Being caught in a hailstorm can be a scary experience, and also a chance to marvel at the power of nature. For homeowners, assessing the damage after a storm can be a challenge, especially since the majority of damage occurs to the surface of the roof, where a visual inspection is not a simple or easy matter. Understanding how hail can damage a roof and what to do after a big storm is important, and can help homeowners take the right course of action. 

How Should Homeowners Inspect Their Roof?

The most important component of any home inspection does not lie in the inspection itself, but in the homeowner’s level of familiarity with the current condition of their home. In many cases, the best way to detect signs of damage is to know what the outside surfaces of your home look like before a serious weather event takes place. That makes it possible to note even minor changes, which can help identify and address problems long before they turn into expensive problems. After a storm that included hail, homeowners should walk around the perimeter of their home, looking up at the roof for signs of damage. That can include visible dents or dimpling in the surface of roof shingles, or dark areas where surface granules have been knocked off of shingles.

Taking a Closer Look

Not all hail damage is readily apparent from a basic ground inspection, especially on roofs that are very high or have unusual angles. One way to check for excessive granule loss is by taking a close look at the base of all gutter spouts. If you note the presence of granules at the areas where water drains from the roof, it might be time to call a contractor for a professional roof inspection. A trained professional will be able to inspect the surface of your roof for signs of hail damage and can give homeowners an overview of how the roof has fared after a big storm.

Never Ignore Roof Damage Caused by Hail

It can be tempting to ignore minor or moderate loss of shingle granules, since this type of roof damage is not as obvious as missing shingles or structural damage. It is a mistake, however, to underestimate the impact of shingle wear. Hail damage can remove shingle granules, which can accelerate the roof’s aging process. It can also cause cracks in the shingles, or expose the fiberglass mat that lies beneath. Hail can also cause the self-sealing strip, which could leave shingles vulnerable to blowing off the roof during a future weather event.

At Exterior Building Solutions, we offer a wide range of services, including comprehensive roof inspections. Feel free to call us with any questions or concerns, or to schedule a professional roof inspection. Even if your roof sustained little or no damage, having a professional inspection can provide you with valuable information about the projected lifespan of your roof and surrounding structures.