When chunks of ice rain down from the sky, your roof becomes a major target. Hail damage to roofs isn’t always easy to detect, especially if you’re not an expert. We want to help you understand what hail damage looks like, so you can discover it before it develops into major problems.
At Aspect Roofing Co., we specialize in hail storm roof repairs throughout Coralville, Iowa City, North Liberty, and the surrounding cities. Continue reading below to learn whether or not your roof has significant damage from hail. If you think it does, call our Coralville, IA, roofing experts at (319) 382-0073 for a free inspection.
Why Identifying Hail Damage Is Important
Roofs are like waterproof seals protecting your home. One minor crack or hole can compromise the entire roof, allowing water, heat, and humidity to seep into the structure’s most critical components.
Small to large hail can cause:
- Shingle granule loss
- Shingle cracks
- Exposed roof decking
- Exterior or interior leaks
- Mold, rot, and decay
Identifying hail damage early on before the issue develops into major problems can reduce repair costs and secure your home’s interior.
Hail Damage Signs on Your Roof
While severe storms leave obvious destruction patterns, you may not notice minor damage without closely examining your roof.
You should practice extra caution when examining your shingles. Your system may have weakened, causing dangerous areas you can’t step on. We recommend calling our professional team to inspect the damage so that you can avoid these risks.
The main hail damage signs include:
- Black spots: Your roof has clusters of randomly scattered dark spots.
- Granule loss: The shingle’s granules that look like sandpaper have worn down in specific areas, but not everywhere.
- Shingle bruising: The shingles have noticeably dark bruises that feel soft and weak to the touch.
- Dents: Your roof has actual dents from the hail’s impact.
- Tears: The edges of the shingles have tears and separations.
- Splits: Your roof has noticeable missing shingles or torn areas that you can notice from ground level.
- Roof flashing, vent, or gutter damage: Other roof components, like the flashing, vents, or gutters, have dents, impact marks, or other damage signifiers.
Hail Damage Signs on Your Home
If you don’t want to climb on your roof, you can also examine your home’s exterior for signs of hail damage. We recommend checking the following items:
- Garage doors
- Windows
- Screens
- Gutter downspouts
- Shutters and doors
- Air conditioning units
- Electric meters
- Grills or outdoor appliances
- Mailboxes
- Vehicles
If any of these items have dents, marks, or holes after a hail storm, you should call our contracting team to inspect your roof’s condition.
Hail Damage Severity
Hail damage severity depends on the hail size and wind speeds. Anything from ¾” to 2” hail chunks can damage your property.
Smaller damages often remain undetected and develop into more severe problems later on. We recommend examining your entire home after every minor hail storm to ensure your roof stays in good shape.
What To Do After Noticing Hail Damage
After noticing hail damage, you must act immediately to prevent further roof complications. You can file a claim with your insurance company if you have hail coverage in your homeowner’s insurance policy. You should receive a quote for the repairs or replacements during this time.
Insurance Claims
Insurance claims for roofs are challenging because most insurance companies want to pay you as little as possible. We recommend carefully reviewing your policy’s coverage and quoted rates to ensure you receive a fair amount. You should wait for claim approval before purchasing a roof repair or replacement unless you want to pay for the damages out of pocket.
Repairs vs. Replacements
Whether you need a roof replacement or repair depends on the damage severity. Usually, severe damage that compromises your roof’s decking requires a replacement. Issues with just a few shingles may only warrant a repair.
Repair Damage Today With Aspect Roofing Co.
Not sure whether your home has hail damage? Receive a free inspection from our team today so you can understand your roof’s condition and prevent further problems. Call Aspect Roofing Co. at (319) 382-0073 for an inspection from our Coralville, IA, team.
