Sometimes the signs of roof damage from hail can go unnoticed. Make sure your roof is secure by checking for the hidden signs of roof damage.

Do you know how to recognize the hidden signs of roof damage from hail?

If not, let's remedy that right away by highlighting the basic things to look for when inspecting your roof after a hailstorm.

It's Not All About the Size of the Hailstones
Hailstorms can be nasty little events that can occur at any time of the year but are most likely to appear during thunderstorm season.

Hail storms are frequently featured on TV weather forecasts because of the negative economic impact they can have on homeowners and businesses. The larger the hail, the more TV coverage the storm receives.

Don't be fooled by the size of the hail, though. Even small hailstones can damage a roof.

Hail is labeled severe when the stones reach only an inch in diameter.

A study of hail damage showed that the majority of roofing materials are damaged from hail with a diameter of only 1.25 inches. That's less than the size of a golf ball.

The same study found that all its tested materials were damaged when struck with hail two inches in diameter. That's smaller than a tennis ball.

Why Your Roof is Vulnerable to Hail Damage
You should especially be concerned if your roof is old or already compromised by previous storms.

If you have a shallow pitched roof, you could see more hail damage than your neighbor does who has a steep roof. A roof with a steep pitch usually sees damage only on the side of the roof facing the wind that's driving the hail. In contrast, a low pitched roof exposes both sides to the wind and hail.

A steep roof also limits the hailstone from striking the roof multiple times on the ricochet. Typically, the slope results in the hailstone striking once and then bouncing harmlessly off the roof.

Of course, the damage to a roof also depends on the number of hailstones and the speed at which they impact the roof.

What is Hail Damage?
Roofing material made of wood or vinyl will typically crack under the onslaught of heavy hail. The hail can also leave behind an unmistakable dent.

Slate tiles and clay tiles will also crack.

Aluminum roofs won't crack, but they'll dent. If you've ever seen hail damage on the roof of a car, you have an idea of what hail can do to the metal roof of a house.

Asphalt shingles and composite shingles can also dent. They will also lose their protective outer layer of grain where the hail struck. The underneath layer of smooth felt will show through.

Hail can even do damage to concrete roofs.

The damage to a concrete roof will be obvious from the craters left behind by the impact of the hail.

Preparing to Inspect Your Roof
Before you climb onto your roof, inspect your roof from the ground.

Walk carefully around your house to get a general overview of where the hail damage would most likely be spotted. It will be difficult to see much detail from the ground so if you have a pair of binoculars in the back of the closet, this would be a good time to put them to use.

Now that you know the particular areas of the roof where you should direct most of your attention you're ready to get a closer look.

Make sure that you have an appropriate ladder that's safe. As an added precaution, don't climb until you have another adult holding your ladder steady and looking out for your safety.

Don't overlook your shoes. Slippery sole shoes are no match for a sloped roof. Wear regulation roofing shoes or at least a shoe with a similar traction grip.

You want to take pictures of the damage you find. Any camera that will take pictures with good resolution will do. Don't risk throwing your center of gravity offline by wrestling with an oversized camera while walking along a roof.

When you find hail damage mark the area with chalk. Different inspectors use different markings to indicate where something needs to be addressed. The main thing is to mark the area clearly.

Spotting Signs of Roof Damage From Hail
If you're not sure whether or not your roof has sustained hail damage, there are some clues to look for on your roof. Check vulnerable roof structures such as vents, skylights, and chimney covers. If you see chips and dents in these structures, it's an indication that hail was falling hard enough to damage your roofing material.

It could be that the hail was small in size, leaving only tiny dents in your roofing material. Look closely. Those tiny dents can lead to a leaky roof in the not-too-distant future.

It's important that you not be in a hurry. Don't try to perform your hail damage inspection if you only have a few minutes. If you've never inspected a roof for hail damage, it will take more than a few minutes for you to adjust your eyes to the task. This may be especially challenging if your roof uses asphalt or composite shingles.

You have to train yourself to look for bare spots among the pebbly surface. The good news is that once you get the hang of it, it will seem as if the bare spots suddenly decided to make themselves noticeable.

Don't rely on a claims adjuster to find as many damaged areas as you find. It's in your best interest to find as many compromised areas as possible while it's in his company's best interest that he finds none. The insurance company doesn't have to pay if it determines that the damage is only cosmetic and doesn't affect the safety of the structure.

Your careful attention to detail could force a reluctant adjuster to admit that the company owes you a new roof.

Your Next Step
Grand Prairie Roofing knows the long-term nightmare that a hail-damaged roof can become. We understand that you want a strong, solid, and dependable roof protecting your family. That's why you should contact us immediately when you feel that your roof has been damaged by hail.

