Aside from a massive hurricane, hailstorms are probably the most feared natural disaster to hit the home. If you’ve been through a hailstorm and are tired of seeing dents on your car, you should be worried about dents and holes in your roof!
Hail is smaller than a golf ball and often causes surprising damage and impact. Is there any hailstorm damage you’ve noticed on your roof?
Before you turn to a full roof repair, you should know hailstorms can cause serious problems. Now we’ll show you what does hail damage looks like on a roof, how to spot it, and what to do about it.
Hail damage to roof is a serious issue that often goes unnoticed until it causes significant problems. Hail can cause the protective granules on shingles to loosen and fall off, exposing the shingle to further damage. Over time, this can result in leaks, structural damage to your home, and unnecessary repair costs.
Next, let’s discuss the signs that hail may have impacted your roof. Typically, these signs are not immediately apparent to the untrained eye. Moreover, the extent of the damage can vary based on several factors, including the size and density of the hail, the speed and direction of the wind, and the type and age of your roof.
Firstly, check for denting in metal roof vents, flashing, or gutters. These are often the easiest places to identify hail damage. Also, look for fallen shingle granules in your gutters and downspouts – a key sign of hail damage.
Secondly, look for damage to siding, windowsills, or outdoor items. This could indicate that your roof may also have been affected. Finally, if you notice any leaks inside your home after the storm, it’s almost certain that your roof has sustained damage.
Asphalt shingles are commonly used in roofing due to their durability and cost-effectiveness. However, they are not immune to hail damage.
The first telltale sign is the presence of random damage with no pattern. You might see dings in the shingles and explore areas with a black substrate or asphalt exposed. Over time, the sun’s heat can cause these exposed areas to expand and lead to cracking.
Clay barrel tiles, while resilient, are not impervious to hail damage. To identify hail damage, inspect your roof for shattered or cracked tiles, often resulting from a hailstorm.
Hail impacts can create puncture marks or round-shaped dents on the surface of the tiles, which are typically easy to spot. Due to the curved shape of barrel tiles, hailstones can cause chipping along the edges or ridges.
Additionally, pay attention to scattered tile fragments or dust in the gutters or at the base of downspouts; this could indicate the tiles have sustained damage. If you spot any of these signs, contact a roofing professional for a more detailed assessment.
Metal roofing is known for its strength and longevity but is not entirely resistant to hail damage. To identify hail damage on a metal roof, look for any visible dents or deformities on flat surfaces.
Unlike shingles or tiles, hail impacts on metal roofing often result in round, shallow dents. The size and depth of these dents can vary depending on the size and velocity of the hailstones.
Large hailstones can cause significant denting, leading to chipped or peeling paint. Furthermore, pay attention to spots where the protective coating may have been damaged, as this could accelerate rusting and compromise the roof’s integrity over time.
While esthetically pleasing and durable, Cedar shakes can also fall victim to hail damage. Identifying hail damage to cedar shakes involves looking for signs of splitting. Unlike normal weathering that results in a smooth or curved split, hail impact will cause a sharp, jagged split with a fresh, unweathered appearance.
Furthermore, hailstones will often cause indentations, or dents, on the surface of the wood. These dents may be accompanied by punctures, cracks, or areas where the wood has been scooped. You may also notice many split pieces or shingle residues on the ground or in the gutters, indicating that damage has likely occurred.
Slate tiles are highly durable and resilient against most weather-related damage, but they can even be affected by hail.
When examining slate tiles for hail damage, look for cracks or chips. Hailstones can also be left behind in circular dents or gouges, often visible on close inspection.
Slate’s color inconsistency might make identification trickier, so looking for an unusually fresh and distinct mark contrasting with the weathered look of the rest of the tile is crucial. Other signs of hail damaged roof can be an accumulation of slate granules or broken pieces in the gutters or at the base of downspouts.
Hiring a professional roof inspector ensures that any damage is identified early and repaired before it becomes a larger issue. These professionals have the training and experience to spot signs of hail damage that most homeowners may miss.
When hiring a roof inspector, make sure they are licensed and insured. Check references and online reviews to ensure they have a good reputation. Feel free to ask them about their experience in dealing with hail damage.
Once the roof inspector completes their assessment, they will provide a report detailing the extent of the damage. If the damage is minor and only affects a few shingles, it may be possible to repair those areas.
However, if the hail has caused widespread damage to your roof, it may be more cost-effective to replace the roof entirely. This decision should be made in consultation with your inspector and any potential commercial roof repair service you may engage in.
Understanding what does hail damage looks like on a roof is crucial to maintaining the integrity and safety of your home. With the tips and advice provided in this guide, you can confidently inspect your roof and make necessary repairs.
Please don’t wait until it’s too late; take action now and protect your home from further damage. Schedule a roof inspection today to ensure the longevity of your roof.
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