What Does Hail Damage Look Like On a Roof?

More than just your cars are vulnerable during a hail storm. We all know that hailstorms can be destructive, but the amount of damage can vary. Are you aware of how to identify hail damage on your roof? What does hail damage look like on a roof?

Most building materials will all absorb hail impacts differently. For example, hail may cause small dings in siding, gutters, or asphalt shingles. While hailstorms may cause cracks in vinyl siding and wood shakes. If it is large and dense enough — the possibility of a roof puncture becomes greater. Keep in mind, the age and condition of your roof will also affect the amount of damage done.

What Does Hail Damage Do to a Roof?

Hail damage can come in many forms because there is a range of variables that can affect the total damage. For example, things like the angle of your roof’s slope, hail size, wind speed, wind direction, the type of roofing, and the age of your roof can all affect the total amount of hail damage.

When it comes to hail damage you need to quickly identify if the damage is cosmetic or functional. Unfortunately, what often looks like cosmetic damage is actually much worse. Here are some of the most common types of damage:

1. Seal Integrity Damage

A shingle with seal integrity hail damage will also damage the shingles that they are next to creating a domino effect. Technically, it is the wind associated with hail damage that makes this so destructive. The hail contact loosens the seal and the wind starts to put pressure on the damage. Ultimately, this is why shingles will fly off.

1. Fiberglass Mat Damage

The contact of hail onto your roof shingles will start to fracture your fiberglass mat. Over time, the hail damage will make your roof shingle start to tear away from the fiberglass mat below. The integrity of your roof’s outer layer is then compromised.

1. Roof Shingle Damage

As the hails starts to damage your seal, and fiberglass, parts of your roof’s shingles will detach. That means that there will be parts of your roof that is completely bare to the natural environment. While we love mother nature; we like our roofs to protect us from it. This exposure to weather could lead to further damage to your home.

1. Granule Damage

If you ever touch the surface of a healthy roof, the shingles will feel like sandpaper. That rough and coarse surface is covered with what are called granules. Over time, your roof will lose granules, especially after hail storms. Often, you’ll see some of the granules inside of your gutters, and if you see a lot of them, it’s time to fix your roof.

What Does Hail Damage Look Like?

*We do NOT advise climbing up on your roof to check. Instead, walk around the perimeter of your home and look for any visible damage. If you are concerned there may be deeper damage that is not visible, please call a professional to come to take a look.

• Check for missing pieces in the asphalt of the roof. Look for areas on the shingle that have exposed, black substrate. This means the granules of the asphalt have been compromised or knocked off by something.
• Search for bruising in the shingles. Dents from hail are not always completely visible. Run your hand over the shingle to feel for small dimples on the surface.
• Look for cracking in the shingle. Large hail can make a circular crack if the hail hits it hard enough

How Much Hail Damage To Replace Roof?

Replacing your roof is not a small project and while it is crucial that you get it done, when do you know it’s time? Whenever a hail storm passes through in your area, it is recommended that you contact your insurance company for an estimation or contact a professional roofing company like B&M Roofing. Even light hail can damage parts of your roof. A small section of damaged roofing can essentially ‘infect’ the rest of the roof over the long run forcing you to replace your entire roof. However, if you catch it early enough then a roofing repair company can come in and fix the smaller area that needs fixing saving you some money.

Make sure you do your research and find a reputable insurance company to file your claim. Afterwards, it is definitely worth getting multiple reputable roofing professionals to give you estimates. It costs you nothing for these companies to come in and give you their opinions.

At B&M Roofing, we service everything from small residential roofs to large, complicated commercial properties throughout Colorado and surrounding areas. We’re extremely proud of the work we do and confident in our quality of craftsmanship. Don’t wait to inspect your roof or try to do the repairs on your own. Contact B&M Roofing to check your roof for damage and help you repair it.