How Hail Can Damage a Roof

Hail can cause significant damage to all outside property, most notably a house’s windows, and roof.

Hail can cause significant damage to all outside property, most notably a house’s windows, and roof. Homeowners can easily spot the more obvious signs of damage, but other, smaller damage often goes unnoticed. Unfortunately, when it comes to roofs, these seemingly insignificant damages can, in time, lead to leaking and other severe roof issues that will require costly repairs. To avoid these complications, homeowners should familiarize themselves with how hail can damage a roof.

Granule loss

Hail can cause damage that can range from merely cosmetic to damage that affects the function of the roof. Naturally, the latter has more severe implications for the roof’s longevity. Even damage that appears to be minor surface markings can become severe complications in the long run.

With normal granule loss, the roof’s shingles will appear unsightly since this occurrence exposes the asphalt coating. But in the case of granule loss after a hailstorm, the roof’s appearance is the least of the homeowner’s concerns–the loss of asphalt coating due to the elements accelerates the roof’s aging.

After a hailstorm, homeowners should check the gutters and downspouts for any granules that might’ve fallen from the shingles.

Cracks in the shingles

Depending on the hail size and wind speed, a hailstorm can cause cracks in the shingles. Although these cracks start small, they will continue tearing and affecting the surrounding shingles, thus leaving the roof with bare spots.

Regardless of the size of the fracture, a cracked shingle can’t protect the roof from the elements effectively. Furthermore, the shingle’s integrity is permanently compromised once damaged.

Exposed fiberglass mat

A more intense hailstorm can shatter the surface of the roof shingle, causing it to separate from the fiberglass mat underneath. The exposed fiberglass mat will quickly deteriorate the shingles, leaving the roof susceptible to seepage.

Fractured fiberglass mat

Hail impact can also break the underlayer of a fiberglass mat, with tears radiating from the point of impact. As the shingles on top age, they will likely develop more cracks due to untreated damage underneath. Unfortunately, homeowners typically can’t detect the damage on their own.

Weakened seal strip

Hail and high winds can weaken the integrity of the seal holding shingles in place. As a result, shingles can blow off, leaving the roof exposed to the elements.

Hire a professional

Homeowners can easily spot severe roof damage, such as ripped shingles, but the untrained eye can rarely detect minor damage that can add up to costly repairs over time. Therefore, homeowners should hire a professional service to inspect their roofs after a hailstorm and determine the severity of the damage.

After the assessment, professional roofers will advise on the best course of action, from fixing a single shingle to replacing portions of the roof. In addition, they can give homeowners helpful tips on preserving their roof’s longevity.

Master Pro Services provides expert roofing repair and replacement in Richmond, Chesterfield, Midlothian, Hopewell, Ashland, Glen Allen, Moseley, Fort Lee, and surrounding areas. Our services encompass all residential and commercial roofing structures, including flat roofs, Dimensional, three-tab, designer shingles, metal roofing, EPDM roof membranes, thermoplastic roof membranes (TPO), as well as windows, gutters, and other roofing components. Financing is available. BBB member. Call us now at (804) 552-5007.