Hailstorms can wreak havoc on your roof, and the damage is not always immediately visible. Spotting hail damage on shingles is critical to maintaining the integrity of your roof and preventing long-term issues. But what does hail damage on shingles look like? This blog will help you identify the common signs of hail damage on shingles, helping you take timely action to avoid costly repairs. From granule loss to cracks and soft spots, we’ll cover all the key indicators of hail damage and how to inspect your roof after a storm.
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TLDR – Quick Guide: Identifying Hail Damage on Shingles
- Granule loss: Look for bald spots or areas where the granules are missing.
- Dents and bruises: Soft spots or dents can indicate deeper damage to the shingles.
- Cracks or fractures: Larger hailstones can cause visible cracks in shingles.
- Loose or broken shingles: Check for shingles that have become loose or dislodged due to the impact.
- Metal damage: Inspect nearby metal components like gutters or vents for dents as they can signal hail impact.
- Check roof valleys and edges: These areas are more vulnerable and show damage more easily.
How to Identify Hail Damage on Shingles
Hail damage can manifest in a variety of ways depending on the size of the hailstones, wind speed, and the type of shingles installed. Here’s a breakdown of the most common signs you’ll need to look for after a storm:
1. Granule Loss: Spotting Bald Areas on Shingles
One of the most telltale signs of hail damage is granule loss. Shingles are covered with protective granules that shield them from UV rays and weathering. After a hailstorm, you might notice bald spots where these granules have been knocked off.
- Why it matters: Granule loss leaves your shingles exposed to the elements, accelerating their wear and potentially leading to leaks or roof deterioration.
- What to look for: Check your gutters and downspouts for an excessive amount of granules that may have washed off the shingles. Granule loss can also appear as uneven, bare patches on the roof.
2. Dents and Bruises: Subtle Signs of Impact
Dents or bruises are another common form of hail damage. These can often be difficult to spot at first glance, as the damage might not be immediately visible but can be felt when touched.
- Why it matters: Dented shingles can lead to further problems down the road, as they indicate that the underlying asphalt has been weakened.
- What to look for: Feel for soft spots or slight depressions on the surface of the shingle. These are often caused by the impact of hailstones, which compress the asphalt without breaking it entirely.
3. Cracks or Fractures: Visible Damage from Large Hailstones
Cracks and fractures on shingles are more common with larger hailstones. These cracks can compromise the shingle’s ability to protect your roof, leading to water infiltration and further damage.
- Why it matters: Cracked shingles lose their ability to function properly, leaving your roof vulnerable to leaks and moisture intrusion.
- What to look for: Examine your roof closely for cracks that run through the surface of the shingles. Cracks can vary in size but are typically more visible on older or brittle shingles.
4. Loose or Broken Shingles: Signs of Major Impact
Severe hailstorms can result in shingles becoming loose or even broken. When hail hits with enough force, it can dislodge shingles, leaving them hanging or even missing altogether.
- Why it matters: Loose or missing shingles expose your roof to the risk of leaks and further damage from subsequent storms.
- What to look for: Scan your roof for any shingles that appear to be lifted or out of place. You may also find broken pieces of shingles around your yard or in gutters.
5. Metal Damage: Inspect Gutters, Vents, and Flashing
In addition to shingles, hail often leaves behind visible damage on metal components of your roof. Gutters, vents, flashing, and other metal features are more easily dented by hail, and damage to these areas can indicate that your roof has also been hit hard.
- Why it matters: Metal damage can signal that your shingles have been exposed to the same level of force, increasing the likelihood of damage to the roof’s structure.
- What to look for: Look for dents, dings, or bent metal on gutters, flashing, vents, and chimney caps. If you find damage in these areas, there’s a good chance your shingles have been compromised as well.
6. Roof Valleys and Edges: Areas More Vulnerable to Hail Damage
Roof valleys and edges are more susceptible to hail damage because of the way these areas are positioned. Valleys, in particular, can collect hail, concentrating the impact on these zones and increasing the chances of shingle damage.
- Why it matters: Damage to roof valleys can cause significant issues with water drainage, leading to leaks and structural concerns.
What to look for: Carefully inspect the valleys and edges of your roof for visible signs of damage such as granule loss, dents, or cracks.
How to Check for Hail Damage Safely
Inspecting your roof for hail damage can be dangerous, especially if you don’t have the proper equipment or experience. If you’re unsure about climbing onto your roof, it’s best to call a professional roofing contractor who can perform a thorough inspection for you.
- Tip: Use binoculars to safely examine your roof from the ground before considering any physical inspection.
- When to call a professional: If you notice significant granule loss, loose shingles, or large dents, it’s time to contact a roofer for an expert assessment.
Why Addressing Hail Damage Quickly is Crucial
Leaving hail damage unaddressed can lead to a host of problems. Over time, even small dents or granule loss can develop into leaks, mold growth, and structural damage. By identifying and repairing hail damage early, you can extend the lifespan of your roof and avoid costly repairs down the road.
- Prevent leaks: Small cracks or dents can grow larger with subsequent storms, leading to leaks and water damage.
- Avoid mold growth: Water infiltration can cause mold to develop inside your home, leading to health issues.
- Protect your home’s value: A roof in poor condition can affect your home’s overall value and curb appeal.
Key Takeaways
- Granule loss and dents are among the most common signs of hail damage on shingles.
- Cracked or loose shingles should be addressed immediately to prevent further roof damage.
- Check metal components like gutters and vents for dents as they often indicate that shingles were impacted.
- Roof valleys and edges are more vulnerable to hail damage, so inspect these areas closely.
- Always consider hiring a professional for a thorough and safe roof inspection after a hailstorm.
FAQs
You can look for signs of granule loss, dents on metal components like gutters, or loose shingles from the ground using binoculars. However, a professional inspection is often needed for a thorough assessment.
Hailstones as small as 1 inch in diameter can cause damage to shingles, particularly if combined with high winds. Larger hailstones of 2 inches or more are more likely to cause visible cracks or dislodge shingles.
Yes, hail damage such as cracks, fractures, or loose shingles can result in water leaks. Over time, even small areas of damage can worsen and allow moisture to penetrate your roof.
Shingle blistering appears as small raised bubbles on the surface of the shingles, usually caused by trapped moisture or poor ventilation. Over time, these blisters may pop, leaving small pockmarks or exposing the underlying layers.
Some shingles are designed to be hail-resistant, with higher impact ratings, such as Class 4 shingles. However, no shingle is completely hail-proof, and large or severe hailstorms can still cause damage.
By knowing what hail damage on shingles looks like, you can take proactive steps to protect your roof and prevent costly repairs. Always inspect your roof after a storm or call in a professional for peace of mind.