What Are the Signs of Hail Damage on a Roof?

Everybody loves perfect weather, but
there are days when the weather behaves badly, dropping hail on the
roof of your home, potentially causing severe damage to your roof. If
your area has recently experienced a hailstorm, you know it’s
essential to check your roof for signs of damage, but sometimes it’s
difficult to detect those signs. Below are a few signs the roof of
your Lexington, KY, has suffered hail damage and what you can do to
reduce hail damage risk in the future.

Missing Shingles

This one is the most obvious,
especially if your area experienced high winds along with the hail.
Hail can dislodge shingles, creating vulnerabilities in the roof that
allow further damage from pests, water, and the elements. If you can
see missing shingles from the ground, it’s time to call Lexington
Blue immediately for repairs to avoid further damage to your home.

Irregular Damage
Pattern

When you’re looking for damage to
your roof after a hailstorm, the main thing to look for is an
irregular damage pattern, as hail doesn’t fall in a regular pattern
and has inconsistent sizes. No matter if you have wooden or asphalt
shingles, you should be able to see the indentation damage on
different areas of your roof.

Dented or Split
Shingles

Dented or split shingles are one of
the most obvious signs of hail damage on your roof, and it’s
important to repair your roof before the damage allows water inside
that can damage your home further. You might not be able to notice
dented or split shingles from the ground, which means you may need a
professional from Lexington Blue to climb on your roof and inspect it
for damage.

Damaged Downspouts
and Gutters

Downspouts are part of your roofing
system, so it makes sense to check their condition before climbing on
your roof to look for hail damage. After a hail storm, check your
gutters and downspouts for dents before calling a professional to
inquire about repairs if you notice any dents or holes. Damaged
downspouts and gutters can’t direct water away from your home,
which makes your home more likely to sustain moisture damage.

On Asphalt
Shingles

For hail damage to asphalt shingles
specifically, there are some variations to look for. On asphalt
shingles, the hail damage indentations are likely to be black and
softer to the touch. There would also be a loss of granules, which
would leave your shingles more vulnerable to physical damage. The
granules help the shingles shed water and direct the flow of water
toward your gutters. This means that when your shingles lose
granules, there’s a reduction in water flow to the gutters. The
asphalt may also appear shiny in some locations, which is another
indicator of damage that requires immediate attention.

On Wood Shingles

The frozen hail marbles are like
nature’s own wreck ball on wood shingles. They split the wood,
leaving it more vulnerable to decay and water seepage. The impact can
cause the shingles to splinter, break, crack, or rip off. It’s
important to seek a professional to repair your roof, as the damaged
shingles can no longer shield your home from leaks and have a
diminished lifespan.

Reducing Future
Hail Damage

There are a few ways you can reduce
hail damage in the future. Consider investing in impact-resistant
roofing materials such as metal or asphalt shingles as they have high
impact ratings. It’s also important to trim overhanging trees to
minimize the chances of branches falling on your roof or scraping
against your roof during a hailstorm.

To help absorb some of the impact
force of hail, reinforce the insulation in the attic, which also has
the added benefit of keeping your home warmer in winter and cooler in
summer. Keep in mind that regular roof inspections and routine
maintenance catch vulnerabilities, which prevent minor issues from
turning into major repair projects.

Never Ignore Hail
Damage

It’s never a good idea to ignore
hail damage, as weakened shingles are more susceptible to degradation
from wet or winter weather and accelerated deterioration from UV
light. If you put off repairs too long, your home will experience
leaks and weak areas, making it more expensive to repair and replace.
The hail damage might seem minor now, but ignoring it can lead to
structural problems over time, which is why it’s vital to promptly
address hail damage to ensure your roof’s integrity and longevity.

Call Our Experts

For any concerns about roof damage
on your home, whether from hail damage or other causes, contact your
local roofing contractor in the Lexington, KY, area. At Lexington
Blue, our inspectors are HAAG and InterNACHI certified, which means
we are invested in providing quality service each and every time.
Whether you have roof damage that we can handle or you have any
questions, contact
our experienced professionals today.