The Anatomy of Hail Damage: How Hail Damages Asphalt Shingle Roofs
As a Colorado homeowner, you are probably familiar with hail damage. But do you know what actually happens to your roof when the hailstones strike? It is easy to assume your roof is safe if there isn’t an immediate leak, but hail damage is rarely a single, isolated event. Instead, hail damage is a progressive process. What begins as a high-force impact quickly triggers a chain reaction of granule loss and sun exposure, leading to rapid roof deterioration. To help you protect your home, here is a look at the anatomy of hail damage on an asphalt shingle and how it systematically compromises your roof:
- High Impact
Asphalt shingles consist of a fiberglass mat coated in asphalt, topped with a layer of natural stone and mineral granules. When a hailstone hits a shingle, it acts like a hammer striking a semi-flexible surface. Depending on the size of the hailstone and the wind speed driving it during the storm, the force of the impact can be significant. When hail hits an asphalt shingle, it creates an indentation that compresses the asphalt layer and flexes the fiberglass underneath.
- Granule Loss
The most instantaneous effect of hail impact is the loosening of the protective granules. Shingle granules aren’t there just for aesthetics; they protect your roof from sun exposure and the elements. When hail hits an asphalt shingle roof, the impact breaks the bond between the granules and the asphalt layer in which they are embedded. Once shingle granules are loosened and knocked off, you may find them in your gutters or scattered around your home after a storm. You might also notice “bruising” or dark spots on your shingles where the asphalt underneath is suddenly exposed.
- Sun Damage and Rapid Roof Deterioration
If a hailstorm leaves loosened granules and bruising, but doesn’t cause an immediate leak, you might think your roof is safe. However, rapid roof deterioration is just beginning due to continuous exposure to harsh UV rays. Asphalt is incredibly sensitive to sunlight. Once the shingle granules are knocked away by hail, the sun goes to work on the exposed areas. UV exposure on a hail-damaged roof dries out the asphalt, causing it to become brittle until it cracks. With just a few months of sun exposure, a minor hail bruise can deteriorate into a significant crack, allowing water to leak into your home. That’s why it’s imperative to contact a professional roofer for an inspection after every hailstorm.
- Severe Hailstorms and Shingle Mat Fractures
Excessively large or high wind-driven hailstones can cause more immediate and severe roof damage. These hail stones are capable of directly cracking the fiberglass shingle mat. When this happens, the hail causes the shingle to flex downward violently. The sudden bending can fracture or crack the fiberglass mat entirely. While you still might only see a dark dent on the surface of your roof, the core of the shingle is torn. Once the fiberglass mat is cracked, the shingle loses its structural integrity and its ability to shed water effectively.
How does hail damage an asphalt shingle roof? Hail damage usually isn’t just a single event; it’s a process. When a hailstorm occurs, it delivers the initial blow, but consistent sun exposure finishes the job. Hail damage isn’t always obvious, but it leads to rapid roof deterioration and leaks. It’s crucial to have your roof inspected immediately after a storm, long before the first leak appears in your home. Contact us at 719-487-7663 or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation inspection today!
