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Spotting Hidden Hail Damage Roof: Essential Tips

Read time: 4 min.

Hailstorms can be a homeowner’s nightmare, and not just for the obvious reasons. While shattered windows and dented cars are immediate signs of trouble, hidden hail damage can lurk on your roof, leading to costly repairs down the line. This often-overlooked damage can significantly compromise its integrity. This makes understanding hidden hail damage critical for protecting your investment.

Hidden roof problems might not be obvious right after a storm. A seemingly intact roof could be harboring unseen cracks, bruises, and granule loss. Knowing what silent damage to look for — and what steps to take — could be the most important tool a homeowner has.

Unseen Impacts: How Hail Takes a Toll on Your Roof

Hailstones, essentially ice pellets, vary significantly in size. They range from tiny pea-sized particles to hefty softballs. While smaller stones usually cause minor cosmetic imperfections, larger hail can wreak major havoc. This doesn’t always mean gaping holes or missing shingles.

Bruised Shingles: The Silent Threat

One of the most insidious forms of hail damage is shingle bruising. These aren’t always visible. But, upon closer inspection (or by a trained roofing professional), you’ll see slight indentations or dark spots where hail has impacted them.

Although seemingly minor, these bruises compromise the shingle’s waterproofing. They create weak spots that can develop into cracks or tears over time, eventually leading to leaks. This damage makes them vulnerable to future storms, accelerating their deterioration.

Granule Loss: A Slow But Steady Decline

Shingle granules are more than just decorative. They form a protective layer against the elements, primarily UV rays. Hail impacts often dislodge these granules.

While some granule loss is normal, excessive shedding after a hailstorm is a red flag. Granule loss will void the manufacturer’s warranty and make it age more quickly. Excessive granule loss from hail may result in roof leaks from wind-driven rain. Your roof will be less able to resist the damaging effects of wind gusts, wind uplift pressures and severe wind storms.

Without granules, shingles are more exposed to UV rays. This makes them dry, brittle, and prone to cracking.

Cracked or Split Shingles: The Gateway to Leaks

Larger hailstones can crack or split asphalt shingles. Sometimes, these cracks are immediate. This leaves gaps for weather elements.

Even small cracks may not be obvious from the outside. These problems may start from hairline cracks you can barely notice. Small cracks grow in hot temperatures, so even a slight crack can quickly become a large issue. These cracks will become much more visible with only slight thermal expansion in hot summer temperatures and quickly allow leaks and create more expensive damage.

Identifying Hidden Hail Damage on Your Roof

Spotting hail roof damage takes a discerning eye. Climbing up on your roof, especially after a storm, is risky.

Therefore, professional roof damage inspections after storms are wise. Professional inspectors look at the shingles to check for bruising, cracking, splitting and granule loss from the hail stones. Inspections after hailstorms are vital for maintaining a roof.

Professional Inspection

Roofers are trained to identify damage. A professional roofing contractor knows what subtle clues to search for. They offer the safest way to assess your roof. Roof inspections include checks for damage you might miss.

They provide documented evidence. You’ll want this documentation in your homeowners insurance claim. Find more information about hail damage here.

DIY Inspection

While a professional inspection is always recommended, a preliminary DIY check can give you a sense of the situation. Start by checking your gutters and downspouts for shingle granules.

Then, inspect any fallen debris for shingle pieces. Even small, broken-off sections may indicate impact damage. Use binoculars to scan your roof from the ground.

Look for any obvious dents, cracks, or missing shingles. Additional resources on how to spot hail damage can provide more guidance. One missing shingle can trigger big problems.

Hail Damage and Your Insurance

If you find damage, understanding your insurance coverage is the next step. Many wonder, “Does home insurance cover hail damage?” The answer is… probably.

Homeowners Insurance

Most homeowner’s insurance policies cover hail damage. Specific terms and deductibles vary greatly. It’s smart to have professional documentation.

A roofer’s detailed report with photos will greatly improve the chances of a smooth claims process. If there’s collateral damage such as broken windows, then find out whether car insurance covers hail damage.

FAQs about hidden hail damage roof

Will insurance pay for hail damage to my roof?

Most homeowner’s insurance policies cover hail damage to roofs. Coverage details and deductibles can vary significantly. Check your individual policy for specific information.

Do I really need to replace my roof after hail?

Not always. The extent of the damage determines whether repair or replacement is necessary. Minor damage with little shingle damage can be repaired.

Extensive damage, particularly with cracked or missing shingles or underlayment damage, requires a full roof replacement. Repairing or replacing your roof depends on many factors such as its age, material, and the level of damage sustained.

How do you prove hail damage to a roof?

Documenting the damage is crucial. Pictures of dented gutters, damaged siding, broken windows, and hail size around your property give strong evidence. Professional inspection reports give weight to your claim.

Their documented photos and evidence from the roof become the foundation for your negotiations. These pictures may also help the adjustor for your home insurance claim assess wind damage, siding damage, water damage and whether to approve paying the contractor you’ve chosen to do any roof repairs. Make sure they are familiar with the building code related to this as well.

Conclusion

Hidden hail damage is a significant risk after any hailstorm. Ignoring these problems can create larger headaches and greater financial burdens later. Timely action and information are crucial for mitigation.

Don’t risk compromising your biggest investment from something you can control. Schedule inspections and become knowledgeable about post-hailstorm maintenance. Hidden roof damage shouldn’t remain hidden from your to-do list.

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