Hail storm season is nearly upon us. In fact, June marks the start of hail season in North Dakota, making it the perfect time to ensure your property is fortified against severe storms. Hail forms when raindrops get caught up in the drafts of thunderstorms. The water then freezes and forms hailstones ranging in size from small pebbles to softballs. But even small pieces of hail can cause damage to your roof.
It’s not always easy to see the after effects of hail from your vantage point on the ground, yet the damage is often already there. That’s why it’s important to be aware of what to look for after a hail storm. Keep a trusted roofer on speed dial so they can visit the property and perform an inspection to determine if there is any damage form the latest storm and the extent of it.
Hail Damage and What it Looks Like
Shingles react differently when they are struck by hail. For example, hail damage that occurs to asphalt and composition shingles will look different than damage to wood shingles. Knowing the different effects of damage can help you identify whether roof damage from hail has occurred.
Asphalt and Composition Shingles Hail Damage
- Black-in-color hail hits
- Random damage, no discernable pattern
- Loss of granules, leading to exposure of roof felt
- Asphalt or mat may appear shiny
- Soft to the touch hail hits resembling a bruise on an apple
Wood Shingles Hail Damage
- Random damage, no discernable pattern
- Brown or orange split in the shingle
- Split in the shingle with sharp corners and edges
- Split in the shingle with little to no deterioration at edges
- Impact dents or marks along the splits
Lots of other types of damage to shingles may be mistaken for hail damage. To that point, harsh weather and sunlight can turn shingles brittle, giving them an aged appearance. However, this is considered to be normal wear and tear, not necessarily hail damage. Other normal wear and tear includes cracking, blistering, granule loss, algae and flaking. Mechanical imperfections and manufacturing defects are often mistaken for hail damage as well.
Degree of Damage
When hail pounds down on your home, the first thing it will damage is your roof. While hailstorms can certainly be destructive, how much damage they incur will vary greatly by storm and other factors. Here’s a look at some of those factors.
- Wind – Wind direction and speed can vary during a hail storm, with changes in wind conditions impacting the location and severity of impacts.
- Size and density – Hailstone size will affect the degree of damage to your roof, with most hailstones having rough edges which also impact the kind of damage they inflict. They can range from pea sized to golfball size to softball size or larger.
- Building materials – Different building materials absorb impacts differently. Hail can make dings in aluminum siding, asphalt shingles or gutters, but it can crack vinyl siding or wood shakes. Large hailstones are strong and dense enough to cause punctures in roofs. Your roof’s age and condition also play into the degree of damage.
- Barriers – Surrounding tree cover, landscaping, neighboring homes or fences may all reduce the damaging effects of hail.
Contact Allstar for Hail Damage Repair
If you have experienced roofing damage due to hail, reach out to Allstar right away. We can perform a storm damage inspection and even help you with the insurance claims process. Get a free online quote on storm damage and roof repair at 701-409-2709.
