Hail and Storm Damage to Roofs and Roofs in Pennsylvania
Although Pennsylvania is not a state that many people associate with severe weather, PA, also known as the Keystone State, receives its fair share of damaging storms each year.
When you think of thunderstorms in Pennsylvania, you may immediately think of snowfall. Of course, Pennsylvania is in the far north of the Mid-Atlantic region of the US, and Pennsylvania, especially the northern and westernmost regions of the state, are affected by snow seemingly every year.
Severe snowstorms can cause damage to a home’s roofs and gutters, as well as other damage. When a substantial amount of snow remains in a roof and gutter system, the weight alone can sometimes cause slight roof cave-ins or water leaks. The gutters can detach from the front panel or even completely detach and fall out of the house.
Also, when snow or ice begins to thaw and then refreeze, this can cause what is commonly known as ice dams. Damage from ice dams typically involves water leaks from entry points near the edge of the roof, where gutters are installed.
The ice and water shield is a membrane that most quality roofing contractors now use when installing a roof. This membrane is designed to prevent ice buildup, but in extremely severe snow and ice storms, the ice and water shield will not always prevent leaks.
If you are a homeowner who suffered roof damage or a roof leak or ice buildup due to a severe snow or ice storm, your homeowners insurance company may cover the damage and you want make sure you use qualified insurance. restoration contractor, both to help you with the claims process, and to get repairs done right.
Another type of roof damage that occurs in Pennsylvania is from hail and wind storms. When people think of large hail storms, they may think of Texas or Oklahoma and other Midwestern regions and states. And while these regions will typically see more damage from very severe hailstorms, Pennsylvania and other mid-Atlantic states like New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia also see hail damage from severe storms each year.
Hailstorms can occur as early in the year as February and as late as November, but most hailstorms in general and hailstorms in Pennsylvania occur between the months of April and August and most storms generally occur in May, June and July. When hail hits a home, it can damage the roof, siding, gutters, trim, screens, awnings, and very severe hail storms can even break windows and damage doors.
Most hail reported in Pennsylvania is between 1 and 2 inches in diameter. These storms will generally not cause window damage, but are often severe enough to damage asphalt shingles. They often cause damage to other roofing systems as well, such as cedar roofing, as well as siding such as aluminum (dents) or vinyl (holes).
Common hail damage claims in Pennsylvania will include roof damage, siding damage, gutter damage, or some combination of the three. When it comes to hailstorms and hail claims, matching issues can arise. That’s why it’s generally a good idea to use an experienced storm damage contractor.
There are many contractors who specialize in roof damage claims and performing full and partial roof replacements. Additionally, many of these contractors are very familiar with the roof damage claims process and will be able to help you from the time before you file a claim until the completion of the project.
If you are a homeowner who recently experienced hail or wind damage to your roof, siding or gutters, you should call a hail damage repair contractor for a free inspection. During this inspection, the contractor will give you feedback on your situation and explain how the process works.