What Does Hail Damage Look Like on a Roof?

What Does Hail Damage Look Like in Middle Tennessee?

Hailstorms can cause significant roof damage, often without homeowners realizing it. In Middle Tennessee, where hail storms are frequent and sometimes severe, recognizing the signs of hail damage can save you thousands in roof repairs and help prevent further damage to your roof. In this article, we’ll explain what hail damage looks like, why it’s essential to address it promptly, and how to get your roof inspected and repaired by a professional roofing contractor.

What is Hail Damage on a Roof?

Roof hail damage occurs when hailstones propelled by strong winds hit your roof with enough force to damage the roofing materials. This storm damage can range from minor cosmetic issues to more severe structural problems that compromise your roof’s ability to protect your home. Hailstones can vary in size, but even smaller-sized hail can cause considerable damage to your roof, especially if the roof is older or worn.

When hail hits your roof, it can cause hail impacts that result in dents, cracked shingles, and broken roof shingles. These impacts may go unnoticed initially, but the roof’s integrity can be compromised over time, leading to leaks, mold growth, and more costly repairs. For example, asphalt shingles—a common roofing material in Middle Tennessee—are particularly vulnerable to granule loss after a hail storm, accelerating UV light degradation and wear. The protective granules on asphalt shingle roofs help protect against the sun’s ultraviolet rays, and when hail impacts strip them away, the shingles degrade much faster.

Addressing hail damage is crucial. Left unattended, what might start as a minor issue can lead to significant damage, such as roof leaks, rot, or mold. Roof hail damage can also affect roof penetrations like roof vents, metal fascia, and other roof penetrations, which are especially vulnerable during storms. Understanding what hail damage looks like on different materials can help homeowners identify hail damage and protect their property.

Why is Hail Damage Common in Middle Tennessee?

Middle Tennessee is particularly vulnerable to roof hail damage due to its unpredictable inclement weather, which frequently brings hail storms, thunderstorms, and strong winds, especially in the spring and summer. Storms often come with strong winds, which increase the force of hail hits, leading to more severe roof damage from hail.

The local climate also increases the risk of hail damage. Hail falls with enough force to cause collateral damage to the roof and other parts of your property, such as broken windows, chipped paint, damaged flashing, and dented gutters. Gutters and downspouts are often the first areas where property damage from storms is noticed, which can indicate hail damage to the roof.

For example, during a severe hail storm in Nashville, many homeowners experienced hail damage to their metal roofs. While metal roofing is generally more durable than other materials like asphalt or wood shingles, large hailstones can still leave faint dings or serious damage, leading to rust and further weakening of the roof decking. This regional susceptibility underscores the need for regular roof inspections and prompt repairs after a storm to prevent further damage.

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What Does Hail Damage Look Like on Different Types of Roofing Materials?

Understanding how hail damage is present on various materials can help you identify potential problems before they become serious. Each material reacts differently to hail impacts, so it’s important to know what to look for based on the type of roof your home has.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material in Middle Tennessee, but they are also the most susceptible to hail damage. Dents and bruises are the primary indicators of hail damage on shingles. These dents may appear as small, round depressions on the surface, but they can lead to granule loss, accelerating the shingle damage and aging process. Over time, this can make the roof more vulnerable to roof leaks and other forms of deterioration.

Another sign of roof hail damage on shingles is cracking or splitting. Large hailstones can cause the shingles to crack, leaving gaps where water can seep in and cause damage. This often leads to significant damage, such as roof leaks and structural issues.

Metal Roofing

While metal roofing is more durable than asphalt shingles, it is still vulnerable to hail hits. The most noticeable signs of hail damage on metal roofing are dings and dents. Although these faint dings may not immediately affect the roof’s functionality, they can weaken the metal over time, especially in high-stress areas like roof penetrations and seams.

In severe cases, large hailstones can puncture metal roofing panels, allowing water to infiltrate the roof decking and causing serious damage. Homeowners with metal roofs should inspect them after a hail storm for any visible signs of hail damage, as even minor dents can lead to significant damage down the road.

