Any time you find yourself in a hail storm, one of your first thoughts is usually about the condition of your property. In some cases, you’ll have clear signs of damage, such as roof leaks or missing shingles. But if your roof doesn’t have large holes or dents, do you still need to look for hail damage?
The answer is yes! Roof damage from hail isn’t always easy to detect, especially if you’re standing on the ground looking up. And, if it goes unnoticed and unaddressed over time, it could weaken the roof and shorten its overall life span.
Here’s how to spot hail damage on your roof, even if you’re not sure if there’s been a recent hailstorm.
How Hail Damage Occurs
Hail can harm your roof in a number of ways, and the degree of damage can vary with each hailstorm.
For example, smaller pieces of hail are less likely to cause severe damage compared to larger hail. Hail can range from pea-sized to golfball size or even softball size. However, not all hail is perfectly round and smooth, and jagged edges can also contribute to damage.
The type of roofing material will also affect any damage your roof sustains. Some materials, such as asphalt shingles, may absorb the impact of hail better than metal roofing. Hail has been known to crack wood and even puncture some roofs, if the hail is large enough.
If your home has an older roof or a roof that is not in great condition, then it might be more susceptible to damage. Older roofs have more wear and tear compared to newer ones, which means they may have more weak spots and vulnerabilities.
Signs of Hail Damage to Look For
It’s important to check your roof for signs of damage after every hailstorm, even if the hail was small or the storm was over in the blink of an eye. Here are some key signs to look for:
VISIBLE DENTS IN RANDOM PATTERNS
Hail falls in random patterns, and the marks it leaves behind reflects this. Look for dents and dings throughout your roof that don’t align with each other. In many cases, you might see black spots where the hail made impact. Dents can vary in size depending on the size of the hail.
LOSS OF GRANULES ON SHINGLES
When hail hits asphalt shingles, it’s common to lose some granules on the shingle’s surface, making it take on a smoother appearance. This might also expose the roof felt, which will need to be addressed immediately to prevent leaks and further damage.
SPLIT SHINGLES
Large hail can split shingles. Look for splits that are orange or brown in color, has sharp corners, and shows no signs of deterioration along the edges.
MISSING PIECES OF SHINGLES
Sometimes, hail can take off small pieces of asphalt. Check for shingles where pieces have broken off.
SPLATTER MARKS ON ROOF PENETRATIONS
Roof vents, flashing, gutters, and other objects on the roof might have splatter marks from hail. Some might also have dents and dings.
How to Get Proof of Hail Damage
Hail damage can be a silent roof killer in Alabama for the simple fact that many homeowners don’t even know a hailstorm has occurred.
One way that we help homeowners prove hail damage to their insurance companies is through our tracking system. We can confirm the dates and times of recent hailstorms in your area that may have caused roof damage to help support your claims.
Got hail damage? Start with a free, no-obligation roof inspection. Contact us today.