Don't let the claims adjuster inspect your roof alone. A trained professional from Grand Prairie Roofing should be there to make sure that the adjuster doesn't miss a single area of your roof that has been dented or cracked from hailstones.
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Are you ready to take care of that roof damage from hail? We are. Contact us today.

Are you excited to get your roof replaced? Before you do, make sure you carry out these roofing tips first!
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You've had your home or commercial building's roof for many years, but you can no longer deny the inevitable.

You're tired of dealing with leaks, fallen shingles, and other forms of roof damage. Now, you're ready for a new roof installation.

So, what are the most important things to take into consideration?

In this post, we're sharing some of our most valuable roofing tips with you.

From learning what to look for in the right roofing professionals to understanding how to prepare the inside and outside of your home for the job, we'll tell you everything you need to know about a new roof installation.

1. Make Sure You're Working with the Right Professionals
The most important entry on our list of the best roofing tips?

Do your homework to make sure that you've found experienced and well-trained roofing company. You don't want to end up falling for a roofing scam that will cost you much more in the long run -- and could even seriously damage the overall structural integrity of your home or building.

Always speak with past references to understand what the process of working with a roofing company will be like. Make sure that you read third-party reviews, as well. Above all, be certain that you've asked about the types of insurance that the roofing professional carries.

You'll need to be protected against damage to your home, and ensure that you won't end up being held financially responsible for an injured worker's medical bills.

2. Determine Your Budget
The truth is that it can be tough to determine an exact budget when it comes to new roof installation.

It depends on the type and size of your roof, the materials you want to use, the quality of the work you want to receive, and even how quickly you need it to be finished.

However, it's important to get an in-person estimate from a potential roofing company. They will also be able to give you a cost breakdown, so you'll know how much you're paying for labor, materials, and more.

Remember that you may also need to pay for permits and contingencies.

3. Schedule Things Smartly
Another good roofing tip that you should take into consideration when you're replacing your roof?

Make sure that you think strategically when it comes to your scheduling.
First of all, be aware that, depending on the type of permit you need, you may need to wait several weeks to get it approved. So, the earlier that you can start the roofing permit application process, the better off you'll be.

Additionally, understand that sometimes, circumstances beyond anyone's control, like a rainstorm, snow, or even flooding, can delay a project. While some projects, like a basic shingle installation, could be done in as little as a week?

A new roof replacement will take a bit longer.

Remember too that roofing companies do the majority of their work in the summer and spring months. If time is of the essence, see if it's possible to get the job done during a less busy season.

4. Prepare Your Home
We know what you're thinking. "If I'm getting a new roof installation, then why should I need to worry about the inside of my home?"

While roofing companies take great care to exercise caution and to be respectful when they're working on your home, the truth is that they're still doing construction.

The weight of equipment, as well as vibrations caused in your walls, are things you need to think about. For best results, take mirrors, photographs, paintings, and other pieces of decor off of your walls.

If you have delicate light fixtures on the interior of exterior of your home, take them down as well. You should even move your car out of your driveway for the time being. After all, you won't want to deal with running over a nail or another piece of debris.

Plus, this will make it much easier for roofing professionals to have the space they need to get up on your roof.

To make nails easier to spot, we also suggest cutting your lawn's grass as short as possible.

Also, consider what you're going to do with children or pets that might be home during the project. If possible, see if they can stay somewhere else during the day.

Finally, be sure to inform your neighbors that you're having work done. This may be a simple courtesy, but it goes a long way.

5. When in Doubt, Ask
While the roofing tips on this list will help to make the process easier, we know that you likely still have a few questions.

For example, you might want to know if the company conducts background checks on its employees. You may have questions about which material is right for your climate.

You may want to learn about eco-friendly roof replacement options.

Work with a roofing company that can answer all of these questions and more.

Follow These Roofing Tips for a Great ExperienceWe hope that this list of roofing tips has helped you to prioritize the most important things to consider and prepare for when you're in the market for a new roof.

Of course, the most important thing is the quality of the roofing professionals you work with.

We offer roof inspections so that you can understand whether or not your roof can be repaired, or if a replacement is your best option. We have the skill set, the experience, and the commitment to customer service that you deserve.

When you're ready to get a better roof over your head, get in touch with us.

Is It Raining Inside? 7 Ways to Know You Need a Roof Inspection
If you have a gaping hole in your roof, the problem is pretty obvious. Check out these other signs you need a roof inspection for a possible repair or new roof.

Picture it: You're sitting on the couch on a Saturday night, binge-watching Netflix. Suddenly, there's a torrential downpour in your living room.

