Hail damage is one of the leading causes of roof damage during severe storms, and it’s not something that you should put off dealing with after the storm passes. However, it isn’t always easy to spot damage from hail without the help of a skilled roofing professional. With the risks associated with hail damage, it is always best to contact an experienced roofer to get a full roof inspection.
How Does Hail Damage a Roof?
The initial impact of hail on asphalt shingles causes the bond between the granules and the asphalt layer to loosen. While invisible from the ground, signs of loosened granules may be seen where your gutters drain. Once these granules have shed away from the shingle, UV rays weaken the exposed areas and cause the shingles to become brittle. Extreme seasonal temperatures can cause further curling and cracking due to the weakened state of the shingles—making your roof highly susceptible to water leaks and wind damage.
How Big Does Hail Have to be to Damage a Roof?
The average roof can withstand small hail, but there are many different factors that go into how much damage your roof could see after a hail event. A typical single-layer asphalt shingle roof can generally withstand hail up to 1” in diameter—roughly the size of a quarter. However, multiple shingle layers can actually make your roof more susceptible to damage from smaller hail stones due to the softer underlying support layer.
What Do I Look for When I Suspect Hail Damage?
If you suspect your roof could be hail-damaged, start by taking a look around your property! You may see other signs of hail damage that can help you determine if your roof has been affected:
- Dented, cracked, or dimpled gutters, downspouts, mailboxes, and siding
- Hail splatter on the driveway that can indicate size and direction of hail
- Window damage to sills, casings, glass, and screens
- Damaged flower beds, stripped outdoor bushes, or shredded plants
- Hail damage to your personal vehicle or other cars in the neighborhood
Can You Check for Roof Hail Damage at Ground Level?
The best way to see if your roof has sustained damaged is to get a professional inspection, but you can still check for signs of damage without ever setting foot on a ladder! From ground-level, look for hail damage signs that include:
- Blown-off shingles or broken shingle sections
- Damage to outdoor plastic or wood furniture
- Cracked and broken light fixtures on your exterior
- Damage to sheds, garage doors, fencing, and play sets
- Dents on your AC condenser or heat pump housing
- Dents, chips, and dimples in painted outdoor surfaces
- Extensive organic debris or tree limbs in your yard or swimming pool
What are the Main Signs of Hail Damage on the Roof?
The most obvious sign of severe hail damage on the roof is seen in the shingles. You may find loose, wind-damaged shingles, granule displacement, or holes where there were hail impacts, as well as curling or missing shingles. Other signs of roof hail damage, include denting, chipping, and cracking, and this can be seen in the following locations:
- Gutters and Gutter Guards
- Roof Vents
- Metal Flashing or Roof Fascia
- Satellite Dishes
- Skylights
Will Hail Damage Affect the Inside of My Home?
Hail damage isn’t confined to just the exterior of your home. In fact, hail can substantially weaken your roofing system, allowing for a higher risk of interior damage. Water infiltration is the most common interior sign of hail damage to your home’s roof, and you may notice:
- Staining on ceilings and walls
- Active water leaks
- Growth of mold or mildew
- Garage wall and floor staining
- Water seepage and wet insulation in the attic
See My House’s Past Weather Events
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Learn More About Wind Damage
Strong storms often come with severe wind, and it’s essential to know how to prevent wind damage and handle it when it occurs.
