Hailstorms can wreak havoc on your home, particularly your roof. But identifying hail damage isn’t always straightforward. So, what does hail damage on a roof look like? Recognizing the signs early can prevent costly repairs or a complete roof replacement down the road. In this blog, we’ll break down the telltale signs of hail damage and how to inspect your roof after a storm.
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TLDR – Quick Guide:
Common Signs: Look for dents, bruising, granule loss, cracked shingles, and punctures.
Impact on Roof Types: Different materials (asphalt, metal, wood) show hail damage differently.
Size of Hail Matters: Larger hailstones cause more severe damage.
Check Gutters and Flashing: Dents or blockages in gutters can indicate roof damage.
When to Call a Pro: If you see significant granule loss, water leaks, or visible dents, it’s time to contact a roofing expert for inspection.
How to Spot Hail Damage on Different Roof Types
Not all roofs respond to hail in the same way. The material your roof is made from significantly impacts the appearance of damage.
1. Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material and tend to show hail damage more visibly than other types. Here’s what to look for:
- Bruising: A hailstone hitting an asphalt shingle creates a small, soft spot that feels like a bruise when touched. You might not see this right away, but you can feel it by pressing lightly on the shingle.
- Granule Loss: One of the more obvious signs is missing granules. If you notice bald spots on your shingles or find granules in your gutters, hail could be the culprit.
- Cracked or Broken Shingles: Severe hailstorms can lead to cracks or even pieces of shingles breaking off, especially on older roofs.
- Circular Dents: Unlike wind or sun damage, which typically affects shingles over time, hail creates distinct round marks in random patterns across your roof.
2. Metal Roofs
Metal roofs are durable, but hail can still leave its mark.
- Dents: Hail can create visible dents, especially with larger hailstones. The damage may look like small dimples scattered across the surface.
- Punctures: In extreme cases, hail can puncture a metal roof. While less common, it can happen with very large hailstones or if the roof was already compromised.
- Paint Chipping: Even if hail doesn’t break the roof, it might cause the protective paint layer to chip off, exposing the metal beneath to corrosion over time.
3. Wood Shingles or Shakes
Wood shingles offer a natural look, but hail can take its toll here too.
- Splitting: Look for splits or cracks in the wood, which could mean hail impact. These splits are often jagged and may have sharp edges.
- Impact Marks: Hailstones can create depressions or marks on the wood surface, making it look uneven or worn.
- Discoloration: Hail can cause areas of your wooden shingles to appear discolored, especially when the protective outer layer is damaged.
Other Signs of Hail Damage: Beyond the Shingles
The roof itself isn’t the only part of your home that can show signs of hail damage. After a storm, check other areas too.
1. Gutters and Downspouts
Your gutters and downspouts can offer clues about the condition of your roof after a hailstorm.
- Dents: Dents in metal gutters and downspouts are often the first noticeable sign of hail damage.
- Granule Build-up: If you spot a significant amount of asphalt granules in your gutters, it’s a signal that your roof’s shingles have taken a hit.
- Leaks: Gutters blocked by hailstone debris can lead to water backups and leaks, which might further damage your roof and walls.
2. Roof Flashing
Flashing is typically made of metal, and like metal roofs, it can show dents or even cracks after a hailstorm. Check the flashing around your chimney, vents, and skylights for signs of impact.
3. Skylights and Vent Covers
Hail can shatter skylights or damage plastic vent covers. Inspect these features closely for any cracks or holes that could lead to leaks.
How Hail Size Affects Roof Damage
The size of the hailstones plays a critical role in the extent of the damage to your roof. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Pea-sized hail (¼ inch): Usually doesn’t cause significant roof damage but may affect softer materials like window screens or vinyl siding.
- Marble-sized hail (¾ inch): This size can lead to minor damage, especially to older or worn-out roofs.
- Golf ball-sized hail (1.75 inches): At this size, you’ll likely see noticeable dents and granule loss. Cracked shingles are common, and metal roofs may have severe denting.
- Tennis ball-sized hail (2.5 inches or more): Large hailstones can puncture roofs, destroy skylights, and cause severe structural damage.
If you’re unsure of the hail size during a storm, checking local weather reports can help you gauge potential roof damage.
When to Call a Roofing Professional
While you might be able to spot some signs of damage from the ground, it’s always a good idea to call in a professional roofing contractor after a major hailstorm. Here are a few scenarios where you should reach out:
- Visible Leaks: If water starts seeping through your ceiling, the damage has already compromised your roof’s structure.
- Missing or Broken Shingles: Gaps in your shingles can expose the underlayment, leading to more significant issues like water infiltration.
- Granule Loss: If you notice excessive granules in your gutters or downspouts, it’s time to have an expert check your roof for further damage.
- Age of Roof: Older roofs are more vulnerable to hail damage, so even if the damage seems minor, it’s worth getting a professional opinion.
A roofing inspection will provide you with a detailed report of any damage and recommendations for repairs or replacement. In some cases, insurance may cover the cost, but this often requires a professional assessment.
Key Takeaways
- Roof Types Matter: Asphalt, metal, and wood roofs show hail damage differently.
- Common Signs: Look for dents, granule loss, cracks, and bruising on shingles.
- Hail Size Counts: The larger the hailstone, the more severe the damage.
- Don’t Overlook Gutters and Flashing: Dents and blockages here can indicate roof issues.
- Seek Professional Help: If you spot visible damage, leaks, or granule loss, it’s time to consult a roofing expert.
FAQs
It’s best to inspect your roof as soon as it’s safe to do so after a hailstorm. Delaying the inspection could lead to further damage, especially if your roof has leaks or compromised shingles.
Yes, even small hailstones can cause damage, especially to older or weakened roofs. They may create minor dents, granule loss, or bruising on shingles, which can worsen over time.
In many cases, homeowners insurance policies cover hail damage. However, coverage varies by provider and location, so it’s essential to check your policy or consult with your insurer after a hailstorm.
Blisters on a roof are typically raised areas caused by trapped moisture or poor ventilation, while hail damage appears as round, impact marks with granule loss. Hail damage usually affects a larger area uniformly, while blisters are more isolated and irregular.
Roof blistering appears as small, raised bubbles or bumps on the surface of shingles. These blisters can pop, exposing the underlying material and making the roof vulnerable to damage.