A Complete Guide for Identifying a Hail Damaged Roof

A single hailstorm has been known to cause over a billion dollars of damage. When it comes to identifying a hail damaged roof, you need to know exactly what to look for.

A hail damaged roof or other types of severe storm damage can be a big problem. There are a number of things you need to know in order to prevent problems and identify any issues as early as possible. This will help you keep your roof in the best possible condition and minimize any repair costs involved.

Even though hail damage in the U.S. is widespread and costly, there is a lack of uniform criteria for identifying wind and hail damage among these industries.

Source: Nachi.org

A Hail Damaged Roof May Not be Visible From the Ground

If you have a hail damaged roof you may not be able to see any damage at all from the ground level. The best way to detect damage is to get up on the roof. If you are not comfortable doing this then you will need o call in an experienced roofer or roofing company to get up there and evaluate your roof for you.

Annual Inspections can Help Identify any Storm Damage

An annual roof inspection should be performed at the same time each year, typically in the spring or summer months. This will help you note any storm damage, and you will be better able to identify a hail damaged roof because of the changes that occur as a result of the hail hitting the roof surface. You will have previous inspection results to compare.

The Size of the Hail Can be a Clue on Where to Look

If you suspect a hail damaged roof and you were aware of the hail when it occurred then the size of the hail can be an important clue.

• If the chunks are smaller than a quarter then minor damage may not be visible to the untrained eye and a professional roofer will be needed.
• If the chunks are bigger than a quarter but smaller than an egg, the damage will be more visible. The metal on and along the roof may be dinged or dented, and the shingles may also be affected.
• If the hail chunks are two inches or larger then damage is a good bet. In this situation, it is best to contact a professional roofing contractor and let your insurance company know that you are having roof damage assessed due to weather damage.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the largest hailstorm recorded was found in South Dakota. Click here to read more.

Where Should You Start the Roof Inspection?

If you are worried that you may have a hail damaged roof or other severe storm damage, start with the soft metal components around the edges of the roof. Look for dents, dings, or missing pieces. Next, inspect the ridges of the roof, and then evaluate the shingles in each area. This will help you determine the exact extent of the damage your roof sustained.

The Three Main Types of Roof Hail Damage to Look For With Shingles

In most cases a hail damaged roof will have one of the three following types of shingle damage:

• Cracking that occurs in the shape of a circle or a half moon. This is typically caused by the impact of the hailstone on the shingle, and the shingle will need to be replaced because of the damage.
• Granules on the shingle that are missing. When hail hits the roof surface it can cause granules to be knocked off and these protective substances are needed to protect the materials underneath.
• Indents and bruising on the shingles are usually the result of hail during a storm. Feel the shingle surface with your hand, looking for any dips, indents, or areas that feel soft or spongy.

DIY Repairs or Hire a Roofing Contractor?

If you have a hail damaged roof or you need repairs or replacement due to other types of storm damage, should you hire a professional roofing contractor or attempt to fix things on your own? Unless you have the knowledge and experience to do the job right you are better off leaving it to the experts instead.

Click here to read our article about DIY roof repair.

Have you ever had a hail damaged roof, and if so what did you do about it?