The Hidden Danger of Celebratory Gunfire: How Bullets Damage Roofs
At Westfall Roofing it’s common to see this damage twice a year. We get calls in January after New Year’s celebrations and again in July after Independence Day festivities about roof leak concerns. After thorough inspections, our roofers often find bullets to be the culprit.
Celebratory gunfire might seem harmless, but it can create serious problems for homeowners. When people fire guns into the air during holidays like New Year’s Eve and the Fourth of July, those bullets don’t just disappear. They fall back down with enough force to punch through roofing materials, creating potential safety risks and causing expensive damage.
Why Celebratory Gunfire Causes Roof Damage
Bullets fired straight up reach heights of several thousand feet before gravity pulls them back down. While they don’t return at the same speed they left, they still carry enough momentum to penetrate roofing materials like shingles, tiles, flat, and even metal roofing.
The damage often goes unnoticed. Small bullet holes in your roof will create entry points for water. Over time, these small holes can become large cracks, leading to roof leaks that can ruin insulation, compromise structural integrity, and damage interior finishes.
Identifying Bullet Damage on Your Roof
Bullet holes in roofing materials have distinct characteristics that separate them from other types of damage. Unlike hail damage, which creates broader impact marks, bullet holes are typically small and round.
The holes can be nearly impossible to spot from the ground, especially on darker roofing materials. Homeowners should look for unexplained water stains on ceilings or walls after holiday periods when celebratory gunfire is common.
Professional roofers can identify bullet damage during routine inspections without compromising safety or the health of your roof.
The Legal and Safety Implications
The legal consequences extend beyond damaging your roof. If a bullet from celebratory gunfire injures someone or damages property, the person who fired the gun may face civil lawsuits and criminal charges.
Safety experts emphasize that bullets fired into the air can travel over a mile before coming down. This means the damage or injury might happen far from where the gun was fired, making it difficult to connect the incident to the shooter.
Protecting Your Property from Falling Bullets
Unfortunately, roofs are not bulletproof. You cannot completely prevent bullet damage to your roof, but you can take steps to minimize risks.
Install impact-resistant roofing materials.
Tougher roofing materials like metal and impact-resistant shingles provide some measures of protection, though no roofing system is bulletproof.
Schedule regular roof inspections.
Regular roof inspections help identify damage early, before small holes turn into major leaks. Professional roofers recommend annual inspections, with additional checks after holidays when celebratory gunfire is common, and after major storms.
Practicing firearm safety.
Minimize or refrain from using firearms in a celebratory fashion, especially when near residential areas. This will help reduce property damage and safety risks.
When to Call a Professional
If you suspect bullet damage on your roof, contact a professional roofer immediately. Attempting to inspect or repair the damage yourself can be dangerous and might make the problem worse.
Professional roofers have the tools and experience to safely identify bullet damage and recommend appropriate roof repairs. We can also document the damage for insurance claims.
Don’t wait for leaks to appear inside your home. Contact Westfall Roofing for a professional roof inspection.
