How to Spot Hail Damage on Your Roof
The hail's shape and size affect the damage it can cause to your roof. You may not be able to see the full extent of the damage from the ground, so look for signs of hail damage in your yard and neighborhood. The damage can range from mild to severe, depending on the storm's intensity and the hail's size. To determine if your roof has been damaged, consider these factors.
Travelers list five effects of hail damage to your asphalt roof:1- Random damage with no discernable pattern2- Hail hits that are black in color3- Loss of granules, which may expose the roof felt4- Asphalt and/or mat that appears shiny5- Hail hits that are soft to the touch, like the bruise on an apple
What size of hail does it take to damage a roof?
Hail needs to be around 1 inch or more in diameter to cause damage to your asphalt roof. Small hail, about the size of a quarter or less (around 1 inch), will cause minimal damage to your roof but may still require some shingle repairs. Check out our Cenvar roof repair page if you want more information on common roof repairs. The extent of storm damage to your roof is influenced by the quality and age of your shingles. Newer shingles are better able to resist storms and wind than older ones.
Hail can also cause damage to your siding and aluminum gutters. In the video below, Tyler shows hail damage to the siding of the house, damage to the j-channel, and hail damage to the gutters on the house. Metal roofs are more resistant to harsh weather. It is uncommon for hail to be large enough to compromise a metal roof but may still leave dents. If you have any concerns, call and get a roof inspection. When it comes to your roof, it is better to be proactive.
How do roofing contractors determine hail damage?
What are you supposed to do regarding hail damage to your roof? First, if you find any hail damage to your roof, you must file an insurance claim and may want a roofing contractor to come out. A professional roofing contractor will help you learn more about this process, and they will survey the amount of damage done. The adjuster and contractor will consider the hail's size while checking for wind and hail damage. Make sure you tell them if you have noticed any leaking or stains on the ceiling or in the attic. They will also check the shingles for bucking or peeling and check the roof for leaks, rot, or damaged flashing.Join Tyler, a Cenvar Roofing estimator, as he demonstrates how to inspect a home for hail damage during a homeowner's inspection.
How do you know if your roof is damaged?
After a storm, you may have lost shingles or found debris on your roof, depending on the severity of the wind. You may have apparent damage from falling objects, but also keep an eye out for anything up there that may gradually cause damage. Some signs to look for are cracked, curling, or broken shingles. You will also want to look along the edge of your roof and near any openings for missing shingles that can let water into the house. If your roof has been affected by a hail storm, it can lead to indentations or cracks on your roof. You will want to examine your walls, ceiling, and attic for any water stains that could indicate that you have holes or damage to your shingles. If you notice any roof damage and also see water damage, you will want to get a contractor to check it as soon as possible to prevent future damage.
Should I replace my roof after hail damage?
Once you have noticed any damage to your roof, you will have to decide if you want to get it repaired or replaced. If a severe storm hits, you may have to get your whole roof repaired. A hail storm can also just affect a small number of shingles, and sometimes those can get repaired without having to get a whole replacement. Cenvar’s page “Most Common Roofing FQAs - Answered” can help answer more of your questions regarding repairs vs. replacement. Leaks also do not always require getting a whole new roof. You will need to call and get an inspection so a contractor can come to survey the roof and check the damage. At Cenvar, we want to make the whole process simple and easy! We will keep you informed and updated by answering all of your questions and any concerns you have.
