A storm damaged roof is one of a homeowner’s biggest worries. While hail storms don’t last long, they can quickly wreck havoc on your property. It’s not just cosmetic damage either, hailstones can scratch protective granules from shingles or make tiny holes in metals. If hail damage is left alone, additional damages can occur like clogged gutters, water leaks, and even structural damage. So what does hail damage on a roof look like? First, let’s look into some factors which help determine your chances of hail damage.
How Does Hail Damage a Roof?
The extent of hail damage on a roof can be vastly different depending on the size of the hail. However, there are additional factors that also directly contribute to the range of potential damages such as:
- Hail storm Duration
- Wind Speed and Direction
- Roof Materials, Slope, and Age
There are other normal damages that simply come from age that can be mistaken for hail damage such as:
- Brittle shingles
- Aged appearance
- Blistering or cracking shingles
- Small amounts of granule loss
- Algae growth
Important Note: if a roof isn’t inspected for damages after a hail storm, all of the above-listed problems can develop and prematurely age your roof!
What Size Hail Will Damage a Roof?
Homeowners often ask “What size hail will damage a roof?” The general answer is anything over 1 inch, or quarter sized, hail can create significant damage. The typical hailstone size ranges from ¼ in up to 4 inches, although there have been bigger sizes produced from supercell thunderstorms. Although 1 inch and bigger hailstones are considered severe level, damages to your roof can still occur with smaller hail. This is because smaller hailstones are easily carried by the wind for greater impact speeds.
What Does Hail Damage on Roof Look Like?
Depending on the size, hail damage on your roof may be hard to notice. Regardless of the size of any dents in your roof, hail damage is still hazardous. The impact of hail on shingles can remove protective granules which exposes the coating to harsh elements. Even small damages permanently compromise the integrity of your roof.
As we advise against walking on the roof, the easiest way to spot hail damage is to check the gutters. If you see any dings or dents that might not have been there before, chances are there’s damage on the roof as well. Other noticeable areas to look for damages are downspouts, roof vents, roof flashing, and fascia. In addition to dings or dents, other hail damages on roof include:
- Spots that appear black or dark in color
- Visible shingle damages like cracks or missing shingles
- Gutters contain shingle granules
How Much Hail Damage to Replace Roof?
A roof’s lifespan can be significantly impacted by hail storms, even to the point of needing a replacement. However to truly uncover the extent of damage, you will need an inspection from a professional roofing contractor. Serious roof damages are often signs your roof potentially needs a replacement, such as:
- Roof Leakage
- Large Dents or Holes on the Roof
- Percentage of Roof that is Damaged
- Internal Structural Damage
At Superior Roofing, our professionals are trained to evaluate the magnitude of the hail damage. We offer free roof inspections and provide a detailed report on damages and recommendations. Spring and summer storms often bring the threat of hail. If you suspect your home received damages, don’t hesitate to contact us! The damage may be unnoticeable initially, only to become complex problems later down the road.
One Last Note
In addition to contacting a roofing contractor, you also need to contact your insurance agent to discuss steps for a potential insurance claim. A reputable roofing company is unable to work on repairs or replacements without a final approval from the insurance agent.