How can I tell if my roof has hail damage?
Hail damage is often hard to see from the ground. Start by checking for dents in gutters, downspouts, roof vents, window screens and the fins on your air conditioner, and look for granules in your gutters or pieces of shingles in the yard. If you see these signs after a storm, schedule a roof inspection.
How hail damages shingles
When hail hits an asphalt shingle, it can knock the granules loose and bruise or crack the shingle underneath. This exposes the shingle to the sun and can shorten the life of your roof.
A hail-damaged roof may not leak right away. That is why it is a good idea to have your roof inspected after a hailstorm, even if you do not see a problem inside.
What to check from the ground
Look for dents in soft metal around your home, such as gutters, downspouts, roof vents, window screens, garage doors and the fins on your outdoor air conditioner.
Check your gutters and the ground below your downspouts for granules, and look for pieces of shingles in the yard.
Do not climb onto your roof. A damaged roof can be slippery and fragile.
What a roof inspection looks for
During an inspection, the roofer checks each slope of the roof for hail hits and other storm damage, along with the gutters, vents and flashing. Photos of the damage help document it for an insurance claim.
Hail usually hits some sides of a roof harder than others, depending on the direction the storm came from.
Damage that is not from hail
Blistering, foot traffic, mechanical damage and algae streaks can look like hail damage but have other causes. An experienced roofer can tell the difference.
What to do after a hailstorm
Take dated photos of any damage you can see from the ground and write down the date of the storm. Then schedule a roof inspection. Reveles Roofing offers free roof inspections and can meet with your claims adjuster if there is damage.
Related questions
What size hail damages a roof?
Hail around one inch in diameter can damage asphalt shingles, and older shingles may be damaged by smaller hail. Wind speed and the angle of impact also matter.
Should I get on the roof myself?
No. Walking on a damaged roof is dangerous and can cause more damage. Check what you can from the ground and schedule an inspection.
How long do I have to file after a hailstorm?
It depends on your policy. Many policies set a deadline for reporting damage, so it is best to have your roof inspected soon after a storm.
