In many regions of the world, hailstorms are a frequent occurrence of inclement weather, and they can seriously harm your home’s roof, siding, windows, and other things on your property.
Hail damage to your roof can result in various issues, from minor cosmetic to significant structural damage. However, how can you tell if your roof has been harmed? You may be asking yourself, what does hail damage look like on a roof?
This article will closely examine what hail damage looks like on a roof, including what to look for and how to identify hail damage. We’ll also review how to deal with hail damage to your roof, from repairs and insurance claims to maintenance and prevention.
What Does Hail Damage Look Like on a Roof?
Roofs can sustain significant damage from hailstorms, but the extent of the impairment can differ depending on the size and shape of the hailstones, the wind speed, the type of roofing used, and the wind direction.
Hail impact can cause structural or aesthetic roof hail damage, such as cracked shingles, impact dents, and shingles that have lost their protective granules.
It can be challenging to determine the extent of the damage, so it’s essential to have a qualified roofing contractor inspect your roof after a hailstorm to detect and evaluate the damage.
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How Do You Know If You Have Damaged Shingles?
It’s crucial to inspect your roof for roof hail damage after a hailstorm. Other damage might not be immediately apparent, even though some signs might be visible.
Moreover, hail damage to your roof’s shingles is one of the most frequent types of damage, and if it is not repaired, it can lead to leaks and additional damage. Following are a few methods to spot hail damage on your roof shingles:
Check for Dents on Your Roof Shingles
Hail impacts can cause dents on your roof shingles, which can be a sign of damage. Look for small dents or dimples on your shingles and larger dents that may be more obvious.
Inspect Your Gutters and Downspouts
Your gutters and downspouts may damage due to hail impacts, indicating that your roof has also sustained damage. Check your gutters and downspouts for dents, cracks, or holes.
Look for Missing or Broken Asphalt Shingles
Shingles on your roof may break or fall off due to impacts from hail. If you notice any missing or broken shingles, your roof has likely been damaged.
Check for Cracks from the Hail Storm
Cracks can be another sign of damage caused by hail. Scrutinize your shingles for any signs of cracks, which can cause additional damage if not repaired.
Look for Granule Loss
Hail impacts can also cause your shingles to lose their protective granules, exposing the underlying fiberglass mat and leaving your roof vulnerable to further damage. Check for areas where the granules have been scraped off or are missing.
Check If There Are Any Falling Tree Branches
Additionally, during a hail storm, the impact of hail hits can cause significant damage to wood shingles. Also, in some cases, hail hits may be accompanied by falling tree branches, which can exacerbate the damage to a roof.
Suppose you notice any of these signs of damage, including the fiberglass mat. In that case, it’s essential to have your roof inspected by a professional contractor to assess the extent of the damage and determine the best course of action. Don’t delay; waiting too long to address hail damage can result in extra damage and costly repairs.
What Size of Hail Causes Roof Damage?
The effect hailstones can have on a roof depends on the size of the hailstones. They can be as small as a pea or as large as a softball, with a diameter of up to 1/4 inch.
Even though smaller hailstones may be less dense, they can still harm a roof, mainly if powerful winds carry them. On the other hand, more giant hailstones have a more significant impact on the top and can damage it severely.
Furthermore, the expected impact speed for hailstones ranging in size from two to four inches is between 44 to 72 mph. More giant hailstones carried by the wind typically cause significant damage to surfaces like roofs, windows, and even car bodies.
It’s important to remember that softball-sized hail, in particular, can harm roofs the most severely, leading to broken or fractured shingles and even significant structural damage.
Determining the size of hail that caused the damage to your roof is essential when making an insurance claim, and it’s a crucial factor that insurance adjusters consider.
Can Hail Roof Damage Be Repaired?
Fortunately, hail roof damage can be repaired, but whether repair or replacement is required will greatly depend on the severity of the impairment and other factors. A roofing contractor can fix minor damage, such as cosmetic dents, for a relatively minor cost.
However, a roof replacement might be required for severe damage like broken or missing shingles, water leakage, and structural problems.
The type of roof you have affects how much repair and replacement will cost; for instance, metal roofs are more resilient to hail damage and long-lasting, but they can be pricey. On the other hand, while costing less to replace, asphalt shingles are more vulnerable to hail damage.
Ignoring hail damage to a roof can result in more costly damage, such as leaks and water damage.
Additionally, prompt repairs can help keep your vinyl siding, window screens, and other outdoor items from suffering additional harm.
Should I Claim Hail Damage on My Roof?
If you live in an area prone to hail storms, it’s essential to know what hail damage looks like on a roof and whether you should claim it on your insurance. In most cases, homeowners’ insurance covers roof damage, but you need to act quickly to file a claim.
If you have identified hail damage on your roof, the first step is to call your roofing contractor to schedule a roof inspection. Moreover, the roofing contractor will assess the extent of the damage and provide you with an estimate of the cost to repair it.
Once you have received an estimate from the roofing contractor, the next step is to call your insurance company to report the storm damage. An adjuster from the insurance company will then come to inspect the damage and determine the amount of coverage available to you.
It’s important to note that some insurance companies have a time limit for filing claims for storm damage. If you wait too long to file your claim, your insurance company may deny it. Therefore, acting fast is essential to ensure you get the coverage you need to repair your roof.
How Do Insurance Adjusters Determine Hail Damage?
When assessing hail damage, insurance adjusters can thoroughly inspect the roof for obvious signs of harm, such as dents, cracks, and missing granules. They may also use various tools, such as a chalk line, highlighting the hail-damaged roof areas.
Furthermore, when determining the extent of storm damage, insurance adjusters typically adhere to standards the National Roofing Contractors Association set forth. These guidelines consider factors such as the age and condition of the roof, the type of shingles, and the size and density of the hailstones.
Ultimately, the decision to file an insurance claim for storm damage is up to the homeowner. Still, acting quickly and getting a professional roof inspection after a hail storm is essential. Insurance policies may have specific time limits for filing a claim, so it’s best to be proactive to cover hail damage.
Final Thoughts
Hailstorms can cause significant damage to your roof, including dented and broken shingles, loss of protective granules, and cracks. While smaller hailstones may cause only cosmetic damage, more giant hailstones can cause functional damage that affects your roof’s structure and performance.
If you suspect a hailstorm has damaged your roof, the best course of action is to schedule a professional inspection. A roofing contractor can assess the damage and provide you with a detailed report that you can use to file an insurance claim or repair the damage.
Remember, even if the damage seems minor, inspecting your roof as soon as possible is essential. Ignoring hail damage can lead to further damage and costly repairs. Take action and get your roof inspected today.