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How Do You Know if Your Roof Has Hail Damage?

A hail storm that brings high wind and hail can negatively affect your roof and cause other property damage. If you notice damage on your roof from hail storms, you may be due for a roof repair.

But how do you know if your roof has hail damage? Keep reading to find out how to identify damage from hail.

Hail Size vs. Roofing Material

The bigger the hail, the more damage it will do to your roof. A hailstone picks up speed while falling, resulting in severe damage to roofing materials, including asphalt, metal, and wood. The largest recorded hailstone weighed 2.25 lbs.

However, even small hail less than an inch in diameter can cause significant damage by chipping at shingles and leaving indentations in tin roofs.

Damaged Outdoor Items

Damaged outdoor items are an obvious indicator of hail damage. Large hail falls quickly, leaving dents in vehicles’ body panels and more from the collision. Cracked gutters and damaged siding are also signs of a nasty hailstorm.

Many insurance companies cover hail damage from severe storms and can help you recover the costs of serious damage. Roofing contractors such as Empire Roofing have significant experience helping home and business owners file hail claims. Your roofing company can help you make repairs and file a damage claim.

Visible Damage to Your Roof

It’s crucial to tackle storm damage and file appropriate insurance claims before hail season to protect your property effectively. A roof inspection from trusted professionals such as Empire Roofing will help you identify repair needs. The company you choose will perform a roofing estimate to evaluate the damage.

Not all damage to your roof is easily visible. Hiring a professional roofing service can help determine your roof’s issues, repair any damage, and prevent future damage.

Asphalt

Asphalt shingles are at risk of sustaining roof damage. Hail may cause shingles to lose granules and durability as their interior felt becomes exposed. This damage can be easy to miss, especially if hailstones are small.

Metal

Metal roofs are notoriously durable against hail. However, the high velocity can still result in minor roof damage. While small hail will not put a hole in metal roofing, metal is prone to the following damage from hailstorms:

  •     Dents
  •     Dings
  •     Scratches

Most hail damage on metal roofs is cosmetic, making it less necessary to file a claim unless damage is significant. Structural issues from hail damage require immediate addressing.

Wood Shingles

Wood shingles are less durable than other shingle and roof materials, meaning they can sustain much less damage than metal and asphalt. Splits in shingles, orange discoloration, and sharp edges are signs of hail damage.

When hail leaves your roof with damage, the professionals at Empire Roofing are ready to serve you. With over 20 years of experience treating hail damage, we can make your roof look brand new.

Contact us at (218) 724-5584 for a roof damage inspection and repairs you can afford.