Hailstorms are never fun, whether you’re running through them trying to get into your house or watching them ding and dent your car. As upsetting as it can be to see how much a hailstorm has damaged your vehicle or other items outside your home, there could be more damage you don’t even see — damage to your roof.
Hail damage is a silent roof killer that can wreak havoc on any home. Even if you don’t see any visible signs of damage, hail can weaken the integrity of your roof and lead to costly repairs down the line.
How can you spot roof hail damage and what should you look for? Our experts are giving you the essentials.
What Does Roof Hail Damage Look Like?
Roof hail damage can be more subtle than you think, and it’s also easy to confuse with other types of weather damage and non-weather-related problems like blistering and animal damage. The appearance of hail damage can vary based on the types of shingles you have too. Tell-tale signs of hail damage include:
- Small, irregularly-shaped dents in shingles that appear in random places with no discernible pattern
- Small bare spots on asphalt shingles where the hail has knocked off the mineral sediments and exposed the asphalt below
- Splits in wood shingles with signs of an impact next to the splits
- Splits in wood shingles that have little to no sign of visible wear at the edges of the shingles
- Dents or dings in your gutters, roof vents, or roof flashing
3 Ways to Spot Hail Damage to Your Roof
A tricky aspect of hail damage is that it often isn’t visible from the street or from your driveway, so you need to get a closer look to see it. There are three reliable ways to spot roof hail damage.
1. Survey Your Roof from a Ladder
If you have access to a tall enough ladder, you can check your roof the old-fashioned way: by setting up a ladder and laying eyes on your roof yourself. Look for the signs of hail damage we listed above. Don’t forget to check the roof vents, gutters, and so on in addition to the shingles.
2. Consult with a Neighbor
Don’t have access to a tall ladder or are uncomfortable on a ladder? You might be surprised by how well your neighbors can see your roof.
Depending on how your house and your neighbors’ houses are situated, they might be able to easily see your roof from their window, especially a second-story window. Consider asking them if they see any signs of hail damage or if you can pay them a quick visit to check your roof from their home. Binoculars can help you get a closer look.
It’s also a good idea to ask your neighbors if they have experienced hail damage after a hailstorm. Your home goes through the same storms as theirs so if they sustain damage, there’s a good chance you have, too.
3. Contact a Roofing Professional
Leaving it to the professionals is never a bad idea. If you suspect you may have roof damage, contact a roof inspector or other roofing professional. We have the expertise and equipment needed to inspect your roof safely, identify hail damage with confidence, and assess the extent of the damage.
Keep in mind, though, that if you have home insurance and plan to file a claim for your hail damage, you will need to have an insurance adjuster inspect the damage as well before any work can begin.
Hiring a Professional to Identify Your Roof Hail Damage
If you believe you have roof hail damage, the safest and most reliable way to identify hail damage is by hiring a roofing professional. Our knowledgeable and esteemed team can inspect your roof for potential damage and help you get the repairs you need. To learn more, contact us today.
