What Does Hail Damage Look Like on a Roof?

Hailstones can vary in size, and the damage they cause can range from minor cosmetic damage to significant structural damage. They cause dents, cracks, or even punctures in the roofing materials, compromising their integrity and leading to costly repairs or replacement. 

However, not all hail damage is immediately visible to the untrained eye. It can be challenging even to identify the apparent signs of hail damage and its extent without thoroughly inspecting functional damage. 

Let’s take a closer at what hail damage looks like on a roof, so you’ll be better equipped to see hail impacts, identify them and take the necessary steps to repair or replace roofing after hail damage.

Factors That Affect the Type and Extent of Damage

Hailstorms can cause significant damage to properties and vehicles, resulting in costly repairs and insurance claims. Let’s explore the factors that can affect the type and extent of hail roof damage.

Size of Hailstones

Generally, larger and denser hailstones are more likely to cause significant damage than smaller and lighter ones. This is because they have more mass and momentum, increasing the impact force when they hit a surface.

Wind Speed and Direction

The wind’s speed and direction can affect the hailstones’ trajectory and force and the angle at which they hit surfaces. Strong winds can increase hailstones’ horizontal speed and movement, causing them to hit surfaces at an angle that can result in more significant damage. 

Natural Barriers

Barriers, such as trees, hills, and other structures, can provide some protection against hailstones by intercepting or deflecting them before they hit buildings or vehicles. Tall trees can absorb some of the impacts of hailstones, reducing the amount of damage that vehicles or buildings might otherwise sustain. 

Structural Integrity of the Affected Surfaces

The age and maintenance of the building or vehicle can also affect its structural integrity and vulnerability to hail damage. Buildings or vehicles that are older or not adequately maintained may be more susceptible to hail damage due to weakened materials or corrosion.

How Can You Identify Hail Damage to Your Roof?

Hailstorms can cause different types of damage to your roof, and the extent of the damage may not always be apparent to the untrained eye. We’ll discuss what hail storm damage looks like on different types of roofs.

Asphalt Shingle Roof

Asphalt shingle roofs are a popular roofing material for residential properties due to their durability and affordability. However, they are not entirely immune to hail damage. During a hailstorm, asphalt shingles can sustain various types of damage, ranging from minor cracks to significant punctures. 

As a homeowner, you need to know what hail impact and the damage look like on an asphalt shingle roof so that you can take the necessary steps to repair or replace the hail-damaged roof.

So what does hail damage look like on a roof? One of the most visible signs of hail damage is cracked or missing shingles. Hailstones can cause the roof shingles to crack or break, exposing the underlying roof deck to moisture and causing water damage over time. 

Another sign of hail damage on an asphalt shingle roof is scattered fragments of asphalt shingle debris. Hailstones can dislodge the asphalt granules on the shingles, which can accumulate in the gutters and downspouts or on the ground near the roofline. Excessive granule loss can cause roof shingles to deteriorate quickly, leading to leaks and other types of damage.

Bare spots on the roof exposing the roof deck are another indicator of hail damage. Hailstones can cause shingles to dislodge, exposing the underlying roof deck. These bare spots can be susceptible to water damage, leading to more extensive damage if not addressed promptly.

Finally, color patches on the roof may indicate hail damage. If the shingles are bruised, they may appear discolored, suggesting they have weakened and are more vulnerable to further storm damage.

Wood Shingle Roof

A sure sign of hail damage on a wood shingle roof is random damage with no discernable pattern. Unlike asphalt shingle roofs, hailstones can cause significant damage to wood shingles in different areas, and the damage may not follow a specific pattern or direction. This damage can include splits, dents, or cracks on the shingles.

Hailstones can cause splits on the shingles with sharp, clean edges, indicating that the hailstone had enough force to split the shingle. This damage can weaken the shingle and make it more susceptible to further damage, like wood rot. The exposed wood can turn brown or orange due to sunlight and water.

Clay or Concrete Tile Roof

Clay or concrete tile roofs are known for their durability and resistance to weather elements, including hail. However, no roofing material is entirely immune to hail damage. 

Hailstones can cause cracks or chips on the tiles’ surface, weakening the tiles’ integrity and making them more prone to future damage. If the hailstones are large enough, they can also cause tiles to break or shatter.

Another indication of hail damage on a clay or concrete tile roof is a dislodged tile. Hailstones can knock tiles out of place or cause them to become loose, which can expose the underlying roofing material to the elements. 

Metal Roofs

Metal roofs are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners due to their durability, longevity, and resistance to harsh weather conditions. However, even metal roofs can sustain damage from a severe hailstorm.

Some metal roofs have a protective coating to prevent rust and corrosion. Hailstones can cause this coating to chip or peel off, leaving the metal beneath vulnerable to damage.

Need Help Identifying Hail Damage on Your Roof?

Hail damage to your roof can be a severe problem that should not be ignored. Identify the signs of hail damage and have your roof inspected by a professional roofing contractor after a hailstorm. With timely repairs, you can prevent further damage to your roof and protect your home from leaks and structural damage during hail storms.

Don’t let hail damage compromise the safety and comfort of your home. Contact Trust Roofing today for comprehensive hail damage inspection and repair services. Our team is ready to assist you in restoring your roof to its pre-storm condition.