What Does Hail Damage Look Like on a Roof?

Determining the impact of hail on your roof or exterior can be a challenging task, especially when the damage is subtle and not easily visible to an untrained eye. At Roof Right, a family-owned exterior home remodeling company serving Maryland homeowners since 1994, we understand the importance of identifying hail damage early. In this guide, we’ll explore key indicators, signs of hail damage, the impact of hail size, and why Roof Right is your go-to choice for roof repairs in Maryland.

What Does Hail Damage Look Like?

Inspecting your roof and exterior for hail damage involves paying attention to specific indicators that may not be immediately apparent. Here are crucial tips to help you identify potential damage:

Inspecting Gutters and Downspouts:

High-impact hail often leaves a mark on gutters and downspouts. Look for dents and dings in these areas, as they can be indicative of roof damage. Additionally, check for clogged or overflowing gutters, as granules shed from shingles during a hailstorm can cause blockages.

Siding Examination:

Examine your siding for signs of hail damage. Dents or cracks may suggest potential shingle damage, indicating the need for further inspection.

Deck Damage:

In severe hailstorms, your deck may exhibit damage, serving as an indicator for potential shingle damage. If any of these areas display signs of hail damage, it’s advisable to seek a professional roof inspection for a comprehensive assessment.

Signs Of Hail Damage

Identifying signs of hail damage is crucial in preventing further deterioration of your roof. Here are key indicators to look for:

1. Granule Loss:

Inspect gutters and downspouts for granules, the sandpaper-like part of the shingle. Granule loss exposes the asphalt coating, accelerating aging and compromising the shingle’s effectiveness.

2. Cracks in the Shingles:

Hard hail impacts or high winds can cause cracks in shingles, leading to exposure and tears. Cracked shingles cannot provide adequate protection against weather elements.

3. Exposed Fiberglass Mat:

Hail impact can shatter shingles’ surfacing, causing it to break away from the fiberglass mat underneath.

4. Fractured Fiberglass Mat:

Fractured fiberglass mats may be harder to detect but can result in tears and cracks from the point of hail impact.

5. Weakened Self-Seal Strip:

High winds and hail can weaken the seal integrity of shingles, making them susceptible to blowing off. A weakened seal can lead to leaks and damage to surrounding shingles.

Does The Size Of The Hail Affect Roof Damage?

Absolutely! Hail size is a crucial factor in determining the extent of roof damage. Understanding the impact of various hail sizes is essential. Here’s a breakdown:

¾” Hail: Despite being the smallest measured, ¾” hail can be damaging, especially with accompanying wind speeds. It can dislodge granules, damage gutters, vinyl siding, window screens, metal fascia, and paint on a deck.

1” Hail: Crossing the 1” mark brings bruising to shingle underlayment and significant damage to siding, gutters, and fascia. Wind speeds will influence the severity of damage.

1¼” Hail: With a mere ¼” increase, the severity becomes more significant, potentially leaving your property looking like swiss cheese.

1½” Hail: This size causes significant damage to property, depending on the amount of hail, falling time, and accompanying wind speeds.

1¾ – 2” Hail: At this size, hail can penetrate softer parts of a roof, tear siding off, crack windows, and damage metal fixtures when combined with wind.

2” Hail: Anything this size or above will cause severe damage, prompting an immediate call to a roofing contractor with insurance experience.

Why Choose Roof Right for your Roof Repairs in Maryland

When it comes to roof repairs, Roof Right stands out as the preferred choice for several reasons:

• Fully Licensed & Insured.
• A+ Accredited Member of the Better Business Bureau.
• Recognized as the 80th largest replacement contractor in the United States by Remodeling Magazine.
• Consistent winner of Angie’s Super Service Award since 2007.
• Home Advisor Screened & Approved with an Elite Service Rating.
• 98% overall customer satisfaction rating from independent surveys.
• References available from previous customers, banks, and vendors.
• Before & after photos provided for your work.
• Unparalleled service with management available even after hours.
• 100% financing available with approved credit.

Trust Roof Right for unmatched expertise, reliability, and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Contact us today for all your roof repair and replacement needs.