How Hail Damages Your Roof

Every year, hailstorms cause billions of dollars of property damage. Since hail can range in size from pea-sized to softball-shaped, it has the ability to cause real damage to residential and commercial properties, and in some cases after hail damage, a roof replacement could become an unfortunate necessity.

Sometimes, it can be easy to see the hail damage, but homeowners aren't always aware of what hail has done to their roof because it can't always be seen from the ground. Unfortunately, even if it can't be seen easily, that doesn't mean it doesn't exist and when your roof is an important barrier to the elements, not getting a hail damage roof inspection creates a risk of roof damage going unnoticed until it's too late.

What is Hail? How Does it Cause Roof Damage?

Hail is formed when drops of water are carried up by thunderstorm updrafts and subjected to cold areas of the atmosphere where they freeze. In some cases, these hailstones grow when they collide with other droplets that end up freezing on the hail's surface. When they're single droplets, they are less likely to cause damage but when they collide with other droplets and grow, that can change. In some climates, the hail can end up growing several inches and when a softball-sized hunk of frozen water lands on a large barrier, like a roof over and over again, then damage is an unfortunate likelihood.

Luckily, since it is a force of nature, if your home suffers from hail damage, a roof insurance claim isn't too difficult to obtain and once you have that claim, a contractor can help repair the damage.

Signs of Hail Damage

When you are trying to assess the hail damage, roof repair inspections conducted from the ground can be a tricky endeavor. We have compiled a few telltale signs that you may need to file a hail damage roof insurance claim.

Dented gutters and downspouts, especially if the roof has significant hail damage.
Damage to the siding and windowsills as well as damage to any other exposed metal surfaces even if it looks like a faint ding.
Damage to outdoor items such as air conditioners and decks.

If you get up on the roof, you'll find more obvious signs of hail impact such as:

Dented chimney covers.
Surface granules on shingles are knocked off. This one can be hard to spot sometimes without an inspection, but it's an important thing to notice because it requires a lot of force to knock granules off a shingle and it can create a leak over time.
On wooden shingles, hail damage presents itself when the shingle is cracked or split down the middle.
Clay and slate roofs will crack, or there will be gouges if they are severely affected by hail.
Metal roofs are the easiest roof type to spot damage because you will be able to see clear dents and white residue leftover from the storm.

How Can Hail Damage Be Prevented?

Choose impact-resistant roofing materials: Some roofing materials, such as metal or asphalt shingles that have been specially designed to be impact-resistant, can be more durable and better able to withstand hail damage.
Trim overhanging tree branches: Overhanging tree branches can increase the likelihood of hail damage to your roof. Trim any branches that are close to your home's roof to reduce the risk of damage.
Install protective screens or shutters: If you live in an area with frequent hailstorms, you may want to consider installing protective screens or shutters over your windows to prevent hail from breaking them and causing further damage.
Regular roof maintenance: Regular roof maintenance, such as cleaning gutters and downspouts and repairing any damage to your roof, can help keep your roof in good condition and more resilient to hail damage.
Insurance coverage: Make sure you have adequate insurance coverage for your home, including coverage for hail damage. This can help cover the cost of repairs or replacement in the event of a hailstorm.

Let RoofClaim Match You to Hail Damage Roofing Contractors

If your roof suffered from hail damage, a roof repair or replacement isn't as difficult as you think it may be. When you contact our team, we will help you communicate your hail damage with your insurance adjuster and schedule an easy and convenient inspection to assess your roof. Once we know the extent of the damage, we'll match you to one of the nationwide contractors in our network to do the repair. We strive to make sure that your work is done by a business that is local to you, that way your service is handled by somebody who understands what kind of wear and tear you'll be dealing with.