Do you know hail damage was responsible for as much as 14 billion dollars a year in damages between 2000 and 2019?!? Hail damage to shingles, windows, cars, and even living things can’t be underestimated.
Unfortunately, hail is a real issue here in Ohio. Today we’ll review how to tell when your roof has taken a real beating from hail and what to do about it if you notice any damage.
What Does Hail Damage Look Like?
Asking what hail damage looks like is a valid question, but it has a somewhat complex answer. The exact nature of the damage is going to depend on the severity of the weather and the materials of your roof.
To simplify some of the science of hail, it can vary wildly in size depending on the temperature and liquid water content of a storm, combined with its powerful winds. Most hail is somewhat small but some can be the size of a fist or even bigger.
That said, assuming a mild to a moderate hail storm, some assumptions can be made. While you’ll want to watch your windows, the damage to your roof will tend not to be severe.
That said, you will still need to inspect your roof after every hail storm. Even mild hail damage to roofs can allow water to leak in, which can be a huge expense (and structural weakness) if not caught early.
Asphalt Shingles
While asphalt shingles occasionally crack or break, they tend instead to take damage via crushing or denting. This can in turn disrupt the granules, which help protect shingles from UV degradation.
A dented shingle does not necessarily need to be replaced immediately but it isn’t good either. If the granules are displaced, the sun is going to damage the shingle in question much faster, reducing its lifespan.
Wood Shingles
While UV protection isn’t a major concern with wood shingles, cracking is. Wood can crack along its grain which can, in turn, cause the shingle to loosen or fall off.
Slate Roofs
Slate tends to be the most resistant type of traditional roofing material but it is not unbreakable. Cracking is still a risk with slate shingles, with cracking tending to be more random than with wood.
