Hail storms are noisy and frightening, but fortunately, they don’t last long. Once they are over, everyone relaxes. However, depending on the hail’s size there can be significant damage to your roof. Hail of ¾ inch in diameter can dislodge granules from asphalt shingles. One inch hail can bruise shingle underlayment. If the hail is accompanied by strong winds, the damage is likely to be even more severe.
Hail damage to the roof can include dents in roof vents, gutters, and flashings. It is not a good idea to go walking around your rooftop. However, look for these ancillary signs of hail damage.
- Downspouts above five feet from the ground
- Garage door
- Window screens
- Mailbox
- Outdoor furniture or accessories, like a grill
- Car hood or roof
- Satellite dish
- Siding
- Granules in guttering or downspouts
- Shingles on the ground, even if they are not yours
Dents or dings in any of these items mean the hail was severe enough to potentially cause issues with your roof. Inside look for any unusual signs including stains near ceiling light fixtures and fire sprinklers. The only way to be sure if there is or is no damage is to call a reliable roofer to schedule an inspection.
The damage from hail is dependent on a lot of factors. These include size, wind speed and direction, and materials. Some of it can appear cosmetic but even that can be a mask to more serious damage.
- Granule loss. This is the sandpaper appearance of the shingle. When granules are gone, the asphalt of the shingle is exposed to the elements and will deteriorate more rapidly.
- Shingles can develop tears that will result in bare spots.
- If the shingle’s seal becomes damaged, it can allow the shingle to blow off. This leaves the surrounding shingles in jeopardy. Eventually, there will be leakage.
Prior to storm season, have your roof inspected for any signs of previous damage. If you live in an area that is prone to frequent or heavy hail storms, when you have your roof replaced, consider impact-resistant shingles. These are standard shingles but have characteristics that will help protect the roof from hail and high winds. They will be more expensive but you can recoup the cost in fewer repairs and maintenance over the years. You can also check with your insurance carrier to see if they offer a rate discount when you opt for this hazard prevention.
If you suspect your roof may have suffered hail damage, or would simply like an inspection for peace of mind, contact us at 613-851-4448. We will arrange to have a specialist come to your home or commercial building. We are insured and bonded and have been doing this work for over 50 years. Our honesty and integrity have kept us in business all this time. You can check our reputation at Google Maps. Let us show you how we can help. Our goal is to find the best solution for any of your roofing problems.