Up on the Rooftop
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The next time you walk outside, take a moment to gaze up at your roof. What do you see? Do you see even shingles that are all laying flat? Or do you see shingles that are starting to curl and that are covered in moss? You can tell a lot about the condition of your roof just by looking at it. If you are at all concerned about the state of your roof, then your first call should be to a roofing contractor. They can evaluate the situation and recommend repairs or replacement as needed. Learn more about roofing and roofing contractors here on this website.

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Up on the Rooftop

How To Identify Hail Damage On Your Roof

Lori Silva

Hailstorms typically occur in the fall, spring, or summer months. They cause massive destruction to properties in their wake. Discovering that your roof was part of the destruction is not fun. It will damage your roof and shorten its lifespan. 

After a hailstorm, your roof may need expensive repairs or in the worst-case scenario, a replacement. However, hail damage on the roof often goes unnoticed since you cannot observe it from the ground. If your area was recently hit by a hailstorm, here's how to tell whether your roof incurred hail damage.

Dents on Your Roof

Dented penetrations are a surefire sign your roof has suffered some impact, possibly from hailstones. When hailstones hit hard, they leave visible marks on the roof surface. You may observe these marks on surfaces other than the roof, including the air conditioner or items left outdoors, like automobiles. 

Hailstones do not just cause cosmetic damage. They can cause roof shingles to lose their protective coverage (granules). If you closely inspect, you may discover scraped-off granules or holes.

The impact marks or dents can reach the shingles and cause leaks. The leaks may lead to water damage in your home's interiors.

Hail damage can go unnoticed since the roof's surface is out of sight. However, regular roof inspections after harsh weather will bring the problems to your attention. As a result, you will contact a roofing expert to conduct hail damage roof repair.

Damaged or Missing Shingles

When hailstones hit your roof, they can crack or break the shingles. The cracks alter the function and appearance of the shingles. Cracked shingles will let moisture into your home and promote mold growth, among other water damage consequences.

A softball-sized hail storm accompanied by high wind velocity may cause more severe damage. Pieces of the broken shingles may fall off or go missing. This situation is a sure sign that your roof is in jeopardy and will need immediate hail damage roof repairs.

Granule Buildup

Granules are the protective outer layer that covers roof shingles and has a sandpaper feel. They function to protect asphalt roofs from the elements.

However, elements like hailstorms often knockoff them off causing them to collect in downspouts and gutters. There could also be visible granules on the ground at the end of metal sidings and downspouts. 

You can also observe granules on heat pump condensers and air conditioning units.

When too many granules are missing on your shingles, the storm damage will be more severe.

For more info about hail damage roof repairs, contact a local company. 


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