A storm rolled through, and you listened as pieces of hail peppered your roof and pinged off your windows. When the skies clear, you investigate and decide there is no obvious damage. This might not necessarily be true. From the ground level, hail damage can be hard to spot.
So, what does hail damage look like on a roof? Well, it is a question best answered during a professional inspection. The key is to find the damage quickly and repair it to prevent more severe damage, like mold growth or water leaks.
What Does Hail Damage Look Like After Storm?
Hail forms from raindrops carried up through thunderstorm updrafts. As these frozen chunks of ice swirl and fall to the earth, they grow by colliding with other drops of water that cling to the surface. Hail can range in size from a small pea to a grapefruit.
The damage severity will depend on the size of the hail. If large chunks fall, contact professionals for an inspection and repair estimate. Signs of damage include:
• Changes in roofing color can include dark spots or areas where the tar shingle underneath the outer protective layer is exposed. If the color of your roof looks different, there is likely damage.
• Broken, missing, or cracked shingles that leave open areas in the roof and disrupt the straight lines of the shingles. If this is the case, contact a professional ASAP.
• Clogged gutters stuffed with debris or hail remnants can also indicate your roof took a good pummeling during the storm. If it can clog the gutter, the hail is large enough to damage the roof.
• Water spots in the roof or attic can indicate a severe leak that could be from the hail and cracked shingles.
Most of this damage cannot be spotted from the ground. If you decide to self-inspect your roof, be careful in the process. Consider safe methods of inspection first, which include checking the gutters for granules or hail and looking for leaks in the roof at the top level of the home.
Early Warning Signs of Hail Damage
Early and easy signs of hail damage to the roof include those granules. Missing granules will change the texture of the shingle, exposing the tar layer or matting beneath. This damage can be subtle, and it can worsen over time as the shingles continue to erode.
During our thorough inspection, we will find every nick and spot of damage. Catching these early will help with inspection and any insurance claims, plus it can make repairs that much smoother.
Ignore it Now, Pay for it Later
Hail damage does not fix itself. Over time, granules will erode or get knocked away and expose the matting beneath. This exposure will have to battle the elements, including harmful UV rays and moisture.
This not only causes exposure issues, but it degrades the longevity of the original shingles. Asphalt can lose its viscosity, bubble up, and require complete replacement sooner than it normally would.
Lower Home Value
Another way you could pay for ignoring the problem is by lowering the home value. A damaged roof may not need immediate repair, but an “everything is fine” approach can only get you so far. Once hail damage occurs, the value of the home is lowered. Tap into resources like insurance repairs quickly after hail damage.
Your home — and the roof that goes over it — is one that should last. This durability will only stretch if you put care and attention into it. Don’t let it depreciate over time when you can fix it now!
Fixing Hail Damage on the Roof
Roof damage does not have to be extensive or obvious to become a problem. Once you notice or suspect hail damage, contact us for an inspection and then file a claim with your insurance company.
Rather than ignore damage and wait until the roof starts to cave, contact professionals early for easy repairs. Regular maintenance and inspections, especially after a major storm, is essential for maintaining the valuable investment you have made in your home. Call our team of professionals today for an inspection!
