Hail is created by an upward blowing wind that won’t allow the rain to fall but holds it captive within the higher altitude of the clouds where the temperature is colder. A raindrop during a thunderstorm is comparative to being inside an out of control and unstable washing machine. Water droplets are thrust up and down and if the agitation is severe enough, droplets soar so high they freeze. When a storm becomes violent, these raindrops take that trip over and over, adding a layer of ice with each trip. Then, when those balls of ice becomes heavy enough – usually between ¼ and ¾ of an inch – it plummets to the ground as hail.
Roof Damage Caused by Hail
“Bruising” on roof caused by hail damage.
Hail free falls from more than 30,000 feet, and will inevitably cause damage if it hits your roof (or anything else) traveling at speeds of more than 70 miles per hour! Hail is an unpredictable occurrence and can hit anywhere, which is why it is part of the basic coverage in nearly all homeowners’ insurance policies. Insurance companies understand hail damage only gets worse with time and are usually willing to repair it as soon as it occurs. Some insurance policies cover storm damage for up to one year from the date of the storm, some up to two years. If you (the homeowner) wait too long to file, your insurance company may deny the claim. It is best to contact your insurance company immediately and have hail damage accessed directly following a storm in the event you think your roof may have been compromised.
When left alone, seemingly insignificant hail damage can become worse over time. This is because as hot and cold temperatures cause expansion and contraction, the damage caused by the hail can grow and worsen. Hail damage can fracture the roofing mat, displace granules and leave what is referred to as a “bruise” on your roof. The sun can also begin to eat a hole directly into the mat via the bruising and eventually allow water to penetrate into your home, creating the potential for widespread and expensive damage.
Belk Builders Can Help You Weather the Storm!
Belk Builders is the Charlotte areas’ premier upscale company to handle your roofing needs, including replacement due to damage caused by storms and hail.
Belk Builders is the Charlotte areas’ premier upscale company to handle your roofing needs, including replacement due to damage caused by storms and hail. We have over 25 years’ experience in roofing, siding and window replacement, using only the highest quality products on the market. We will conduct a thorough inspection of your roof to evaluate storm damage and even meet with your insurance adjuster. We strive to provide homeowners the cost for roof replacement and additional pertinent information up front and based on the insurance estimate. Since we are locally owned, and operated we are a hands-on company that employs our own quality crews that you can trust. We will also work along with your insurance company in getting the completion certificate. In many cases we have been able to provide our customers with an upgrade to a better roof within their budget as well.
Kent Frerichs, Owner Belk Builders.
If you are interested in exploring replacement roofing options, or looking for the right company to help you with your roofing needs after weathering the storm, contact Belk Builders at (704) 400-4710 or info@belkcustombuilders.com to schedule a free roof inspection and evaluation today! Financing is also available through GE Capital Finance.
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