Wood Shakes

Wood shakes are a popular roofing material for their aesthetic appeal, but they can be particularly vulnerable to hail damage. Hailstones can cause splintering or cracking in the wood shakes, leaving them open to moisture infiltration. Once water enters the wood, it can cause rot and mold, weakening the roof’s structure.

Cracked or splintered wood shakes can also warp over time, leading to gaps in the roof’s surface. These gaps allow water to seep in, causing leaks that can lead to costly repairs if not addressed quickly. Wood shakes that have already weathered or been exposed to moisture before the storm are even more vulnerable to hail damage.

Tile Roofing

Tile roofing is generally more resistant to hail damage than other roofing materials, but it is not entirely immune. Large hailstones can cause cracks or shattering in ceramic or clay tiles, which can be a serious problem if left untreated. Cracked or broken tiles can allow water to seep underneath, compromising the roof’s underlayment and leading to leaks.

For homes with tile roofing, it’s essential to inspect the roof after a hailstorm for any visible signs of damage. Broken or shifted tiles are usually easy to spot, but homeowners should know that even small cracks can lead to more significant issues over time.

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How to Identify Hail Damage on Your Roof

After a hailstorm, you must check your roof for signs of damage. While some damage may be visible from the ground, a thorough inspection is often necessary to identify more subtle issues.

Ground-Level Inspection

Start by conducting a visual inspection from the ground. Use binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens to safely inspect hard-to-reach areas. Walk around your home and look for visible signs of damage, such as dented gutters, downspouts, or siding. These are often indicators that your roof may have been damaged as well. If you can safely see parts of your roof, look for any missing shingles, dents, or cracks.

Additionally, check for accumulated granules in your gutters or downspouts, as this is a clear sign that your shingles may have been damaged by hail.

Attic Inspection

Next, inspect your attic for any signs of water infiltration. Look for water stains, damp insulation, or other signs of moisture indicating your roof has been compromised. Attic inspections are crucial after hailstorms because damage to the roof’s underlayment may not be immediately visible. Leaks in the attic may not appear until weeks after the storm, so it’s important to stay vigilant.

Professional Roof Inspection

While you can conduct a basic inspection yourself, having a professional roofer perform a thorough inspection is always best. A professional roofer, like those at Five Points Roofing, will have the necessary experience and tools to assess the extent of the damage safely and effectively. Professional roof inspections are especially valuable because they can uncover issues that may not be visible to the untrained eye, such as bruising on asphalt shingles or small cracks in tile roofing. Professionals also check for soft spots in the roofing material, which could indicate deeper structural issues.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Hail Damage

Even if the damage appears minor, ignoring hail damage can lead to significant problems. Addressing hail damage as soon as possible is critical for maintaining the integrity of your roof and avoiding costly repairs.

Risk of Water Leaks

One of the most severe risks of hail damage is water leaks. Hail can damage the protective layers of your roof, allowing water to seep in. Over time, water leaks can cause extensive damage to your home’s interior, including walls, ceilings, and insulation. Mold and mildew can also develop, leading to health risks and more expensive repairs.

Accelerated Roof Aging (continued)

A roof that should last 20 to 30 years may need to be replaced much sooner if hail damage is left unaddressed. Granule loss exposes the asphalt layer of shingles to the sun, increasing the degradation rate. This affects the longevity of your roof and its ability to protect your home effectively from future storms and other elements.

Reduced Home Value

A roof with visible hail damage can decrease the value of your home, especially if you plan to sell. Buyers will likely want to negotiate the cost of roof repairs or replacement into the sale price, which could delay the sale or reduce the amount you receive. A damaged roof signals to potential buyers that the home may not have been adequately maintained, which could lower the buyer’s confidence in purchasing the home.

