Hail is a severe weather event that has the potential to destroy many outdoor structures. Hail often occurs with high winds that have the potential to damage vehicles, break windows, and damage your roof. The roof of your home is an expensive and critically important investment that must be protected. Weather conditions, such as hail, can cause extensive damage to a home’s roofing shingles.

Homeowners need to contact experienced and qualified professionals to assess any damages to their roof after a storm. A professional must evaluate roof damages to prevent future financial loss and protect the integrity of their home.

The following will explore the potential damages resulting from hail, how to identify when damage has occurred, and what you should do if you think your shingles have been damaged.

Not All Hail Damage Can Be Seen

The reason that it is essential for a professional to assess the damage is that not all damages are visible to the human eye. Hail as small as 1¼ inches (about the size of a half-dollar) can cause minor damages to your roof and siding. These minor incidences can accumulate over time and can result in extensive damage and costly repairs. 

The Extent of Hail Damage Ranges Drastically 

There are many factors involved in potential roof damage from a storm. Hail can cause cosmetic damage or damage that affects the functionality of the roof. 

Sometimes issues begin as cosmetic before transforming into a more serious issue. Damage risk factors include:

• Wind Speed and Direction
• Type of Roof
• Age of Roof Materials
• Previous Damages to Roof

What appears to be only minor damage can result in further issues, including especially damaging roof leaks.

Several Types of Roof Damages Can Occur

Several types of roof damage can occur due to hail, wind, and other forms of inclement weather.

Specific roofing damages could include:

• Fiber Glass Mat can become exposed, fractured, and torn.
• Cracks in roof shingles.
• The self-seal strip can become weak and result in damaged shingles.
• Hail and wind are also responsible for damaging the granules on the shingles. This is the sandpaper-like material that protects your roof. Once these granules are worn, your roof is at high risk for subsequent and more extensive damages.

Even damage to one shingle puts the rest of your roof at risk for further damage. A damaged shingle is likely to cause leaks and damage to other shingles around it. 

When to Contact a Professional

It is essential to contact a professional who has experience assessing and repairing roof damage caused by hail.

If you notice immediate signs of damages after a storm, including cracked, loose, or dislodged shingles, you must have your roof damage evaluated immediately. 

Examine your gutters for damages. Often, dents, clogs, and overflowing gutters indicate that the roof has also been damaged. 

It would be best if you also examined the siding of your home. If the hail has damaged the siding, it is also likely that the roof has been compromised. 

Contact Hulton Contracting Today 

Contact our team of professionals at Hulton Contracting for more information about the roof damage and assistance in evaluating the condition of your roof shingles! Call Hulton Contracting today at (877) 766-3760 or fill out our contact form online for more information about our roof evaluation and repair services. We look forward to assisting you with your roofing needs!