Checking Your Roof for Hail Damage
During a hail storm, more than just your vehicle is at risk of damage and future repairs. Hail can damage your roof, covering, gutters, windows and other personal property when it hits your home. In spite of the fact that hailstorms can be destructive, the amount of damage they cause can differ greatly.
We’ve listed some factors that affect the type and degree of hail damage caused by a hailstorm.
Wind
Wind speed and direction can change during a hailstorm. The location and severity of hail impacts can be affected by changes in wind conditions.
Size and density
Your property’s damage can be affected by the size of hailstones. It is possible for hailstones to be as small as a pea, or as large as a softball. Hailstones usually have rough edges, which can affect the type of damage they cause.
Building materials
Hail impacts are absorbed differently by different building materials. Hail can ding aluminum siding, gutters, or asphalt shingles, while it can crack vinyl siding or wood shakes. As an alternative, softball-sized hailstones can be dense and strong enough to puncture a roof. The age and condition of a roof may also affect the extent of the damage.
Barriers
Having neighboring structures and natural barriers, such as trees, landscaping, fences, or adjacent homes, can reduce hail damage.
What Does Hail Damage on Your Roof Look Like?
It is possible for shingles to react differently when struck by hail. Hail damage to asphalt and composition shingles looks very different from hail damage to wood shingles, for example. Identifying hail damage on your roof requires understanding the different effects of the damage.
Composition and asphalt shingles damaged by hail
- The damage is random and does not follow any pattern.
- There are hail hits that are black.
- A loss of granules may expose the roof felt.
- Shiny asphalt and/or mat.
- In the same way that a bruise on an apple feels soft to the touch, hail hits feel the same way.
Get in touch with your Affordable 1 Home Services Project Consultant for a FREE Roof Inspection if you believe your home has been damaged by hail. Call: (832) 639-4450
Frequently Asked Questions
How does hail damage your roof?
The seal integrity of your shingles can be compromised by high winds and hail. A weakened seal can cause a shingle to blow off and leave your roof exposed to the elements. When a shingle is damaged, its integrity is permanently compromised. It can cause leaks and tear other shingles around it.
How big of hail does it take to damage roof?
You should file an insurance claim if your roof is damaged by hail greater than 1″ in diameter. This size hail will actually cause dents and dings on asphalt shingles and compromise their integrity.
Can hail damage cause roof leaks?
It does not matter what type of roof you have, hail can cause roof leaks. When large pieces of hail hit your roof at high speeds, they can create holes that lead to leaks. Unrepaired leaks in the attic may spread to the rest of your house if left unattended.
How do I know if my roof has hail damage?
It is common for hailstone impacts to leave marks and dents. In the case of hailstones hitting hard on the roof, dents or impact marks can be seen. Oftentimes, you can see these marks on your roof, air conditioner at the top of your vent, or other outdoor items.
