Some areas in the United States experience an average of seven to nine hail days every year. The size of hailstones can range from a small pea to a tennis ball. Bigger hailstones fall faster and cause more damage upon impact.
Most signs of hail damage can be obvious, like a broken window or dents on your car. However, minor damages, like hail damage on a roof, might go unnoticed. The regularity of hail in some areas means the damage can add up.
Knowing the signs of roof hail damage can help determine if you need roof repairs. Read on because here are five common signs of hail damage:
1. Bruising
One of the less perceptible signs of roof hail damage is bruising. They’re less visible than dents or pockmarks since they’re smaller.
To check for bruising on your roof, feel your hand along the surface. The bruised portions will feel like dimples.
If the bruising isn’t significant, you may leave it. However, the bruised sections are now indicators of weaker parts of your roof. You can then prepare for future wear and tear.
Meanwhile, if the dimples yield when you apply pressure, it might be a sign of decaying shingles. Consider calling a professional for a roof inspection.
2. Dents on Gutters or Downspouts
Dents are more visible signs of hail damage on a roof. Check your roof for dents on the gutters, gutter screens, or downspouts. Although dents might seem like cosmetic damages, they might lead to functional problems.
3. Cracked Roof Shingles
Exposure to inclement weather and sunlight can also make roof shingles brittle and cause them to crack. Apart from cracks, normal wear and tear can also cause flaking, blistering, and algae.
Despite this, check for cracks on your roof shingles after a hailstorm. You can also identify them by running your hand over the roof. Different roof shingle materials will have different types of hail damage.
Hail damage on asphalt and composition shingles are soft to the touch. They’ll look black and there will also be a loss of granules.
Meanwhile, hail damage on wood shingles appears as splits with sharp edges and corners. They often appear orange or brown.
4. Exposed Roofing
As we mentioned earlier, hail damage can cause a loss of granules for asphalt roofing. It will result in exposed roofing problems.
Check your roof for missing pieces. They may also look like shiny spots on your roof.
5. Bubbles
Opposite to bruising, having bubbles is another sign of hail damage on a roof. Check your roof’s surface for uneven bubbles.
Checking for Hail Damage on a Roof
Before repairing a roof, it’s always helpful to know the signs of hail damage on a roof. Check for bruising, dents, cracked shingles, or even bubbles. These signs will tell you the compromised areas of your roof.
You’ll know whether you need repairs or replacements after a proper roof inspection.
Want more tips on roof maintenance? Check out our other guides here!
