A hail storm can be a destructive force for any home, and the roof is usually the first area to be affected. If your home has been hit by a hail storm, knowing how to spot hail damage to your roof can help you take the necessary steps to repair it. Be on the lookout for these 10 signs of hail damage to your roof.
1. Exposed Roof Felt
Look for exposed roof felt on your roof’s surface. This can indicate that the shingles have been damaged by hail, leaving the underlying felt exposed and vulnerable to further damage. The felt can be exposed in several ways, such as from dislodged, cracked, and missing shingles. It will look like a “bald” spot on the roof.
2. Shiny Asphalt
Inspect your roof for areas with shiny surfaces. This can be an indication that the granules on the shingles have been knocked off and the asphalt is slowly being exposed. Without these granules, your roof will become much more susceptible to future damage.
3. Bruised Shingles
Take a close look at the shingles on your roof. If the shingles have dark spots or “bruises”, it is a good indication that they have been damaged by hail. This type of damage will usually be concentrated in areas that are exposed to direct sunlight and may look like discolored spots on the shingles.
4. Cracked Shingles
If the shingles on your roof are cracked, this is a definite sign that your roof has been damaged by hail. The cracks can be subtle and difficult to spot, so look closely at each individual shingle for signs of cracking or splitting.
5. Dents
Look around your roof for dented shingles. Hail can easily cause dents in the surface of a shingle, leaving them vulnerable to further damage. These dents will usually be in visible areas and can be very noticeable if you look closely enough.
6. Missing Granules
Another sign of hail damage is missing granules. These small pieces of rock can be knocked off the shingles by the hail, leaving the asphalt exposed underneath. You may find piles of these granules around your roof or in your gutters. They’ll also be visible on the lawn surrounding your house.
7. Broken Gutters
Hail can also cause damage to your gutters. Look for broken sections of the gutter or cracks along the seams. These can indicate that the hail was strong enough to cause significant damage to the metal, and you should have it repaired as soon as possible.
8. Claw Marks
Examine your roof for what may look like claw marks. These will be shallow grooves in the shingles that are caused by hail slicing through them. This type of damage often means that the shingle’s waterproofing is compromised and should be repaired quickly.
9. Peeling Paint
If you have painted siding, look for areas where the paint has peeled or chipped off. This can be a sign that hail struck your home with enough force to cause damage to the roof as well as the paint on your siding.
10. Loose Pieces
Carefully inspect your roof for any loose or missing pieces such as flashing, vents, and drip edges. These can be indicators of hail damage and should be repaired immediately to prevent further damage to your home.
11. Weakened Seal
Hail can also weaken the seal between shingles and your home’s roof deck. This will cause water to seep in and could cause further damage if not fixed immediately. Look for signs of this weakened seal around the edges of shingles, flashing, vents, and other areas of your roof.
12. Soft Impact Areas
Soft spots are areas where the hail has impacted the shingles with such force that it has caused them to soften or break down. They’ll be visible as softer, spongier sections on the roof. You may be able to feel the softness of these areas if you press on them with your finger.
13. Irregular Patterns
Hail damage tends to follow a random pattern, so if you see any unusual shapes or lines on the shingles, it could be an indication of hail damage. These patterns can also indicate that some areas have been damaged more severely than others.
14. Dents on Downspouts
Take a look at the downspouts on your home. If they have dents, it may be a sign that hail has impacted them. This type of damage can weaken the structure of your downspouts and put them at risk for further damage in the future.
15. Blistered Shingles
Blisters can appear on your roof’s shingles when hail strikes with enough force to cause the asphalt in them to expand. The blisters will be visible as raised bumps on the surface of the shingle and may indicate that further damage has been done beneath them.
16. Cracks in the Chimney
Your chimney is also vulnerable to damage from hail. Look for any signs of cracks or other damage that could have been caused by hail. This can include anything from small hairline cracks to larger ones. You may also find pieces of mortar or brick that have been knocked off the chimney. If the hail was strong enough to damage the chimney, it could also have done damage to your roof.
17. Missing Nail Heads
Hail can sometimes knock the nails out of your roof, leaving behind nail holes that are visible from the ground. Check for any missing nails or nail heads and be sure to have them replaced as soon as possible to protect your roof from further damage.
18. Water in Your Attic
If you can’t inspect the roof closely, check your attic for any signs of water intrusion. If hail has damaged your roof, it may be letting in water and causing damage to the interior of your home. Take a look at the rafters and beams for any evidence of water or mold. This is an emergency situation and should be taken care of immediately.
19. Water Stains
Look closely for water stains on your walls and ceilings. If you find any, it could be a sign that hail has damaged your roof and allowed water to leak in. This type of damage should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent further issues from occurring.
If you notice any of these signs after a hail storm, it’s important to contact a qualified roofing contractor right away. They can inspect your roof and determine the extent of the damage and what needs to be done to repair it. Don’t wait for further damage to occur as this could lead to costly repairs — Axis Roofing is here to help. As a trusted provider of roof inspections, repairs, and replacements in Mesa, AZ, we can help you get your roof back to its best and protect the safety of your home. Contact us today for more information.
