Hail is a dangerous weather element that can damage buildings and cars. Hail damage can seriously impair your roof and cause water leaks. Look for dents in siding, windows, and any metal surface (like outdoor air conditioning units) that could indicate hail damage. You can also inspect your chimney for dents and splits from hail.
Damage to Gutters
Many homeowners believe roofing hail damage can be spotted from the ground, but this is not always true. For a full assessment of any potential damage, having your property evaluated by a skilled roofing contractor is preferable. The damage can vary depending on your roof’s material and the hailstone’s size. Common signs of damage for asphalt and composition shingles include random and indistinguishable dents, and loss of granules that expose the roof felt. For wood shingle damage, look for cracks with sharp corners and edges.
Aside from checking the roof for damage, you should also check your gutters, siding, and windows for hail damage. If your house is susceptible to winds and hail, it’s essential to reinforce vulnerable areas with metal stiffeners. It will prevent damage to these areas and reduce the chance of them being blown off during storms. Check your door and window frames for drooping or looseness because they might be damaged and cause further harm to the shingles nearby.
Damage to Soffit
The amount of harm that hail causes to roofs depends on several factors, including the size of the hail, the wind speed, and the kind of roofing material. Large hail creates recognizable circular dents in the shingles, while minor hail can cause cracks or shatter your shingle materials. You should check inside your house or workplace for water stains on the ceiling, line-shaped discoloration around light fixtures and fire sprinklers, and unmistakable evidence of roof hail damage.
If you notice much damage from a recent hail storm, professional Denver roofers near me can inspect your roof to ensure the structure’s integrity is not compromised. Start by checking gutters and downspouts for dents or other forms of impact. Next, check the roof vents, chimneys, and skylights for dents or other forms of damage. You might also examine for dents in the window casings and siding.
Damage to Shingles
The shingles on your roof are among the first places to look for damage from hail. Heavy hail will rip shingles completely off or leave them damaged to the point of curling up like dried leather. Look for random dents that don’t follow a pattern and shingles that are losing their granules. Loose granules expose the black substrate of the shingle and can lead to leaks over time. Smaller hailstones don’t require high wind speeds to cause severe damage, so watch for shingle bruising. It’s also good to check for hail damage on softer surfaces around your home, including vents, skylights, and the chimney cover. You can use a stick of sidewalk chalk to check for dents on these types of surfaces. It’s not uncommon for a home to suffer significant hail damage that goes unnoticed from the ground or street view, but it will eventually cause slow moisture leaks that can lead to rot, mold growth, and structural issues. It’s essential to have an expert inspect your roof after a hail storm.
Damage to Flashings
The force of hail can also damage gutters, downspouts, and flashing. Metal gutters and downspouts can dent or crack, and plastic ones may break completely. Damaged flashing can lead to water leaks. A sagging roof, pools in the attic or basement, stains on internal ceilings, line-shaped discoloration on external walls, and damp spots on your ceiling or walls all indicate hail damage. Also, check outdoor fixtures such as your satellite dish, garage doors, lawn furniture, and even the paint on your mailbox and other structures. The telltale sign of hail damage on shingles is dented (ranging from small to large) and splits in the asphalt and mat of the shingle itself. You can easily spot dents by running your hands along the shingle’s surface, which will feel like sandpaper and has a black substrate that exposes granules when a shingle is damaged. You can also rub a stick of chalk across surfaces such as chimney covers to find dents that aren’t readily apparent.