Imagine you’re sitting in the living room deep in a Netflix binge when you start to hear slams and thunks coming from the outside. When you check it out, your fear is realized – here comes a hail storm. This can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare, particularly when it comes to your roof. But what does hail damage on a roof look like?
To make sure you can spot damage ASAP after the next storm, this guide will cover the basics. From loose shingles to cracked clay, you’ll be ready for post-hail roof analysis after we wrap up.
How Hail Wreaks Havoc on the Roof
Sometimes, nature can be unforgiving. In this case, a hail storm can inflict considerable damage on your roof and other exterior components. Let’s take a look at how hail can damage the roof.
- Hail size – The size of the hail can determine how considerable the damage will be. The larger the hail the more damage is likely to occur.
- The wind direction – How your roof is situated and where the storm is coming from can determine how damaging the hail will become.
- The slope of the roof – How sloped your roof is can determine if the hail will cause major damage.
- The age of the roof – How old your roof is can determine how easily the hail can damage your roof. The older the roofing materials, the more likely they are to become damaged.
- The type of roofing materials – Whether you have shingles, clay, or metal roofing materials, will determine the extent of the damage. Shingles can survive a bit, clay will likely shatter, and metal can become dented and less secure.
According to the NOAA Storm Prediction Center, 2024 has already seen 570 reports of storms with hail larger than 2 inches in size, causing considerable damage to homes and parked cars it landed on. Of those reports so far, around 50 have been in Florida.
In essence, while we don’t see hail every day in the Sunshine State, it’s a real risk – knowing how to spot it and address it could prolong your roof’s life.
What Does Hail Damage on a Roof Look Like?
A major hail storm can do considerable damage to your roof. Whether you have shingles, clay, or metal roofing material, they can all experience some major damage. Let’s take a look below at what the damage might look like.
- Seal damage – Hail can impact your roof so hard that it can damage seal stripping. If this occurs, the shingles on the roof can become loose and will likely blow away. Getting up on your roof allows you to see if there is any seal damage.
- Shingle cracks – Strong hail storms can often crack and dent your shingles. If you experience cracks in your shingles, this is not good. Openings on the roof allow for water to get in and can cause major damage.
- Loss of granules – Once the hail starts dinging the shingles, the granules get loose and wash away with the storm. This is bad for the integrity of your shingles. It is noticeable when you inspect.
- Exposure of the fiberglass mat – Hail falling from the sky can be so forceful that it can loosen your shingles and expose the fiberglass mat beneath.
- Fiberglass mat damage – The exposure of your fiberglass mat means that the mat itself can also become damaged. Damage to the mat can then cause damage to the roof sheathing underneath.
Other Recommended Maintenance
Now that you understand what hail damage can look like on your roof, you’re better prepared to keep an eye out for problems. In addition to a watchful eye though, make sure to implement a few important maintenance tasks to help keep your roof strong.
For instance, if you have a shingle roof, it’ll need to be cleaned regularly to ensure rain can run off the roof and to prevent any damage to the tiles. You can clean shingles yourself with proper materials and safety gear, or you can reach out to an expert instead.
Lastly, if you don’t have gutters attached to your roof, it is likely going to cause a runoff concern. During a hail storm, the hail will likely pool up around your foundation, this type of roof runoff can end up damaging your foundation. So, look into installing a gutter system.
When to Call a Professional
If you ever experience a hail storm then it is necessary to reach out to your local home inspection team to inspect the damages. You will want to know what they have discovered so that you can get a proper estimate from your local roofing company.
Hiring a licensed roofing contractor is key to ensuring that you don’t get ripped off and that your roof is properly replaced. Also, your local home inspection team can recommend a reputable professionally licensed roofing contractor.
Conclusion
Roofing issues can be hard to see coming. In some cases, severe weather can destroy a roof, or it can just be worn down with age. However, if you experience a major hail storm, you will want to call on a professional to take a look at the damages.
For guidance on your roof or any major home components, reach out to Honor Services in Melbourne, FL, and surrounding areas.
