Homeowners who have experienced an intense hailstorm understand the damage that hail can cause — even the very small hail pellets, if combined with strong winds, can lead to significant roof damage. And because most hail damage is not easy to spot, it tends to go unnoticed until shingles and other roof components deteriorate over time and lead to major roofing problems further down the road. Learn how to identify hail damage on your roof, protect your home against it and what to do if you notice any.
How Does Hail Form?
When thunderstorm drafts carry raindrops up to icy atmospheric areas, they freeze and form hailstones. The hailstones grow by combining with water drops that freeze on their surface. Hail falls when the thunderstorm’s updraft can’t support the weight. Colorado, Nebraska and Wyoming have the most hailstorms in the United States.
The Effects of Hail Damage
Hail damages siding, shingles, gutters, vehicles and other property. Small amounts of hail damage can cause minor leaks or collapse a roof if left unrepaired. Once hail strikes your roof, you may have noticeable dents, and shingle granules might enter your gutters. As sunlight beats down on the shingles, they become brittle, and their asphalt layer weakens. Eventually, your shingles will crack and curl at the edges, making them more likely to blow off. They will also become less effective at preventing leaks, and water will seep into your home. At this point, what started as a minor problem has become significant and expensive.
Factors That Cause Hail Damage on Roofs
When hail strikes, the damage it causes varies. Several factors contribute to hail damage, including:
- Wind: Wind speed, intensity and direction differ with each storm and affect the location and severity of hailstones.
- Hailstone size: Hailstones can be small or large, and their size affects the degree of damage.
- Hailstone density and shape: Some hailstones are denser than others, and some have sharp edges. Both affect the severity of damage.
- Building material: Hail damages roof materials differently. Asphalt shingles tend to dent or split.
- Physical barriers: Barriers like tree coverage may protect your roof from hail damage.
What Does Hail Damage On a Roof Look Like?
Even coin-sized hail from moderate thunderstorms can damage roofs. After a thunderstorm, you can perform visual checks on your roof from the ground. If you notice any signs of damage, contact the experts at AmeriPro Roofing for an in-depth roof inspection. Signs of hail damage include:
- Shingle damage: Hail can split and dent shingles.
- Chimney cover damage: Metallic chimney covers are susceptible to dents. If you don’t see any, rub chalk where you suspect one, and it will become apparent.
- Siding damage: Inspect your siding for dents, cracks, paint chips, holes or splatter marks. If your siding is damaged, your roof probably is too.
- Curled or missing shingles: Wind from hailstorms can rip shingles off your roof. You’ll find them in your yard or your neighbor’s. Severe hail damage causes shingles to curl at the edges.
- Vent or gutter guard damage: Gutter guards dent and scratch when hail damages them. Other roof guards and vents may have dents or paint chips.
- Granules in gutters or downspouts: Shingle granules can flake off and land in gutters and downspouts from hail.
- Satellite dish damage: Satellite dishes may have dents, chipped paint, loose components and broken or displaced pieces.
- Property damage: Damage to your glass or metal light fixtures, lawn furniture, garage doors, pool pump and mailboxes indicate you might have a damaged roof.
- Indoor water damage: Indoor water damage like stains, discoloration, puddles, mold or moist insulation are signs that hail damaged your roof and its ability to prevent water from entering your home.
How to Protect Your Roof Against Hail Damage
While even the best preparation cannot prevent all hailstorm damage, here are things you can do to increase the chances your property will survive relatively unscathed.
Get Your Roof Inspected by Roofing Experts
Before storm season, schedule a roof inspection by a reputable roofing contractor such as AmeriPro Roofing. It’s easier and less costly to make preventive repairs than dealing with major roof damage or leaks after a severe storm.
Inspecting a roof can be dangerous. It’s inadvisable for you to perform one unless you have proper safety gear and relevant roofing or construction experience. There are many risks involved with climbing onto your roof and attempting repairs or preventative maintenance yourself.
Use Impact-Resistant Roofing Materials
If you live in a region susceptible to hailstorms and your roof is nearing the end of its lifecycle, mitigate the risk of storm damage by installing a new roof with impact-resistant shingles. Also, consider upgrading your roof with impact-resistant materials if you have significant roofing problems.
Impact-resistant shingles help protect your roof from hazards such as hail and high winds. They’re an investment that saves you money in maintenance costs and premature roof replacement.
Trim Trees and Shrubs
Wayward tree limbs and shrubs can damage your roof and allow creatures, like pests or rodents, to access it. The animals can nest on your roof or enter your home if there are holes. Remove any trees or shrubs extending toward your home and any dead limbs.
Prepare for the Storm
Strong winds and hailstorms can blow windows out of their frames and doors off their hinges. This debris flies into the air, potentially causing serious roof damage.
Before the storm hits, check your doors and windows to ensure they are secure. Reinforce any weak points on your garage door with metal stiffeners.
Install Storm Shutters
Storm shutters act as a barrier between the elements and your windows. Well-made and properly installed shutters can decrease the possibility of damage from hail, flying debris and strong winds. There are several kinds of storm shutters, including aluminum, roll-down, accordion and Bahama. Consult a local installer to determine the best type for your home and budget.
If you don’t have time to install shutters before a severe storm hits, you can prevent damage by covering your windows with plywood.
Sign-up for Comprehensive Homeowners Insurance
Homeowners insurance policies that include protection against hail damage and severe weather events might be more affordable than you realize. Having homeowners insurance can’t stop your roof from being damaged by hail, but it can make things easier should it happen.
Insurance policies safeguard the structure of your home, belongings and personal liability. Based on where you live and the frequency and intensity of hailstorms, you may want to consider coverage for living expenses. This coverage pays for temporary housing while your roof undergoes repairs.
What To Do If Your Roof Has Hail Damage?
If you suspect hail damage following a storm, follow these steps:
- Inspect your property: Examine your home’s exterior and assess the damage. If you notice damage to your home, your roof is probably damaged.
- Call a professional: Contact a professional roofing company for an inspection to avoid significant damage. A small patch of exposed asphalt begins to deteriorate from UV radiation almost immediately, potentially leading to leaks and costly water damage.
- Contact your insurance: Many homeowners insurance policies cover hail damage, so you’ll want to file a claim with your company.
Contact AmeriPro Roofing for a Complimentary Roof Inspection
A professional roof inspection with AmeriPro is complimentary, with no obligation to move forward with the work. Our licensed roofing professionals will provide a detailed cost estimate to repair your roof damages — and you decide if you want to move forward or not.
AmeriPro Roofing is a Nationally Certified General Contractor. We work for you to restore your home. If you choose AmeriPro Roofing for your hail damage roof repairs, our team of experts will help you navigate the roof repair claim process. We know what information insurance companies typically need and assist homeowners in getting a full and fair settlement for damages sustained as a result of hail or severe storms.
With 26 offices across the US and over 150,000 successful roofing projects, your roof is in good hands with AmeriPro Roofing. Schedule your inspection today!
