Hail and Storm Damage

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 in addition 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, therefore 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, subsequently causing similar types of damage similarly as on other roofing materials.

 

Hail damage can be extensive

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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Water, Hail and Storm Repair Oklahoma City

How do different wind speeds affect the damage?

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 especially can vary greatly. For instance, here are some factors that affect the type and degree of damage that may consequently be impacted by a hailstorm, as well as a guide on how to identify hail damage to different types of shingles and roofing materials.

Various Types of Damage

Wind – During a hailstorm, wind direction, and wind speed can vary. Furthermore changes in wind conditions can affect the location and severity of hail impacts accordingly.
Size and density – The size of the hailstones can affect the degree of damage, if any, to your property. For instance, a hailstone can be as small as a pea, or as large as a softball. However, most hailstones do not have smooth edges, which can therefore 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, and subsequently it can crack vinyl siding or wood shakes. However, softball-sized hailstones can be dense enough and strong enough to puncture a roof. In addition, the age and condition of a roof could furthermore 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.

Hail and storm is not the only damage a roof can incur
Hail and storm damage can be inspected and located quickly

What Does Hail and Storm Damage to Your Roof Look Like?

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.

Signs of Hail Damage

Asphalt and Composition Shingles Hail Damage

  • Random damage with no discernable pattern.
  • Hail hits that are black in color.
  • Loss of granules, which may expose the roof felt.
  • Asphalt and/or mat that appears shiny.
  • Hail hits that are soft to the touch, like the bruise on an apple.

Wood Shingles Hail Damage

  • Random damage with no discernable pattern.
  • A split in the shingle that is brown/orange in color.
  • A split in the shingle that has sharp corners and edges.
  • A split in the shingle that has little to no deterioration at the edges.
  • Impact marks or dents along the splits.