How to Check for Hail Damage on your Roof
10/21/2019
Hail damage can be devastating for your home and belongings.
After a storm, checking for damage to your car is easy – just look for the easy-to-spot dents in the roof or cracks in the window. Checking for damage on your roof can be a little more difficult. The roof is much larger and an inspection can take longer and may be a safety hazard.
We can help. While we suggest contacting a professional roofer to check for damage, there are steps you can take to quickly identify damage. Here are a few tips you can use for quick inspection.
5 Tips for Checking for Hail Damage on the Roof
Climbing a roof can be dangerous. We always suggest you call a roofing expert to conduct an inspection. If you do need to conduct an inspection, then make sure you are following safety guidelines as well as using the following tips to make the most of your inspection.
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Start with the Metal: The metal surfaces on your roof, like the flashing, are susceptible to hail damage. Often the damage can be difficult to spot, with dents and breaks as small as an inch in diameter hiding from a cursory inspection. Take the time for a thorough inspection. Make sure to inspect all metal surfaces, like vents and corners in the flashing.
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Inspect the Ridge Cap: The ridge cap is the roof edge that runs along the crest, or top, of your roof. Typically, the ridge cap is covered by an asphalt shingle. A metal ridge cap may be even more susceptible to damage. It is often flat, making it a prime location for a direct hit by damaging hail. Look for damage to the ridge cap, and inspect the edge of the cap as well.
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Check for Dents: Some damage may not be evident – including damage beneath the surface of the shingle. Look for dimples on your roof. Press on the dimple, and if you feel a give then you may have damage that has caused deterioration of the shingle.
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Check for Cracks: Larger hail will cause a circular crack in shingles. Look for these cracks to find cracks or gaps in the protection offered by your shingles. These are signs of damage and may mean you need to replace or repair the roof.
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Check for Gaps: Hail will often knock granules loose from the shingle, which can cause the substrate beneath the shingle to be exposed. This black substrate is a sign of damage to the roof. If nothing else, this can mean the roof is not offering the home protection it should.
What to Do if you Find Signs of Hail Damage
After a storm, we suggest making a quick (and safe) inspection of the roof. Take a photo of any damage you find. Then call a roofing professional for a more thorough inspection depending on the severity of the damage.
Most hail damage will be covered by homeowner insurance once you have paid your deductible. Contact your insurance company who may send an adjuster to inspect the damage. Make sure to take swift action to prevent further damage to the roof and protect your family.