The impacts of hail roof damage can vary depending on a variety of elements, including hail size, wind speed, wind direction, roof material, the components’ age, and the slope. Hail damage harms a roof because it causes leaks and other problems. Damage can be functional or aesthetic; the latter is sometimes more severe than it appears. Broken edges, bruising, punctures, and granule loss can all lead to major issues, even if they appear cosmetic at first. You may have your roof assessed by a hail damage roof inspection Elmhurst, IL. Here are some common signs there’s hail damage on your roof.
Cracked Shingles
If you notice cracked, missing, or broken shingles on your roof, it could result from hail damage. Hard hail or strong winds can cling to the shingles and cause cracks. It can cause exposure and rips, leaving bare places on your roof. Cracked shingles will not protect your roof from the elements. Hard hail impacts can damage shingles, shattering their surfacing and accelerated aging. Check the gutters and downspouts for loose granules.
Dented Gutter Guards
There are several indicators of hail damage on a roof. Dented gutter guards can be a sign of a damaged roof. The first place to look for hail damage is in your gutters. High-impact hail that damages your roof will almost certainly dent your gutters and/or downspouts. This is the easiest place to see and evaluate when looking for signs of roof damage. If there are dents and dings on your gutters and downspouts, you’re likely to have problems on the roof. Regardless of the type of material, dents on gutters should prompt a roof inspection. A professional roof inspector can help you find the source of the problem and repair the gutter.
Self-Seal Strip Has Deteriorated
High winds and hail might compromise the integrity of your shingles’ seals. A weakening seal causes a shingle to blow off, exposing your roof to the outdoors. When a shingle is destroyed, its integrity is permanently jeopardized. In addition, it can create leaks and cause the shingles surrounding it to tear.
Missing Shingles
You may notice missing shingles on your roof after a hailstorm. While this is normal, it may not necessarily mean your roof is in trouble. Occasionally, missing shingles are indicative of a weakened or damaged roof. This loss can be caused by some things, including excessive foot traffic on top of the house, water damage, or a worn-out roof. When it’s damaged by hail, you will also notice round spots of discoloration on the roof. This damage is caused when the hailstones break through the first layer of shingles, exposing the dark asphalt beneath.
Granule Loss
Granules are the shingle’s sandpaper-like particles. When a shingle loses granules, the asphalt layer is exposed to the weather, causing it to age faster. After a hailstorm, inspect your gutters and downspouts to check if any granules have fallen off your shingles. If you notice bald patches on your roof, you may have granule loss on your roof. These spots are caused by excessive wear on the shingles or by the sun damaging the exposed asphalt. Additionally, this issue can reduce the lifespan of your shingles. To determine whether your shingles need replacement, check the granule content.