Do you remember the first time you learned about the existence of hail? As a child, it might have sounded rather insane. Instead of simple raindrops or beautiful snow, the clouds throw chunks of ice down upon us. Unfortunately, as we grow older, the idea of hail shifts from perplexing to downright exasperating. After all, hail can wreak havoc on your roof, causing extensive and costly damage. And surprisingly, this damage isn’t always immediately visible. So, today let’s focus on that. Let’s explore how to spot hail damage on asphalt shingles. If you’re a homeowner, this info will undoubtedly come in handy.
Top Tips for Detecting Hail Damage
- Look for dents or cracks. Examine the shingles for imperfections, including dents, cracks, or punctures. If left untreated, this damage could lead to leaks and other issues. Pay special attention to areas where hail tends to cause the most damage to shingles: roof peaks, ridges, roof valleys, and high-traffic areas for water runoff.
- Check for granule loss. Hail is known to knock the granules off shingles, exposing the black asphalt underneath. While granule loss does happen naturally over time, hailstorms can dislodge many granules quickly. Look for bare spots on shingles and granules in your gutters and downspouts.
- Note any soft spots. The impact of hail can “bruise” your roof like an apple, leaving behind soft and spongy spots. If you feel comfortable climbing up to your roof, pay attention to any soft areas.
- Look for frayed or split edges. Hail can weaken asphalt shingles, causing their edges to curl or crack. This leaves the shingle vulnerable to more damage in the future.
- Climb into your attic. Do you see any signs of water damage? Unseen roof damage can cause leaks, so after a big storm, it’s always a good idea to check the state of your attic.
- Check metal surfaces for dents. Looking away from the shingles for a moment, examine the roof’s metal flashing, vents, and gutters. Do you see any dents? Often, these metal surfaces show more damage than shingles.
- Inspect other elements of your home’s exterior. Examine any skylights, chimneys, siding, etc. If these areas of your home have hail damage, there’s a good chance your roof has damage as well. You could also take a look at your neighbors’ houses or give them a call, especially if you were away when the storm hit. If your whole neighborhood is buzzing about hail damage, there’s a good chance your roof will require repairs as well.
- Schedule an inspection. Whether you’ve spotted hail damage or not, consider scheduling a roof inspection after a big hailstorm. An expert can perform a thorough assessment and use their professional expertise to determine if repairs are necessary.
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As soon as you notice hail damage on asphalt shingles, it’s important to contact a roofer to have the roof repaired. If you live in southwest Missouri, contact Taylor-Made Roofing for help. With over 20 years of experience in residential and commercial roofing, Taylor-Made Roofing is a company that you can trust with all of your roofing needs. Our family-owned business offers quality services, a reassuring warranty, and free estimates. For more information, please give us a call at 417-326-8778 or contact us online. We look forward to hearing from you!
P.S. If you’re wondering how to spot hail damage on asphalt shingles, we have a feeling you might also find these blog posts helpful: