What You Need To Know About Hail Damage Inspection and Roof Repairs

During a roof inspection for hail damage, we look for the following cosmetic or functional issues:

• Granule loss: Granules are the gritty top layer of a roof. This sandpaper-like coating protects your roofing materials from the sun’s UV rays. The hailstones can knock these granules loose during hail storms, leaving your roof susceptible to the elements and premature deterioration. After severe weather, check the areas near your downspouts. If you notice granules lying on the ground, get in touch with us to schedule a roof inspection.
• Roof shingle cracks: A combination of large hailstones and wind gusts can cause cracks in your roof. When roof shingles have cracks, moisture can seep through to the roof structure or attic and cause issues like water damage or mold growth.
• Fiberglass mat exposure: An asphalt shingle consists of a cellulose fiber base, an asphalt coating, and a layer of mineral granules. A severe hail storm, in combination with other elements, can damage the top granule and asphalt layers. In these cases, the inner fiberglass mat will be visible. This issue requires an immediate repair to prevent interior roof leaks, mold growth, and high indoor humidity levels.
• Fiberglass matt fractures: Hailstones beating down on an exposed fiberglass mat can cause tiny tears. Detecting fractures in your roof’s fiberglass matt requires an up-close inspection and a trained eye.
• Shingle seal weakening: Your roof shingles have inherent seal integrity, preventing leaks. This characteristic also contributes to your building’s energy efficiency. Shingle damage, or “bruising,” resulting from a hail storm can compromise the material’s seal integrity.

After a severe thunderstorm, some types of roof damage, such as missing shingles, can be easy to spot from the ground. However, a weakened shingle seal or small cracks are generally not visible. Scheduling a routine roof inspection is crucial to get ahead of these issues.