Hail Damage

When a storm hits, many times hail can become a big issue for your roof. Are you aware that hail can damage much more than your vehicles? The amount of damage from hail can vary greatly. Below is a list of type and degree of damage that may be impacted by a hailstorm, as well as a guide on how to identify hail damage to different types of shingles and roofing materials.

▪️ Wind – During a hailstorm, wind direction and wind speed can vary affecting the severity of hail impacts.

▪️ Size and Density – A hailstone can be as small as a pea, or as large as a softball. Most hailstones do not have smooth edges, which can impact the type of damage they cause.

▪️ Building Materials – Building materials absorb hail impacts differently. For example, hail can cause dings in aluminum siding, gutters or asphalt shingles, whereas it can crack vinyl siding or wood shakes.

What Does Hail Damage Look Like On My Roof?

Shingles can react differently when struck by hail.  It is important to know the different effects of the damage to properly identify whether or not you have roof damage from hail.

Asphalt and Composition Shingles Hail Damage

• Random damage with no pattern.
• Hail hits that are black in color.
• Loss of granules, which may expose the roof felt.
• Asphalt and/or mat that appears shiny.
• Hail hits that are soft to the touch, like the bruise on an apple.

Gutter Hail Damage

• Dents in the aluminum gutter
• Dimpling in the aluminum gutter
• Loosened bracket connections from heavy impacts

Wind Damage

While your roof is designed to withstand the elements, some storms are more intense than others. There are signs to look for when you believe there may have been wind damage to your roof.

Significant wind can cause shingles to blow away. Missing shingles can lead to leaks and other interior water damage. Other wind damage may not be easy to see, especially if the adhesive seal that provides a water-shedding surface is broken.

Wind Damage Signs

▪️ Missing shingles. You’ll find spaces in your shingles or missing altogether.

▪️ Thin horizontal lines where granules have been worn off. This may be about 1-2 inches beneath the shingle above. To be effective against the elements, shingles must be sealed to each other as one water tight roof deck.

How Can Wind Damage My Roof?

The National Weather Service has issued some guidelines on how fast wind needs to be to cause damage. It also shows how to know the speed at which the wind was traveling, based on the damage that occurs. The varying speeds of wind associated with their potential damage are listed as follows:

25-30 mph: Large branches move; whistling heard in wires

30-40 mph: Whole trees can move

40-45 mph: Twigs and small branches break; walking gets difficult

45-55 mph: Larger branches and weak limbs may break; slight damage

55-65 mph: Moderate structural and tree damage occurred

65+ mph: Heavy to severe structural and tree damage occurred