It's a pretty clear indicator something's wrong with your roof, right?

But, did you know you could have hidden issues that could potentially cost you thousands of dollars? And you don't even know it.

The key is getting a roof inspection. The other important factor is knowing when to get one done.
We've got you covered. In this article, we go over seven signs that let you know it's time for a roof inspection.

1. It's Old
Roofs only last so long. That much you knew. The average roof costs between $7,500-$30,000 depending on the type of room and square footage.
None of that sounds promising, we know.

But, there is some good news. For starters, you only need to get a new asphalt shingle/composite roof every 20 years or so.

Even better news? Slate, tile, or copper roofs can last more than 50 years. If you need a new roof, talk to your roofer about upgrading the materials to make it last longer.

If you're not sure how old your roof is, dig up that home inspection report from when you bought it. The age of the roof should be listed there.

2. You Can See Shingles Are Missing or Curling
There are actually a lot of indicators with shingles that can tell you it's time for a roof inspection.
The obvious being if there are missing shingles. But, if you can see buckled, warped, or damaged shingles, it's time to call a roofer.

Likewise, if the shingles are curling or losing granules, it's time to get it inspected.

Sometimes, shingles rot, which is harder to detect. If you look up at your roof and see a gap or foliage growing, this could be signs your have rotting shingles.

3. There's Sunlight Coming Through
If you're in your attic, looking for holiday decorations and you notice sunlight coming through the boards? You guess it. You need a roof inspection.

This could be from missing shingles and a simple repair will do the trick or it could be a much larger issue. Getting it inspected by a licensed roofer is the only way you'll find out.

4. You Notice Leaks or Water Damage
If your roof is leaking, you may not notice it at first. Over time, the water will start to stain. Sometimes, it discolors your ceiling.

These are obvious signs that you need to call a roofer ASAP.

If you catch a roof leak early enough, the roofing professional might be able to repair it. Believe it or not, the cost of a roof leak repair is actually pretty manageable.

5. Your Ceilings Sag
Sometimes you don't notice a water-stained ceiling. This is especially true if it happens in a room you don't frequent often.

One day, you walk into the guest room and it looks like there's a balloon in the corner. Except, it's not a balloon. It's your ceiling holding water.

This is definitely a reason to make an emergency call to a roofer. Just as water causes cardboard or paper to weaken, it does the same to the drywall in your ceiling.

But, having a sagging ceiling isn't always that obvious. If you suspect a part of your ceiling looks lower than the rest of it, don't poke it with a broom handle. Just call a reputable roofer out to come take a look.

6. The Chimney Flashing Looks Beat Up
If you can see your chimney flashing is damaged from ground level, you don't need to take a closer look.
But, the location of your chimney may not be in a place that's easy to observe from your yard. Use caution if you need to go higher to inspect the flashing.

If the flashing is tar or roof cement, it's vulnerable to water damage. As you know, water damage causes serious problems.

Make sure you don't see the flashing "peeling up" or coming apart altogether. You may be able to get the flashing replaced before any major damage gets done.

Materials like metal flashing are stronger and more durable, thus, they'll last longer. Make sure you inquire about replacing your current chimney flashing with a newer material.

7. You Have Clogged Gutters
Without pulling your entire gutter system down, look inside for any roof granules or pieces of shingles. If your gutters aren't allowing water to drain, they could be clogged with these as well.

If they are, you may have caught the issue before entire shingles start coming apart from your roof.
Even if your gutters aren't clogged with pieces of shingles, debris from trees or animals can also cause clogs. If you don't maintain your gutters on a regular basis, it can lead to major roof damage.

Most roofing professionals also maintain gutter systems and they'll discuss the state of your gutter during the roof inspection.

Use Safety While Looking for the Signs
Some of these signs require you to go outside and take a look. Unless you have an excellent sense of balance and someone to hold the ladder, don't try and climb around on your roof.

Trained roofing professionals understand the safety risks involved. They're also used to being on top of houses. They'll recognize where the problem areas are and avoid putting weight on them.

In other words, use caution. Don't hang on your chimney or gutters for stability. Don't walk directly over where you detected sunlight coming through.

If you think your family will be in for a shock when it starts raining inside your house, imagine how they'll react you come tumbling through the ceiling.

Do You Need a Roof Inspection?
If you're experiencing any of these seven signs, it's time to get your roof inspected.

But, who can you trust?

At Grand Prairie Roofing, we handle roof inspections and repairs on both residential and commercial roofs. We bring our "A" game to every job and stand behind our work 100%.
Contact us today and schedule your roof inspection before your Saturday night gets ruined.