34.3% of homeowners’ property claims are made because of hail damage to a roof. The good news is that, in most cases, your homeowner’s insurance will cover damage to a roof from hail.
The more challenging news is that it can be hard for a non-roofing expert to see roof damage following a hail storm.
It’s important to identify roof damage from hail as quickly as possible, as the impact of a damaged roof will have quick consequences for your home’s security.
So, what should you do if there’s just been a hail storm in your area? Read on to find out more about roof hail damage and what you should do once you see it.
How Does Hail Damage a Roof?
The first step after a hail storm is determining if you have a damaged roof. You might know that, but not really know what you’re looking for following a storm.
So, one of the first things you do following a storm is to look for damage. More on roof inspections shortly.
Let’s take a closer look at what you might see if your roof has experienced hail damage.
Cracked and Dented Shingles
One of the most apparent signs there’s damage is shingles that have cracked or shingles that show dents in them from where the hail hit.
You might be surprised by the amount of damage hail can do. A cracked shingle can have small sliver-like cracks to large cracks that almost break apart a shingle.
Either way, the shingle’s damaged, and you’ll need to address it. Cracks in shingles mean water can seep through to the underlayment layer, and you’ll quickly see leaks.
Missing or Curled Shingles
Another sign of a storm-damaged roof is when shingles are completely torn off the roof.
When you have a severe or long-lasting storm, shingles can eventually break and come right off the roof.
The other thing you might see after a long, sustained storm is curling shingles. The edges can get beat up and will curl as a result.
Loss of Granules
Asphalt shingles are much like very rough sandpaper. The surface of a shingle is covered with granules.
During a hail storm, the hail hits the shingle and loosens the granules from the surface.
With the layer of granules, the shingle has the asphalt layer exposed and will break down more quickly. They age more quickly and don’t repel water as effectively.
Underlayment Issues
When you look at your completed roof, you might not realize that to keep it weather secure, your roof has many layers to it.
Under the shingles is the layer of fiberglass underlayment. A few things can happen to this underlayment layer when it’s hit with hail.
While the underlayment is an essential component of your roof, it can withstand the elements on its own. When shingles are knocked loose, this can expose the underlayment.
Rough hail can also puncture the underlayment, exposing your roof’s plywood base to the elements.
Seal Strip
In addition to roofing nails holding your shingles in place, you also have something called a seal strip. This also helps to secure the shingles in place.
During a particularly heavy storm, the seal strip can be damaged, which impacts the security of the shingles too.
Seal strips are particularly susceptible to high winds that can also be a part of hail storms.
Chimney Cover Damage
If your home has a chimney, this is a good spot to look for damage. Often they come with a metal cover.
These can be particularly susceptible to hail damage. Even if you’re unsure about the shingles, you can look at the chimney cover.
If you see dents in the metal of the chimney cover, you should probably also be concerned about your shingles.
Siding Damage
While not part of your roof, your siding can also help figure out if your home has been exposed to damage.
Like your chimney, you might look to your siding for clues. If you see dents and scratches in the siding from hail damage, you will likely also have hail damage to your roof.
What Hail Causes Damage
You might wonder if only large-sized hail can cause roof damage. Hail over an inch in diameter will cause damage to your roof.
That doesn’t mean if the hail is smaller, you’ve avoided damage. Hail under an inch can break away and loosen granules on your shingles.
Many hail storms also have high winds or rain too. Combining these elements puts your roof at risk, no matter the size of the hail.
Start With a Roof Inspection
Once you know what to look for, you should try to inspect your roof. Of course, you need to be keenly aware of safety.
Don’t hop up on your roof without safety gear or if you’re not accustomed to heights.
In most cases, if you can’t see damage from the ground, it might be best to contact a roofing professional for an inspection.
Call Your Insurance and Make a Claim
If you suspect you have hail damage, it makes sense to contact your homeowner’s insurance and start a claim. Most insurance companies will want to send their own adjusters for an inspection.
Once the claim process gets started, you’ll know what the insurance company is willing to repair and how much you’ll get for repairs.
Plan for the Repair Right Away
To avoid the inevitable leaking roof, don’t put off having your roof inspected and repaired if it shows damage. Once shingles are compromised, you run the risk of a leak starting, which will only lead to additional attic and interior damage.
Getting Roof Damage From Hail Fixed Right Away
Roof damage from hail is more common than you might suspect. If you live in a climate susceptible to heavy storms, pay attention to the possibility of roof problems that might come from hail damage.
If you’re not comfortable inspecting your roof, let us help you. Contact us today to arrange a free assessment of the condition of your roof and whether you need repairs or a new roof installed.