Insurance Complications

Many homeowner’s insurance policies require that claims for hail damage be filed within a specific timeframe. If you wait too long to address the damage, you may miss the opportunity to file a claim, leaving you to cover the cost of repairs out of pocket. It’s crucial to file a claim when you suspect damage and work with a professional roofer to provide a detailed inspection report. Additionally, some insurance policies stipulate the roof’s age, which could affect coverage. Roofs over 20 years old may have limited coverage, so prompt action is essential.

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What to Do if You Suspect Hail Damage

If you suspect that your roof has been damaged by hail, here are the steps you should take to protect your home and ensure that repairs are handled promptly and correctly:

Document the Damage

Start by documenting any visible signs of damage. Take clear, well-lit photos of your roof, gutters, siding, and other exterior areas that may have been affected. Be sure to include close-up shots of any visible dents, cracks, or missing shingles. This documentation will be crucial if you decide to file an insurance claim. Additionally, take photos of items around your property that may have been damaged by hail, such as vehicles or outdoor furniture, as further evidence of the storm’s impact. Videos can also be helpful to capture a comprehensive view of the damage.

Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection

Next, contact a professional roofing contractor, like Five Points Roofing, to thoroughly inspect your roof. A professional will be able to assess the extent of the damage and provide a detailed report that outlines what repairs are needed. This report will be essential if you file an insurance claim, as it provides evidence of the damage and a precise estimate of the repair costs. Make sure to choose a contractor with HAAG certification, a mark of specialized training in storm damage assessment.

File an Insurance Claim

If your roof has sustained significant damage, you must file a claim with your homeowner’s insurance. Review your policy to ensure you understand the coverage, including any deductibles or exclusions related to hail damage. Many policies cover hail damage under storm-related claims, but they may have specific timelines for filing. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to initiate the claim process. Provide them with the documentation you collected and your professional inspection report.

When filing a claim, understand whether your policy covers replacement cost value (RCV) or actual cash value (ACV). RCV covers the total cost of repairing or replacing the damaged roof, while ACV only covers the depreciated value, which may leave you responsible for some repair costs. Understanding these terms and working with your insurer and roofing contractor will help ensure that you receive the coverage you’re entitled to.

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Why Choose Five Points Roofing for Your Hail Damage Inspection?

With over 75 years of experience, Five Points Roofing is the top choice for roof repairs and replacements in Middle Tennessee. We understand the unique challenges that hail storms and inclement weather bring to the region and specialize in assessing and repairing hail-damaged roofs. Our HAAG-certified inspectors have the training and expertise to accurately identify even the most subtle signs of hail damage and thoroughly evaluate your roof’s condition.

We are experienced in working with insurance companies to ensure that you receive a fair and accurate roof damage assessment and that your insurance claim is processed smoothly. Our team can provide a detailed report to support your claim, ensuring you get the coverage you’re entitled to. Whether you need a full roof replacement or roof repairs, our team can guide you through the entire process, from inspection to filing your insurance claim to completing the repairs.

At Five Points Roofing, we treat every client like family. We take pride in providing top-tier roofing services, ensuring your home is safe, secure, and protected for years. Whether you need a new roof, repair, or help dealing with a hail-damaged roof, you can count on our experienced team to handle the job with professionalism and care.

Conclusion

Hail damage can be difficult to spot, but addressing it immediately is crucial to avoid long-term issues like roof leaks, mold growth, and costly repairs. By conducting regular roof inspections after a storm and acting quickly if you notice any signs of hail damage, you can protect your home and prolong the life of your roof.

If you suspect that your roof has sustained hail damage, don’t wait to get it checked. Contact Five Points Roofing for a professional roof inspection and let our HAAG-certified experts help you assess the impact of hail and determine the best course of action. By choosing a trusted, local professional roofing contractor, you can rest easy knowing that your home is in good hands and that you’ll receive the highest quality service.

Regular roof maintenance and timely repairs are crucial to keeping your home safe, comfortable, and valuable for years. Don’t hesitate to contact Five Points Roofing for all your hail damage and roofing needs. Whether it’s a whole roof replacement, fixing broken shingles, or dealing with collateral damage from a hail storm, we are here to help!