How to Tell If Your Roof Has Suffered Hail Damage

A hailstorm can leave behind significant visual and structural damage, especially to residential properties. Understanding the aftermath is essential for maintaining the integrity of your home and preparing for insurance claims. In this blog post, we’ll outline the key signs of hail damage on a roof.

Recognizing Hail Damage From the Ground

Some signs visible from the ground can point to potential issues. Look for dents or dings on siding, window sills, or large dents in gutters and downspouts. Air conditioning units, decks, and porches can also show signs of hail impact, providing further clues about the storm’s severity.

Indicators of Roof Damage

Knowing the signs of hail damage on shingles and roofing materials is important. For asphalt and composition shingles, look for black hail marks, granule loss, or a shiny appearance, which indicates that hail has damaged the top layer. Wood shingles may show splits with sharp corners or dents along these splits, signaling hail impact. Being aware of these indicators can help you assess the extent of the damage.

Size and Speed of Hailstones

Many believe only large hailstones can cause damage, but even hail around 1 inch in diameter can inflict harm. Wind speed can also amplify the impact, increasing the likelihood of substantial roof damage. It’s always wise to conduct a post-storm inspection, even if the hailstorm wasn’t severe.

When to File an Insurance Claim

Discovering hail damage on your roof can be stressful, but many homeowners insurance policies cover this type of damage. Once you identify the damage, it’s crucial to contact your insurance provider to discuss coverage and repair options. Understanding whether your policy has actual cash value (ACV) or replacement cost value (RCV) can help you determine the payout and manage repairs.

Professional Inspection Is Key

Hiring a local roofing professional with experience in hail damage can make a significant difference. A trained expert can distinguish between hail damage and regular wear and tear or damage caused by other weather events.

Peak Construction Roofing offers comprehensive roof inspections, ensuring any potential damage is identified and promptly addressed for repair. Call us at (218) 728-8033 (Duluth, MN), (218) 749-0859 (Virginia, MN), or (715) 699-1167 (Hayward, WI). You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an inspection.