SB Roofing Blog

Hailstorms in the Virginia Beach, Virginia area are not very common, but they do happen from time to time. Hail can range in size from tiny marbles to golf balls and it can do a lot of damage, especially to roofs in Virginia Beach. The hard impact can damage shingles and expose the roofing materials underneath to the elements. Homeowners insurance will often cover the expenses, but claims are not always approved on the first request and they may take some time to go through. 

Shingles have a coating of granules on them that protect the home from penetration of the sun's ultraviolet rays. When hail hits hard enough, the granules are knocked loose. Because the granules are usually lighter in color than the shingle's surface, the bald area will appear as a dark patch. The damaged area may appear shiny at first, before the shingle's surface has had a chance to fade with exposure to sunlight. Another possibility is that the construction of the shingle itself is damaged. If it is not properly overlapping and adhering to the roof, this makes it possible for water to penetrate the structure. Strong wind from the next storm may peel off shingling entirely. Gutters and roofcaps may be damaged as well. Signs include dimpling on the surface or displacement.

Hail damage is often difficult to see from the ground and requires an up-close view for certainty. The homeowner may go up and check. If there appears to be a problem or if the homeowner is not comfortable with going up on the roof, give us a call and we'll be happy to inspect your roof. 

Roof replacement or roof repair in Virginia Beach may be necessary after a hailstorm. Many insurance companies will use the guidelines that 10 hits per 100 square feet is notable and constitutes damage. For an older roof that has not quite reached its life expectancy, the insurance company may authorize a roof replacement to avoid further damage to the home if it is damaged and left unchanged. Gutters and roofcaps may need replacement as well. Contact us today to do a roof inspection for you before a hailstorm hits. With the winter season here and the unexpected snow voer the last couple of days its best to make sure your shelter is still in tact.

Be sure to have a roofing inspection done on your home when buying or selling, before storm season, and after any storm that sustained damage in areas near your property. For us who live on the east coast, home maintenance and repair are aplenty, and while it is certainly suggested to have your roof inspected after a storm, regular maintenance is something that many homeowners’ overlook.

In the real estate market, roofing and its quality is a major selling point. If you have house on the market for sell, it would be good for you to host a pre-inspection. This will disclose to prospective buyers the age of the roof, and it will promise that the materials in place will last for a set amount of time in regular weather conditions. Have us come out and inspect your roof for you so you can know what needs to be done.

If you are looking to buy a home, know that this is one of the largest maintenance expenses of owning a home. Look for a newer roof adorned with strong materials known to withstand the regional weather. If you discover any immediate repairs or prospective replacements or will not guarantee the home's covering, then you have a bargaining tool. You can insist that the seller come down the price in order to save you money for upcoming repairs, or you can retract any bid from the home until the repairs are made at the expense of the seller.

Being in an area prone to hurricanes, storms, and windstorms proper roofing preventative maintenance can pay off. As storm season approaches, especially if this is your first season in the area, it can be helpful to get your home inspected by the best. Securing gutters, sealing vents, reinforcing materials, and checking for other prospective dangers can save you further damage in the eye of the storm, but most of all it will save you time. If you wait to make repairs after the disaster, you will be in a long line of customers awaiting a service that just doubled in cost.

Lastly, even if your home was not visibly damaged in a disaster, get it inspected anyway! A lot of roofing damage cannot be seen from the ground perspective, and insurance claims will be difficult if too much time has elapsed; you could find yourself absorbing the expense of storm damage that your insurance company will deem as normal wear and tear. In short, your home's roof is a major investment that should be protected as such. It shelters you, your family, and all of your belongings, and you should be preemptive about protecting it. Contact us today as we are in the middle of hurricane season it would be wise to get your roof inspected by professionals.