Extreme weather can wreak havoc on a roof. If not identified and fixed immediately, the roof can sustain irreparable damage that will result in interior damage that needs repair or replacement, which can be expensive. Discover some things you can do to mitigate the issues.
Wind and Hail Damage
Wind and hail can inflict damage on a roof, but it depends on the location and the severity of hail impacts that determine as to the extent of the damage. Moreover, different types of shingles are more durable than others, so you need to consider that factor as well.
Wind – Hail damage, coupled with wind, can affect the location and severity of the impact, especially regarding wind direction and speed.
Building materials – Various building materials absorb hail impacts, such as that with aluminum siding, gutters, or asphalt shingles. They will get dings, as opposed to vinyl siding or wood shakes that can sustain cracking. Large hail can be dense enough and strong enough to puncture a roof. The roof condition and age could also affect the degree of damage.
Barriers – Natural barriers like fences, trees, landscaping, or even adjacent homes can reduce the ability of hail to cause damage.
Size and density – Size of hailstones can affect how much damage a roof sustains. Pea-sized hail would likely do no damage, whereas softball-sized hail can do major damage. Most hailstones don’t have smooth edges; this can impact the type of damage your roof experiences.
Hail Damage Impact on a Roof
Since different shingles react differently when struck by hail, it’s crucial to know the various effects of the damage to accurately assess whether or not you have roof damage.
Wood Shingles
A split in the shingle that’s brown or orange or that has sharp corners and edges
Random damage with no distinguishing pattern
A split in the shingle that has little to no deterioration at the edges
Impact marks or dents along those splits
Asphalt and Composition Shingles
Loss of granules, exposing the roof felt
Black hail hits
Asphalt or mat that appears shiny
Random damage, again with no discernible pattern
Soft hail hits that are soft to the touch like a bruised apple
Other shingle damage can mimic that of hailstones, such as sunlight or exposure to inclement weather that makes shingles brittle, giving them an aged appearance. This is just regular wear and tear, not hail damage. Blistering, cracking, granule loss, flaking, and algae are other signs of aging roofs. Mechanical imperfections or manufacturing defects are also mistaken for hail damage.
Think You Have Hail Damage?
If you believe your home has sustained damage from hail, contact our experts at We Do Roofing Salt Lake City and get a consultation. With over twenty years of experience, our licensed roofing contractors will come and inspect your roof and offer options to fit your needs and budget. Call us today to schedule.
