How to identify hail damage on shingles

Here's what to look for. This includes hail divots that are black in color, or are soft to the touch, like the bruise on an apple. Also, look for any loss of granules, visible damage to the shingle, and asphalt and/or mat that appears shiny.

Hailstorms stand as one of nature's most formidable adversaries, often leaving a trail of destruction on rooftops, siding, and other structures. When hailstones—occasionally rivaling the size of golf balls—assault roofing materials, the aftermath can vary from superficial bruising to profound structural impairment. Recognizing the full scope of hail-induced damage and addressing it in a timely manner is crucial for both residential and commercial property owners, especiallynif your looking for How to get insurance to pay for roof replacement. Taking swift action after a hail event can stave off further degradation of your roof, shielding your property from subsequent exposure to the elements.

Indicators of Hail Damage to Your Roof

Detecting hail damage isn’t always a clear-cut endeavor, as some problems may lurk beneath the surface. Below are key markers to watch for:

  1. Indentations and Dimples Hail often leaves conspicuous indentations on metallic roofs, gutters, and vents. Asphalt shingles, in turn, might display circular dimples or pockmarks. These blemishes compromise the roof’s integrity, potentially paving the way for leaks if neglected.

  2. Granule Erosion on Shingles The protective granules on asphalt shingles can be dislodged by hail, leaving visible signs such as granule buildup in gutters or downspouts. Over time, granule loss accelerates the aging process of the roof, diminishing its UV resistance.

  3. Fractured or Split Shingles Larger hailstones can inflict significant harm, causing visible fractures or splits in the shingles, especially on older roofs where the materials have become brittle with age.

  4. Exposed Roofing Layers In severe instances, hail can penetrate the shingles entirely, laying bare the underlayment beneath. This type of damage demands immediate attention, as it leaves the home vulnerable to water infiltration and decay.

  5. Compromised Roof Vents, Skylights, and Flashing Besides shingles, other roofing components like vents, skylights, and flashing can also fall victim to hail damage. Damaged or warped elements can permit water to breach your roof, leading to interior water damage.

What to Do After a Hailstorm

  1. Conduct a Safe Roof Inspection After the storm subsides, your first course of action should be inspecting your roof in a safe manner. Utilize binoculars or enlist a professional roofing contractor to evaluate the damage. Avoid climbing onto a potentially slick or wet roof yourself.

  2. Record the Damage Capture detailed photographs of any visible damage—dents, fractures, granule loss—as this documentation is vital when filing an insurance claim.

  3. Reach Out to Your Insurance Provider Alert your insurance company promptly. Many policies cover hail damage, but time is of the essence. Supply them with the necessary documentation and schedule an inspection with an insurance adjuster.

  4. Engage a Licensed Roofing Contractor Once the insurance process is in motion, collaborate with a licensed contractor experienced in hail damage restoration. They’ll offer a thorough evaluation, assist in navigating the claims process, and undertake the requisite repairs or replacement.

The Hail Damage Restoration Process

  1. Preliminary Inspection and Evaluation A roofing specialist will assess the extent of the damage, identifying compromised areas and determining if a full roof replacement is warranted or if localized repairs will suffice.

  2. Repair vs. Replacement The decision to repair or replace the roof hinges on several factors, such as the severity of the damage, the roof’s age, and the materials used. Minor blemishes or granule loss may be repaired, while more extensive structural damage could necessitate a complete replacement.

  3. Shingle Replacement If the damage is isolated to specific zones, individual shingles can be swapped out. The contractor will remove the compromised shingles and replace them with new ones, ensuring they blend seamlessly with the existing roof both in aesthetics and durability.

  4. Full Roof Replacement For extensive damage, a full roof overhaul may be the most practical solution. This process involves stripping all existing materials down to the decking, inspecting for hidden issues, and installing a new roof.

  5. Inspecting Auxiliary Roof Features Ensure that supplementary roofing elements like flashing, vents, and gutters are evaluated and repaired or replaced as needed. Neglecting these components can undermine the effectiveness of your roof repair.

Proactively Shielding Your Roof from Future Hail Damage

Though hailstorms are unpredictable, there are proactive steps you can take to mitigate the risk of severe damage in the future.

  1. Opt for Impact-Resistant Roofing Materials Consider upgrading to impact-resistant materials, which are specifically engineered to endure hail impacts. Class 4 asphalt shingles, for instance, significantly decrease the probability of damage during future storms.

  2. Routine Roof Maintenance Regular roof upkeep—such as cleaning gutters, trimming overhanging branches, and inspecting for damage—can prolong your roof’s lifespan and lessen the impact of future hailstorms.

  3. Roof Coatings Applying a protective coating can furnish an additional layer of defense against hail. These coatings are designed to absorb impact energy, mitigating damage to the underlying roofing materials.

