How To Tell If Your Roof Has Hail Damage
Here are some quick tips for how to tell if your roof has hail damage. The items in this list will help you spot hail damage from the ground level. We would not advise inspecting the roof yourself for damage unless you have the proper safety equipment. Instead, consider contacting a roofing contractor. American Roofing and Construction in Wichita, can help identify signs of hail damage on the roof through a free roof inspection.
Disclaimer: Any observed property damage should not be immediately classified as storm damage. Not all damage is storm damage. There are several things out in the world that can cause property damage that will not be covered by your insurance policy: kids, pets, lawn equipment, rocks, vehicles, etc.
Signs of Hail Damage from the Ground
Damage to Windows and Screens
Windows should not be overlooked if you are filing an insurance claim. Examples of hail damage to windows can include hail damage to the glazing bead strip and damage to an aluminum window frame. The glazing bead is a thin vinyl, and the window screen frame is aluminum. Evaluating the screening of a window is tricky because window screens are easily damaged by bushes, pets, and small rocks. Keep track of any hail damage to window screens as you continue your check. If you find more items that look like storm damage, your window screens may have been significantly damaged by the same storm.
Damage to Gutters and Downspouts
It’s easy to spot hail damage. If there are signs of hail damage inside of the gutter pan, you can tell which direction the hail was coming from. You’ll want to inspect the opposite end of your guttering if you see these types of hail damage. Be sure to check your downspouts as well.
Chipped Siding or Paint
Look for chipped paint or dents from hailstones in wood lap siding. Hail damage to vinyl siding is easy to spot, but the type of damage is not always clear. If you see one hail damaged spot on your siding, look for others in higher places. It’s easier to prove it was storm damage if there are hail damaged siding panels in higher areas because it is less likely that a weed-eater or lawnmower caused the property damage.
Dents and Dings in Soft Metal
This category will encompass items that are easily damaged by hail and frequently overlooked. Learning how to identify hail damage will help you spot different types of damage during your inspection. Aluminum dryer vents are among the most common items to be damaged, even by pea-sized hail. Aluminum fins on air conditioning units are not often considered because they usually have a mesh covering to protect them. If your garage doors or windows are wrapped in metal, inspect both the windows and doors closely for signs of hail damage. Storm damage to metal wraps can be easily missed if the sun shines directly on the hail damaged areas, be sure to look at your wraps from different angles.
Signs of Hail Damage from the Roof
A roof inspection is the best way to spot signs of hail damage on a roof. Hail-damaged shingles can create serious problems in the long run and lead to significant water damage in your home. Houses today typically use several main types of shingles:
- Asphalt
- Wood
- Metal roofs
- Slate
- Clay tiles
Signs of hail damage often vary depending on hail size, wind speed, and type of shingle impacted. For example, golf ball sized hail can crack, split, or puncture asphalt shingles. After a hailstorm, hail-damaged shingles may seem bruised like an apple and may be softer than regular, undamaged shingles.
Is it Hail Damage or Normal Wear and Tear?
To the untrained eye it can be hard to tell if your roof has storm damage or normal wear and tear. Hail damage tends to be sporadic and has no specific pattern. Normal wear and tear will look more uniform and damage the roof over an extended amount of time. Hail damage to a roof may create dents that are circular or oblong, or crack the shingles in sharp, irregular ways. Aging damage looks more consistent when it comes to cracking. Asphalt shingles blister and curl over time and begin to discolor with age. Once again, if you’re not sure if you have significant hail damage to your roof and you live in the Wichita KS area, schedule a free roof inspection with American Roofing & Construction.
What to Do If You Think Your Roof Has Hail Damage
If you see hail damage to your windows or siding, or you suspect hail damage on your roof, please reach out to a licensed roofing company about what to do next. Filing an insurance claim can help ease financial stress and help with roof repairs. American Roofing and Construction offers free roof inspections for homeowners in central Kansas to find roof damage unruly Kansas hail.
FAQs
What Size Hail Can Damage a Roof?
Hail of all shapes and sizes can damage a roof. Hail damage and the type of damage depends on wind speed, hail sizes, type of shingles, and the location.
Can hail damage cause leaks immediately?
Storm damage can occasionally cause roof leaks immediately, especially if the roof is already damaged. However, most roof leaks are the result of long-term untreated roof damage.
Will my insurance premiums go up if I file a claim for hail damage?
Premiums depend on the insurance company, policy, and history. In some cases filing a claim will not increase your premiums. However, it is always best to check with your insurance company.
How long will it take to repair my roof after hail damage?
Roofing repair timelines depend on contractors, scope of work, availability of materials, and labor. During your roof inspection, ask about the expected timeline for your roof repair or replacement.