Hail Roof Damage: How to Inspect and Repair Your Roof After a Storm.

Hail storms are a force of nature that can strike suddenly and leave a trail of destruction in their wake, especially when it comes to our roofs. These icy projectiles, formed within powerful thunderstorms, pelt down at high velocities and wreak havoc on roofing materials.

Depending on their size and speed, hailstones can cause anything from minor cosmetic issues to significant structural damage. Cracks, dents, loss of protective granules, and even punctures are all potential aftermaths of a severe hail storm. 

Given the roof’s critical role in protecting a home and its inhabitants, you need a thorough inspection following such a storm. Ensuring that any hail roof damage is promptly identified and addressed protects your home’s structural integrity and safeguards the comfort and safety of you and your family.

In this guide, we’ll look at the essential steps every homeowner should take to inspect and repair hail-inflicted damages.

What Size Hail Will Damage a Roof?

Hail comes in various sizes, from tiny pellets like frozen raindrops to menacingly large ice balls. But when does hail become a genuine threat to your roof? 

According to Roofer’s Guild, “Any hail larger than a ½ inch can damage a roof.” Once hailstones reach or exceed ¾-inch to 1-inch—about the diameter of a U.S. quarter—you’re venturing into potentially harmful territory for your roof.

As the hail size increases, so does the likelihood of more significant harm. Hailstones measuring 1 ¾-inch to 4 ½-inch—about the size of a golf ball—can inflict severe damage. These larger hailstones have a greater impact force due to their size and the increased momentum they gain as they fall from the sky.

Inspect your roof if you’ve recently experienced a hail storm with hailstones anywhere within or beyond the mentioned range. A swift response can make all the difference in assessing, addressing, and mitigating the costs associated with hail roof damage.

Hail Size Damage Chart

To better understand how hail size relates to potential hail roof damage, check out this Hail Size Damage Chart from the National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL). Their chart offers a clear breakdown of hail sizes compared to everyday objects, which helps you understand the severity of a hail storm.

While comparisons are helpful for precise reporting and understanding of hail size, direct measurements using tools like a ruler or calipers are always best.

Hail Storm Roof Damage Inspection Checklist

It’s essential to check your roof for damage after a hail storm, whether you’ve experienced a mild storm with tiny hailstones or a severe one. Here’s a checklist to guide you through assessing hail storm roof damage:

1. Visual Check

Begin with a cursory look over the entire roof. Check for obvious signs of hail damage to roof areas, especially dents, punctures, or bruises on the roofing material. Remember that different hail sizes can cause varying degrees of damage.

2. Granule Loss

For those with asphalt shingles, hail damage can often lead to losing the protective granules. Asphalt shingles hail damage can leave the shingles vulnerable to the elements, reducing their lifespan. 

Check for granule buildup in gutters or on the ground around your home, as well as bare spots on the shingles – a clear sign of hail damage to roof shingles.

3. Damage to Metal Parts

Examine all metal components on your roof, such as vents, flashings, or valleys. Hail can leave these parts dented or damaged.

4. Indoor Inspection

Make sure to expand your inspection beyond the exterior. Move indoors and look for signs of water leaking on your ceilings or walls. These damp spots can indicate hail damage to roofs that may have allowed water to seep in.

5. Gutter Assessment 

Your gutters play a crucial role in diverting water away from your home. Inspect them for dents, which can directly result from hail impact. We have a complete guide on gutter inspection if you need more information.

If you find significant signs of damage or aren’t quite sure what you’re looking for, give us a call. At High Mark Construction, we offer free inspections to assess damage. 

Remember, while the immediate aftermath of hail can be overwhelming, the right steps and professional guidance can restore your home’s integrity and peace of mind. You can also potentially avoid damage by taking steps to protect your property before storms.

Inspect and Repair with High Mark Construction

If you’re a homeowner dealing with hail damage, know that you’re not alone. At High Mark, we offer free inspections to detect damages early on and guarantee you’re well-informed and prepared when working with us to fix hail damage. 

We manage every aspect of restoration, delivering high-quality materials and unparalleled craftsmanship. We’re committed to doing right by our homeowners, ensuring you receive the quality and care you deserve. Need help? Schedule a free inspection today.