When to Call the Roofing Professionals: Signs of Hail Damage on Roof
Hailstorms can wreak havoc on your home, leaving you with costly repairs and a headache to deal with. One of the most vulnerable parts of a house during these storms is the roof, as it takes the brunt of the hail impact. If you have significant damage from hail stones, you can’t wait to contact a professional roofing contractor for an inspection or call your insurance company for an insurance claim.
It’s important for a homeowner to be able to identify hail damage on their roof immediately. But how can you tell if your roof has sustained hail damage? In this blog post, we’ll discuss the telltale signs of recent hail roof damage on roof shingles and metal roofs, helping you identify potential issues before they escalate into bigger problems.
So, let’s dive in and learn how to spot hail damage after inclement weather!
What Causes Hail Damage? Roof Factors to Remember
Roof damage isn’t guaranteed when you have a thunderstorm that sends down stones. Bad weather can cause no damage – or it can lead to a full roof replacement! The severity of your hail damage will depend on several factors, including:
Storm Intensity: Weather damage on your roof isn’t just caused when hail falls. Wind speed, wind direction, size of the stones, and other factors determine if you have extensive damage or only a cosmetic issue. After all, golf ball-sized hail at high speeds will cause worse property damage than small pebbles with low wind. Worse hail storms are more likely to cause problems over your entire roof, lawn, and house siding.
Roofing Materials: Do you have slate tile, metal, or shingles for your rooftop? Asphalt shingle roofing and tile are more likely to have shingle damage after a hailstorm, while metal roofs are less likely to have roof damage.
Location of Impact: A hail-damaged roof may warrant going through insurance claims or calling for a repair. Like on a roof, other parts of your home can also be impacted during a storm. Even if your rooftop damage is superficial, you may have dents, chipped paint, or cracks in vinyl siding, areas with wood rot, or additional areas like chimney caps or dented gutters.
House Barriers: If your house is well-protected by nearby houses, foliage, or other structures, it can reduce the amount of sustained damage during a hailstorm.
What Does Roof Hail Damage Look Like?
Does hail damage leave obvious signs? Yes! When hail hits an asphalt shingle roof or wooden roofing system, the roofing material is damaged during the impact.
Asphalt Shingles vs. Metal Roof vs. Wood Shingles
Hail damage always looks like a random pattern of impact, but there are more ways to tell than just an impact pattern. When you have your roof inspected (either by a professional roofing inspector or an insurance agent that the insurance company sends), the signs will depend on the material.
Asphalt Shingle Roofing – When your shingles are hit, the protective granules coating the cracked shingles will be damaged. This can leave tons of dislodged granules on your roof, and heavy hail can expose the backing underneath (like the fiberglass mat or felt). Hail can also make the shingle look shiny or feel soft in some areas.
Wood Shingle Roofing – Beyond dents, dings, and pits, wooden shingles are often split when hit. You may also see broken corners and freshly broken wood.
Metal Roofing – Metal roofing is the most resilient type of rooftop. Its sturdy, long-lasting nature means that you will rarely have to get a new roof to cover hail damage. However, you can still see symptoms of a recent hailstorm (and you should still get an inspection from a pro!). The most common indicator of hail is superficial dents in the roof.
In addition, you can have damaged siding, chimneys, roof vents, metal fascia, and more. Many of these things can be fixed when you have your whole roof repaired or replaced.
What to Do After Hail Storm Damage to Your Roof
After a hailstorm, it’s crucial for homeowners to act quickly and call a professional roofing contractor to have their rooftop inspected. Many reputable companies offer free inspections by an expert, ensuring that any damage is identified and addressed promptly. By doing so, you’ll prevent potential leaks, mold damage, water damage, and other long-lasting problems that can result from hail impact.
An experienced roofer can not only spot the warning signs that may be missed by an untrained eye, but they can also recommend the best course of action to repair or replace damaged areas. Remember, taking proactive steps to protect your home and investment is always better than dealing with costly repairs down the line!
Schedule Your FREE Roof Inspection with the Pros!
Brevard County homeowners, don’t miss the opportunity to ensure your roof’s health after hail. Call and schedule your FREE inspection and estimate with a professional roofer from Pro’s Choice Roofing, your local and veteran-owned roofing company.
Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to providing top-notch service and peace of mind for our community. Protect your home and investment by trusting Pro’s Choice Roofing to identify and address any potential hail damage or other roofing issues. Give us a call today and let our experts give your roof the attention it deserves!
