Hail and Wind Damage to Roof

Between 2017 to 2019, there were 2.8 million hail claims made in the entire United States. While it can certainly be a sight to behold, the ugly truth is, hail can definitely do some damage.

While you can't prevent Mother Nature from doing her thing, you can still be proactive about getting damages repaired in a timely fashion. That way, they won't become huge issues that cost a lot more money and time to fix.

If you've been through a hailstorm recently, then you'll want to read on. Here's how to tell if you have hail and wind damage on your roof.

Missing Shingles

One of the most obvious signs of a wind-damaged roof is missing shingles. If the winds are bad enough, shingles can fly right off your roof!

Not only does this degrade the look of your roof, but it also causes it not to be as effective in waterproofing your home. This can result in leaks and water damage.

Damaged or Missing Flashing

With bad storms, they can damage your home's flashing. Flashing is what directs water away from your roof and to the gutters. So it stands to reason that if your flashing is either damaged or missing, your home might sustain water damage later on.

On that note, you'll want to also check your house's gutters and downspouts. While these things aren't on your roof, they will definitely cause problems up there. Without proper drainage, your roof will end up suffering from water damage.

Missing Granules on Shingles

This one's harder to spot, which means you might prefer a professional to come take a look. In fact, we highly recommend it!

For example, we at Amos Exteriors can not only spot roof damage and repair it, but we can also help you with insurance claims. This can make life a lot easier for you.

In any case, you'll want to take a close look at your shingles. Look for thin horizontal lines, as these are a major sign that the granules have come off.

If you aren't too sure if your shingles have missing granules, then take a look at the gutters. Are they clogged with granules? Then chances are, your shingles have been damaged from wind and hail.

Missing granules can mean that your roof shingles have a broken seal. And in that case, you'll be more susceptible to water damage inside.

Do note that if you have a few granules at your downspout, it's completely normal, especially if your shingles are new. However, if there's a large amount there, then that's a red flag.

Damaged Shingles

Damaged shingles can be a bit hard to spot as well. So even if you get up on your roof and don't think you see anything wrong, it's still worth giving a professional a call after a storm just to get peace of mind.

To check for damaged shingles, see if they appear "bruised." This will typically go hand-in-hand with dents in your shingles.

Take a look at the edges of your shingles too. If you see a bunch of small round dents, then that's also a sign of damage. This might look like black-colored dots all along them.

Sometimes, shingles will become cracked as well. Not only that, but they can also tear at the ends.

This isn't just an aesthetic problem, since water can leak through. So make sure you get this taken care of ASAP.

Fallen Trees or Other Debris

If a large tree or other big pieces of debris have fallen on your roof during a storm, then chances are, you'll have roof damage. This is especially true if you can visually spot large pieces of debris or branches on top of your house.

You should definitely call a professional at this point because it can be dangerous for you to try and remove debris on your own. These experts will have the right training and equipment to clear debris safely.

After that, they can continue with an inspection to see signs of hail damage and more.

Adhesive Seal Is Broken

This one is pretty much impossible to spot with an untrained eye. It's also a pretty big issue. If the adhesive seal is broken, then moisture can surely get through.

However, an expert roofer can get on top of your house to check the seal easily. This is why we highly recommend having one inspect your roof after some bad weather.

What Problems Can Arise if You Don't Address These Problems?

As we've mentioned several times now, all of the above can lead to water damage in your home. But it doesn't just end there either!

Moisture inside your house means you'll have problems with things like mold, rotting wood, and worse yet, electrical issues.

So it's important that you don't ignore possible signs of roof damage, nor should you assume that you've come out of a storm just fine. You just might be taking a gamble on the well-being of your home.

Recognize the Signs of Hail and Wind Damage on Your Roof

Now you know all the signs you should watch out for when it comes to hail and wind damage.

Make sure that if you spot these signs, you get roof repair promptly. Otherwise, what could've been small and affordable fixes can turn into large and expensive ones.

So if you notice any signs of roof damage, don't delay in contacting a professional. They'll be able to rectify the situation quickly so that your family is safe and sound in your home once again.

Think you have storm damage to your home? Then schedule a free estimate from us now! We do both home and business exterior projects for wind and hail damage.