Hail and storm occurrences can cause significant damage to a roof in several ways. Firstly, the impact of hailstones can cause cracks or fractures in the shingles or tiles, which can lead to water leaks and other types of damage over time. Secondly, hailstones can dislodge the protective granules on the surface of asphalt shingles, leaving the underlying material vulnerable to UV radiation, moisture, and other environmental factors that can degrade the roof’s performance over time.
Finally, hail can also dent or puncture metal roofs, causing similar types of damage as on other roofing materials. The severity of hail damage to a roof depends on several factors, including the size and density of the hailstones, the speed and direction of the wind, and the condition and age of the roofing material. In severe cases, hailstorms can cause extensive damage to roofs, requiring repairs or even full replacement of the roof.
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There are many other types of damage to shingles that can be mistaken for hail and storm damage. For example, exposure to inclement weather and sunlight makes shingles brittle and gives them an aged appearance. This type of damage is normal wear and tear of shingles, which is sometimes misidentified as hail damage. Other types of normal wear and tear may include blistering, cracking, granule loss, flaking and algae. Manufacturing defects and mechanical imperfections in shingles can also be mistaken for hail damage. If you believe your home has sustained damage from hail and storm, call your agent or insurance representative to discuss possible next steps.
When hail hits, it can damage the roof or covering of your home as well as other personal property. Although hailstorms can be destructive, the amount of damage can vary greatly. Following are some factors that affect the type and degree of damage that may be impacted by a hailstorm, as well as a guide on how to identify hail damage to different types of shingles and roofing materials.
Wind – During a hailstorm, wind direction, and wind speed can vary. Changes in wind conditions can affect the location and severity of hail impacts.
Size and density – The size of the hailstones can affect the degree of damage, if any, to your property. A hailstone can be as small as a pea, or as large as a softball. Most hailstones do not have smooth edges, which can impact the type of damage they cause.
Building materials – Building materials absorb hail and storm impacts differently. For example, hail can cause dings in aluminum siding, gutters, or asphalt shingles, whereas it can crack vinyl siding or wood shakes. Alternatively, softball-sized hailstones can be dense enough and strong enough to puncture a roof. Additionally, the age and condition of a roof could affect the degree of damage.
Barriers – The position of neighboring structures and natural barriers, like tree cover, landscaping, fences, or adjacent homes can reduce the ability of hail to cause damage.
Shingles can react differently when struck by hail. As an example, hail damage to asphalt and composition shingles can look very different than hail damage to wood shingles. It is important to know the different effects of the damage to properly identify whether or not you have roof damage from hail.
Asphalt and Composition Shingles Hail Damage
Wood Shingles Hail Damage