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Originally Posted On: https://swiftroofingtexas.com/how-to-identify-hail-damage-on-your-roof/
How to Identify Hail Damage on Your Roof
When a hailstorm hits, your roof often bears the brunt of it, as it acts as the first line of defense. Spotting the signs of hail damage early can prevent further complications. If you’ve just been hit with a destructive hail storm and you’re concerned about the state of your roof, worry not—we’re here to help you.
In this blog post, we’ll help you identify hail damage on your roof and outline what actions you should take to ensure your home remains safe and sound.
What Are the Harmful Effects of Hail on Your Roof?
Hailstones come in all shapes and sizes. Some storms bring small, soft hail that hardly makes a dent, while others drop golf ball-sized chunks that can crack shingles, dent gutters, and even mess with your roof’s structure.
While smaller hailstones may seem harmless, they can still harm your roof, especially if there are already areas of wear. For this reason, it’s always a good idea to check your roof after any hailstorm, no matter how mild the impact seems.
Leaving hail damage unaddressed can lead to serious consequences, including:
- Water leaks: Hail can crack or damage shingles, allowing water to seep through open gaps.
- Roof wear and tear: Hail dents weaken your roof’s surface, reducing its overall lifespan.
- Increased energy costs: Roof damage can reduce insulation efficiency, leading to higher heating and cooling costs.
- Structural damage: Prolonged hail damage can compromise the roof’s structure, potentially leading to sagging.
- Repairs that could have been avoided: Damage only worsens over time, so fixing it sooner usually saves money.
To keep your roof and home secure, it’s best to hire a professional to perform a post-storm inspection.
What Are Signs of Hail Damage on Your Roof?
Hail can cause significant damage to your roof, even if it’s not immediately visible. Here are some common indicators of damage to watch for after a hailstorm.
Bruises on Shingles
After a hailstorm, check your shingles for any spots that look darker. Bruised shingles usually feel a bit soft when you press on them. These spots show where hail has worn down the asphalt granules, which can impact how effectively your roof keeps out water and blocks UV rays.
Missing Granules
Asphalt shingles have a dense layer of granules that help protect them from the elements. Hail can knock off these granules, creating bald patches. When shingles lose granules, they become more vulnerable to water damage. To check, look in gutters and downspouts where granules often collect post-storm.
Cracks in Shingles
Big hailstones can be a real headache, often causing shingles to crack. Those cracks let water seep into the deeper layers of your roof, which can eventually lead to leaks and rot. When the hail storm passes, take a close look at your roof or check from a safe distance to spot any cracked or split shingles, especially around the edges where hail hits harder.
Loose or Peeling Shingles
Hail hitting your roof at high velocity can loosen shingles, causing them to peel up at the edges. When this happens, it becomes easier for the wind to catch and lift them, putting your roof at risk for even more damage during the next storm. Take a careful look around the edges of your roof and at areas that took a heavy hit from the hail.
Dented or Damaged Flashing
Metal parts like flashing, vent caps, and skylight frames are usually the easiest spots to check for hail damage. As you inspect your roof, keep an eye out for any dents or bent areas on these metal surfaces, as hail often leaves clear marks here. When flashing gets dented, it can disrupt water flow around chimneys, valleys, and vents, which may eventually lead to leaks.
Roof Dents Visible From Ground Level
If climbing up on the roof isn’t an option, you may still be able to spot signs of hail damage from the ground. Check areas like the roofline and edges for any new dips or uneven spots that may have appeared after the storm. Do a full circle around your property to access all visible points of your roof.
Marks on Gutters, Siding, and Downspouts
Hail often leaves its mark on more than just the roof. Marks on your gutters, siding, and downspouts can be a sign that your roof took a hit, too. If you don’t have the safety equipment to inspect your roof, visually assessing these areas is a good starting point. Look for any dents, cracks, or chipped paint on these exterior parts of your home.
What Should You Do if You Spot Hail Damage on Your Roof?
If you spot hail damage, acting fast can save you from bigger headaches later.
Here are the steps to take:
- Document the damage: Once you’ve spotted damages, take closeup photos of cracks, missing granules, and dents. Don’t forget wider shots that capture the general condition of your roof and property after the storm—these can come in handy if you need to file an insurance claim.
- Call a roofing company: A licensed roofing professional will conduct a thorough assessment, using their trained eye to spot hidden damage you might have missed. They’ll also provide a detailed report, which is often essential if you’re filing a claim.
- Contact your insurance company: Once your roof has been inspected, review your insurance policy to see what hail damage is covered. Share your photos and the inspection report with your insurer—they might send an adjuster to investigate further.
- Schedule repairs: As soon as your claim is processed, schedule those repairs promptly. Promptly taking care of the damage should be a top priority to help you avoid costly secondary damage or other consequential issues.
- Consider preventative measures: If you want to shield your roof from future hail damage, consider upgrading to impact-resistant shingles. You can also chat with your roofing pro about simple maintenance steps to help cut down hail damage—a little investment can go a long way.
Address Hail Damage With Our Expert Roofing Company
Hailstorms are unavoidable, but being both proactive and reactive can make all the difference. Swift Roofing & Designs is here to offer thorough inspections, repairs, and preventative maintenance care.
Call us today at (469) 964-7431 to schedule your inspection and repair!
