How Hail Damage Can Lead to Roof Leaks Later On

Although hail damage may look small at first, it can lead to rapid roof deterioration, leaks, and costly repairs down the road if left unchecked. Here is what to look for after a hailstorm and why it is imperative to have your roof repaired or replaced sooner than later after a hailstorm:  

What should you look for after a storm? Hail damage on a roof can be difficult to spot from the ground. However, you can look at the exterior of your home for some signs of hail damage. After a storm, look at your stucco or siding, screens, windows, gutters, etc. Search these areas for dents. If your home’s exterior appears to be damaged, there is a good chance that your roof has hail damage too. 

What does hail do to a roof? Hail can do quite a bit of damage to your roof. It dents roof vents, breaks skylights, and it can break roof tiles. Hail damage can be especially serious if you have an asphalt shingle roof. Asphalt shingles are made with a fiberglass mat, a layer of asphalt, and the granules that protect the layers from the elements. When hailstones hit an asphalt shingle roof, they cause granule loss which leaves the asphalt layer exposed. This causes the shingles to deteriorate rapidly, leading to leaks and interior damage if the damage is not repaired.  

What does a hail damaged shingle look like? Here is photo of a roof that was damaged by hail three years before the homeowner requested a roof inspection. As you can see, the shingles have begun to deteriorate, and the impact spots have become more noticable.

What size hail causes roof damage? It usually takes a 1” hailstone or larger to cause significant roof damage. However, depending on your roof type, even the smallest hailstone can lead to damage. Click here to learn more about the benefits of impact resistant roofing.

Do I need to file an insurance claim? If your home has been affected during a storm, you may only have a year from the date of loss to file an insurance claim. Always check your insurance policy and call a roofer for a professional evaluation first. To learn more about the insurance claim process, click here.

If your home is damaged by hail, it’s important to act fast. Unchecked hail damage on a roof can lead to serious problems like roof leaks and interior damage later on. Additionally, if you wait too long, you may miss your opportunity to file an insurance claim. After a storm, it’s a good idea to get a professional assessment of your home before contacting your insurance company. If you suspect you have hail damage, give our office a call at (719) 487-7663. We’ll send a skilled consultant to evaluate your roof and make suggestions based on your unique needs and situation. 

According to the NOAA (ncdc.noaa.gov), El Paso County residents have experienced 467 hailstorms in the past 5 years (2016-2021).  Many of these storms brought 1-2 inch hailstones with them, while others brought hailstones up to 4 inches in diameter. Hailstorms cause thousands of dollars in property damage to Colorado residents every year. If your neighborhood experiences a hailstorm, it’s important to get a roof inspection immediately.