How to Identify if You’re Roof Has Been Damaged By Hail: Expert tips from Schumacher Homes

Hail storms can cause significant damage to roofs that often goes unnoticed. It’s important to thoroughly inspect your roof after hail hits your area, even if the damage isn’t visible from the ground. Unrepaired hail damage can lead to leaks, mold issues, and roof collapse over time. Catching damage early allows you to make repairs before problems compound and more expensive repairs are needed.

At Schumacher Homes, we are proud to offer top-quality, durable, weather-resistant roofs. Our roofs are built with superior materials and industry-leading technology, designed to withstand extreme weather conditions and garnish high energy efficiency. Our roofs are built to last, resisting damage from hail, wind, and other harsh elements. This ensures that you won’t frequently need to worry about time-consuming and expensive repairs or replacements.

In this guide, we’ll walk through what signs to look for and how to thoroughly inspect your roof and home to identify hail damage. With these tips from the experts at Schumacher Homes, you’ll know what to look for and be able to spot damage that could otherwise go unnoticed. Being proactive about inspection and repairs ensures your roof’s lifespan isn’t cut short and prevents avoidable interior damage from leaks. Read on to learn how to determine if your roof has been compromised by hail impact.

One of the most obvious signs of hail damage is dents or divots in your roof’s shingles. Hail can vary greatly in size during a storm, with some hailstones being small like a pea while others can be as large as a grapefruit. Larger hailstones falling at high velocities can easily dent and damage asphalt shingles upon impact.

Look closely at your roof’s shingles next time you’re up there. If you notice a cluster of shingles with similar looking dents or divots, that’s a telltale sign you’ve had hail fall. The pattern of damage will likely follow the path of the storm.

Hailstorms can be unpredictable, with hailstones striking different areas of your roof randomly. Don’t assume damage will only occur on one side. Make sure to thoroughly inspect all sides of the roof, even areas not facing the direction of the storm.

Look at the edges of the roofline and down the slope. Hail hits at an angle, so impact points may concentrate along the sides. Inspect under overhangs and around vents that protrude. The slope and shape of a roof can cause hail to concentrate in unusual patterns.

Damage is often visible from the ground. Look for missing and cracked shingles. Dark spots indicate bruising of the roof surface. With metal roofs, focus on dents, dimples, and distortions of the panels.

Don’t forget to check upper areas of the roof using binoculars or a drone. Impact points are sometimes clustered on one section of roof. Leaving any damaged areas unaddressed risks further deterioration and leaks over time. Being thorough from the start saves money and headaches down the road.

Safely getting up close to inspect your roof for hail damage is important. However, walking on your roof can be dangerous if not done properly. Here are some tips for safely inspecting your roof:

• Only go on the roof if you are comfortable working at heights and have secure, non-slip footwear. If you are at all unsure, hire a professional roofing contractor to inspect instead.
• Use a sturdy ladder that extends 3 feet above the roof edge. Secure it to the roof using roof brackets or by tying it to a chimney or vent pipe. Have someone hold the ladder steady.
• Wear shoes with thick, gripped soles to avoid slipping. Rubber-soled shoes work best. Avoid using smooth-soled dress shoes or sandals.
• Walk carefully by stepping on the balls of your feet and keeping your weight centered between roof trusses. Avoid heels hanging off the edges.
• Have someone assist you as a spotter when on the roof. They can get help quickly if you slip or fall.
• Never walk on your roof in wet, icy, or windy conditions when it is more treacherous.
• Use safety ropes, harnesses and anchor points if working near the roof edge or on a steeply pitched roof.
• Bring binoculars to inspect the roof surface closely from a distance if unsure about getting right up next to any damage.
• Take pictures of damaged areas to show your insurance adjuster later.

By taking the proper safety precautions, you can carefully inspect your roof up close to identify any hail damage needing repair. Just take it slowly and be mindful when moving around on the roof. If in doubt, call a professional.

Many homeowners choose to upgrade to impact-resistant shingles when making hail damage repairs. Though more expensive, impact-resistant shingles can better withstand future storms. This added peace of mind may be worth the investment.

Make sure the roofer offers a workmanship warranty on labor. Most hail damage repairs should be covered by your homeowners insurance if properly documented. Be sure to oversee the project and examine the finished work before making final payment. With an experienced roofer handling your repairs, you can feel confident knowing your roof is restored to pre-storm condition.