INTRODUCTION
Hailstorms are a major cause of property damage, with over 4,400 severe hail reports in 2022 alone, leading to billions in losses. State Farm even reported a $1 billion increase in hail-related claims due to the growing number of storms. Hail can damage almost anything outdoors, including your car, windows, and especially your roof. While some hail damage is obvious, such as broken windows or dents on a car, the damage to roofs is often less noticeable. Visit here more info hail storm damage
WHAT DOES HAIL DO TO A ROOF?
Hail can affect a roof in different ways depending on factors like the size of the hail, wind speed, the direction of the wind, and the type and age of the roofing material. The damage can be functional, affecting the structure of the roof, or cosmetic, which may seem minor but can still lead to serious problems over time.
HAIL DAMAGE DUE TO ASPHALT SHINGLES?
When hail strikes asphalt or composition shingles, several types of damage can occur:
Granule Loss: Granules are the sandpaper-like part of the shingle. Losing these exposes the asphalt underneath to weather, accelerating the roof’s aging process. After a storm, check your gutters and downspouts for granules.
Cracks in the Shingles: Strong winds or hail impacts can crack shingles, leading to gaps where water can seep in. Cracked shingles no longer protect your home effectively from the elements.
Exposed Fiberglass Mat: Hail can break away the surface of shingles, revealing the fiberglass mat underneath. This weakens the roof’s structure.
Fractured Fiberglass Mat: Detecting a fractured fiberglass mat requires professional expertise. This kind of damage can lead to tears and cracks around the point of impact, compromising the roof’s strength.
Weakened Self-Seal Strip: High winds and hail can damage the strip that seals shingles to the roof. A weakened seal can cause shingles to blow off, leaving the roof exposed and vulnerable to leaks.
HOW TO CHECK FOR HAIL DAMAGE?
- It’s not always easy to identify hail damage, especially when it’s minor. However, you can look for certain signs. Start by inspecting your gutters and downspouts for dents or clogging caused by granules from the shingles. Check your siding and deck for dents or damage. These are indicators that your roof may have sustained damage as well.
WHAT DOES ROOF DAMAGE FROM HAIL LOOK LIKE?
- When hail over 1 inch in size hits your roof, the damage is usually visible. You may see cracked windows, dented gutters, or damaged siding. In some cases, smaller hail can cause less obvious damage, so it’s important to have a roofing expert check for issues like granule loss, bruised shingles, or cracks in the roofing material.
CAN THE HAIL DAMAGE ROOF BE REPAIRED?
- Yes, hail damage can be repaired. The extent of the repairs depends on the severity of the damage. Sometimes, it’s as simple as fixing a single shingle, while in more serious cases, a complete roof replacement may be necessary. It’s best to have a professional inspect your roof after a hailstorm to determine the appropriate course of action.
