Identifying Hail Damage from the Ground
Even if you can’t see your entire roof from the ground, there are several signs of hail damage you can look for without using a ladder. Noticing one or more of these indicators may suggest that your roof has sustained hail damage.
Dents and Dings on Siding or Windowsills
A simple walk around your property can help you check for hail damage on your building’s siding and windowsills. If significant dents or dings are visible in these areas, it’s likely that your roof has also been affected. Even minor dings could warrant further investigation.
Damage to Decks and Porches
Inspect the wood on your decks and porches for chipped paint or other signs of hail damage. If the hail is strong enough to damage your deck or porch, it probably affected your roof as well.
Hail Damage to Gutters and Downspouts
Your gutters, which run along the roof’s edge, are an excellent indicator of potential roof damage. Look for dents, both large and small, in your gutters and downspouts; these can signal that hail has also impacted your roof. Don’t overlook hail damage to your gutters!
Window Screens
While there are various reasons for holes in window screens, if you notice them after a hailstorm, it could indicate that your roof has also been damaged.
Damage to Air Conditioning Units
Check your outdoor air conditioning units and any other large outdoor items for signs of hail damage. These units are an easy way to assess potential roof damage.
Signs of Hail Damage from the Roof
If you don’t observe any signs of damage from the ground, it doesn’t mean your roof is unaffected. It’s crucial to inspect your roof to ensure there’s no hidden damage.
Remember, inspecting a roof can be dangerous, it’s best to leave it to the pros at Premier South Roofing.
Once on the roof, look for dents or damage on various surfaces, including vents, skylights, and the chimney. Damage can be obvious or more difficult to spot. Larger hail typically leaves noticeable dents in shingles, while smaller hail may cause less visible damage.
A helpful tip is to bring sidewalk chalk to mark areas on surfaces like the chimney cover; rubbing the chalk sideways can highlight dents caused by hail.
Focus primarily on the shingles. Hail damage on shingles will present as small or large dents and dings.
What Size Hail Will Damage a Roof?
You might assume that if the hailstones you observed were small, your home is safe. However, even small hail can inflict damage.
Hail around one inch in diameter (about the size of a quarter) usually won’t cause significant damage, though you might see some effects on plants. Hail larger than that can start to damage roofs and other surfaces. Hail around 1.5 inches (the size of a walnut) can lead to severe roof damage.
Larger hail, around 1.75 inches in diameter (the size of a golf ball), can cause substantial damage to vehicles and buildings. Wind speed during hailstorms also influences the extent of the damage.
Never assume your home is undamaged just because the hail appeared small. Always inspect for roof damage after significant hailstorms.
Can Hail Damage a Metal Roof?
Metal roofs are growing increasingly popular among homeowners replacing or installing new roofs. If you have a metal roof, you might wonder whether it can be damaged by hail.
Yes, under severe conditions, hail can damage metal roofs. However, metal roofs are highly durable and typically withstand average hailstorms, even up to golf-ball-sized hailstones.
Do You Need to Fix Roof Damage from Hail?
If you discover damage to your roof after inspecting it post-hailstorm, it’s important to address it promptly. Delaying repairs could compromise your roof further and lead to water damage or other structural issues in your home.
Don’t procrastinate addressing hail damage to your roof. The sooner you tackle the issue, the less likely it is to cause further problems down the line. Contact Premier South Roofing & Sheet Metal for a free hail damage roof inspection.
