From May to October, hail storms are a real risk for Chicago, its suburbs and the entire state of Illinois. According to the National Weather Center, Illinois is right behind Texas by the number of insurance claims related to the hail damage.

If you have any questions or need to schedule a hail damage inspection, ATJ’s Home Improvement is here to help in any way we can. Give us a call today at 630-655-8256! Let our team of experienced professionals arbitrate for reconstruction of your roof and property. Our team of seasoned consultants have a proven track record of obtaining large insurance settlements!

In 2014, residents of the following towns in Cook County, Lake County and McHenry County have experienced a significant hail damage: Arlington Heights, Barrington, Hoffman Estates, North Palatine, Northbrook, Palatine, Wheeling, Antioch, Buffalo Grove, Deerfield, Heinesville, Lake Zurich, Long Grove, Round Lake, Algonquin, Cary, Crystal Lake, Huntley, Island Lake, Marengo, Union, Woodstock, and Lake. And this is not a complete list.

The big fear that most people face is not whether there will be hail, but whether the hail they receive will cause damage to their property. It may surprise many to know that hailstones that are only as large as a marble or penny can cause serious damage to your roof, siding and property. What is worse, this damage may be difficult to spot. Here are some ways to identify hail damage.

The Roof

Not surprisingly, your roof is more likely than any other part of your property to be damaged by hail. Remember that roof hail damage does not have to cause leaks or visible lost shingles to create problems. A single damaged shingle can begin a slow leak that will grow worse with time.

Each type of roof shingle shows damage in different ways.

Asphalt Roofs

Asphalt roofs are the most common type of roof out there. After any hailstorm you should investigate your shingles for marks that appear as bruises or dark spots where the granules are stripped off. Granules may also accumulate in your gutter. Obviously, you will want to check for serious damage like holes, tears or cracks, as well as missing shingles. If any of these issues are present, address the problem immediately.

Shake, Tile, Metal and Slate

Each of these types of shingle shows damage in a different way. Ideally after any major hailstorm you will have a professional contractor review your roof for damage. If spotting on your own, look for obvious signs of damage such as torn, cracked or split shingles, or open seams. If any of these are present you should definitely have a professional damage inspection completed.

In addition, if you notice leaking or dampness inside your home following a storm, this is an indicator that your roof has been damaged. You should inspect and attend to the damage quickly to protect your home’s structure.

Addressing the Problem

Replace any shingles that appear damaged. Even small hail can eventually weaken your home’s structural integrity. In the worst cases, your roof can collapse from damage. The smallest crack or tear in your roof can create tiny leaks that you may not notice, but can result in things like wood rot or mold problems that can create health issues and weaken your property’s superstructure.

Hail damage is nothing to toy with. After every hailstorm, you should inspect your roof for damage. Better yet, having a qualified and expert contractor perform a thorough damage inspection can save you a world of trouble. The cost of replacing a few shingles is far less than eventually replacing your whole roof, or rebuilding your home after a collapse.