Damaging storms seem to be happening more often, at least in our part of the country. Roof hail damage can be hard to spot. Especially If you’ve never looked for It before. If your roof has been damaged by wind or hail, your home may be vulnerable to roof leaks or rapid deterioration of shingles or roofing materials. Most roofs can weather moderate winds and regular rain storms, but after high winds strikes and hail over 1 Inch In diameter, you’ll want to get outside and look for signs of roof damage. What things do you need to check after high winds to see if your roof has been damaged?
- Look at your shingles.
Are any of your shingles missing? Have a good look for any shingles that are loose, curled, broken or flapping in the wind. If you see shingles in your yard, you may have damage on your roof. Missing or damaged shingles need to be replaced as soon as possible. Hail hits on shingles may show subtle spots of granule displacement, bruises in the shingle surface, or holes. If you see any dark spots on uniform shingles or dimpled areas, you most likely have hail damage. Hail damaged wood shingles may completely split, crack or have Indentations that affect the long-term life of the shingle.
- Check for damage to other parts of your roof.
Have a good look at ridge caps and vents, chimneys, gutters, soffits and fascia. All of these parts work with your shingles to protect your home. Watch out for missing or loose ridge caps and vents. Have a good look to be sure that gutters are firmly attached and not spilling water over the side. Water stains or decay on your soffits and fascia may be a sign of something more serious.
- Look out for broken tree branches and other debris or objects on your roof.
If you find broken tree branches or other debris on your roof, have a closer look at your shingles and that area of the roof to be sure there hasn’t been greater damage caused by this flying object. If you find debris all over the place, you should suspect there’s been roof damage. If possible, remove the debris (and branches) and have a closer look for damage. Watch out for tree branches leaning on the roof, hitting the gutters during storms or scraping those gutters or the side of the house. Trees should be trimmed back to about six feet from your house.
- Check for excessive granules in the gutters.
It’s normal to see granules from your asphalt shingles in the gutters so don’t worry about that. A sudden increase in the volume of granules in the gutters cause for concern. A strong wind (especially when mixed with rain/hail) can cause a lot of wear to a roof. Hail damage causes granules to break loose at the site of Impact. So, If you see an increased amount, you may have hail damage.
- Inspect inside your home.
In the days following a storm, be on the lookout for water damage like stains on walls and ceilings. If you have any water leaks during rain storms, you definitely have a roofing issue that will require inspection and repair by a professional roofer. Be sure to check around light fixtures, as can lights are more prone to show water leakage. If you have access, check the attic rafters for water stains and/or wet insulation.
Summary
Most importantly, when you check for wind and hail damage, make sure you stay safe! You do not want to injure yourself while checking to see if your roof has been damaged. Wind/Hail related damage to your roof is often covered by your insurance, but be sure to check your policy or call your agent for details. If you find damage, we recommend contacting a roofing professional to determine how best to repair the roof and keep your home safe.
