Residential and commercial roofing alike can sustain hail damage. As a matter of fact, hailstorms can damage just about anything, from your car to your windows to your roof down to the vegetation around your home. 

Roof Hail Damage

Hailstones can vary in size, from marble-sized pieces to golf ball-sized ones. The bigger the hailstone, of course, the more damaging it can be. And, the higher the speed at which it hits its target, the worse for said target.

Why You Can’t Ignore Hail Damage

Just because nothing is leaking after a hailstorm doesn’t mean your roof hasn’t sustained hail damage. It’s a good idea to have your roof inspected by a professional because they know what to look for and where. 

In some cases, a hailstorm can knock off a few granules on your shingle roof. However, if the hailstorm is particularly strong, and the hail is big, it can knock off complete shingle tabs and cause punctures.

Even if your roofing system looks fine, chances are there are areas that have sustained more damage than others, such as broken flashings. If you ignore hail damage, your roof will be leaking even before you notice it. If there are large punctures, your home’s energy efficiency might also be compromised.

How to Inspect a Roof for Hail Damage

It’s always a good idea to hire a professional to do the inspection, but these pointers can give you a solid idea of what to look for.

  • Dents in the roof: Hail can dent asphalt shingles and even metal roofing shingles. You can determine the size of the hail and the area of your roof that received the most damage by looking for dents.
  • Bruised shingles: Though these are less noticeable than dented shingles, you can still spot them. You can also run a hand over the shingles to feel for bruises. 
  • Granule loss: Hailstones can knock shingle granules off. These granules provide shingles with protection against the heat of the sun. If the granules are lost, your shingles will deteriorate faster and become less effective. Look for spots on your roof that have lost granules. Check your gutters or the ground for more granules.
  • Punctures: If you see black portions on your shingles, that means you’re looking at the bottom layer of the material. You’ll have to replace those shingles.

Choose impact-resistant shingles if you want to protect your home from shingle damage. Make sure to give your roof a thorough inspection and regular maintenance.

Call a professional like Hershey Exteriors, Inc for roof repairs and replacements. We also offer other services, including siding installation. Call us today at (302) 569-9039, or fill out this form to get in touch with us.