 Sizes of Hailstones and The Damage They Can Cause 

Most hailstorms include hail of varying sizes, which is measured using everyday items. While the largest-sized hail stones pose the biggest threat to people, hail of any size can damage your roof. 

The intensity of hail is measured on a scale from H0 to H10 using the TORRO Hailstorm Intensity Scale (The Tornado and Storm Research Organization, a weather research group based in the United Kingdom). We’ve also combined this information with that from NOAA, the National Severe Storms Laboratory, to help you understand the potential damage caused by varying sizes of hail. 

Hard Hail    

H0: 0.2 - 0.4 inches. Pea-sized hail that generally doesn’t cause any damage.

Potentially Damaging Hail 

H1: 0.2 - 0.6 inches. This mothball-sized hail can damage plants and flowers. 

Significant Hail

H2: 0.4 - 0.8 inches. Penny-sized hail that can strip leaves off plants and damage vegetables in outdoor gardens.     

Severe Hail 

H3: 0.8 - 1.2 inches. Nickel to quarter-sized hail that breaks glass, scrapes paint and wood, and dents metal.  

H4: 1 - 1.6 inches. Quarter to ping-pong ball-sized hail that can damage glass and vehicles.

Destructive Hail

H5: 1.2 - 2 inches. Hail in this range can be the size of a quarter, ping-pong ball, or golf ball. Hail this size can break glass and damage roof tiles and cars. 

H6: 1.6 - 2.4 inches. Golf ball and tennis ball-sized hail that breaks windows and damages roofs. 

H7: 2 - 3 inches. Hail in this range is the size of a tennis ball, baseball, or a teacup. Hail this size can cause severe roof damage and pose a risk of injury.   

H8: 2.4 - 3.5 inches. Hail in this range is larger than a baseball but slightly smaller than a softball. Hail in this size can damage shingles, tile, and concrete roofs. 

Super Hailstorms 

H9: 3 - 4 inches. Baseball or softball-sized hail. Hail in this range can break or destroy concrete roofs, and wooden walls, and split large trees.  

H10: 4 inches and above. Softball to grapefruit-sized hail and larger. Hail this size causes extensive structural damage, breaks brick walls, damages wooden walls, and puts people at risk of fatal injury. 

What to Look for When Assessing Hail Damage

Hail damage, even to the trained eye, is not always easy to spot. Sometimes, damage can be hidden under your shingles or in places you wouldn’t think to check. That’s why it’s important to have an experienced roofer complete an assessment. However, these are the hidden places most often affected by hail storms in San Antonio. 

1. Look for Granule Loss

After a hailstorm, check your gutters and downspouts for accumulated granules. Granules give your roof its color and protect it from the elements. For instance, granules protect the shingles from UV rays and keep your home waterproof. Excessive granule loss can significantly shorten a roof's lifespan.

2. Check for Dents or Bruises in Shingles

Soft spots can form on shingles after medium-sized or fast-moving hail strikes the surface. Dents and other markings may not always be visible to the untrained eye, so gently feel the shingle for any indentations or bruised areas. Even if shingles appear intact, dents or bruises can compromise the shingle's integrity, leading to leaks over time.

3. Inspect for Cracked or Broken Shingles

Hail can also cause shingles to crack or break, especially if they are old or brittle. Look for any shingles that appear damaged or are missing pieces. Cracked or broken shingles can allow water to seep through, causing leaks and damage to your home's interior.

4. Examine the Roof Vents and Flashing

Examine visible dents on metal roof vents, flashing around chimneys, and valleys on the roof. Signs of hail impact are more visible on metal than on shingles, so hail damage may be quicker to find. After a hailstorm, damaged vents and flashing become entry points for water, leading to leaks and moisture problems inside the roof structure.

5. Check the Roofing Felt

If you can safely access your attic, look for signs of water penetration or dark spots on the roofing felt and decking. The roofing felt is a water-resistant barrier and is installed between the roof deck and the underlayment. Hail can compromise your roof shingle’s ability to shed water, even if the damage isn't visible from the outside. In this case, you may spot water stains or dampness in your attic.

6. Inspect Broken Fiberglass 

Fiberglass is used as a roof base to provide additional insulation. This layer of fiberglass is a crucial component in asphalt shingles, reinforcing optimal strength and durability. The impact of large or fast-moving hail can damage your fiberglass, causing cooling and heating bills to skyrocket. Once the seal breaks, your home will struggle to retain an ideal temperature.   

7. Identify Sealant Erosion

Nails aren't the only material holding your home together. Sealants create waterproof seals around vents, chimneys, skylights, and other vulnerable areas. However, hailstones striking the roof can cause cracks, chipping, or even remove sections of sealant. Erosion or damage to the sealant can compromise the seals and your home's protection against the elements as well as cause shingles to fall off prematurely.