Here’s What Hail Damage Looks Like

The aftermath of a hailstorm can be deceiving. While you might be relieved to see only small pebbles scattered on the ground, underestimating the power of hail can be a costly mistake. Even hailstones as small as peas or marbles, though seemingly harmless, can wreak havoc on your property, particularly your roof. The impact of these smaller stones, especially when combined with strong winds that often accompany hailstorms, can chip away at the protective asphalt granules on your shingles, exposing the underlying felt and making them more susceptible to water damage. Over time, this cumulative effect can lead to leaks, structural problems, and ultimately, the need for a costly roof replacement.

The danger escalates significantly as the hail size increases. Hailstones reaching the size of a walnut (around 1.5 inches in diameter) can cause noticeable dents and cracks in shingles, compromising their integrity and potentially leading to leaks. Golf ball-sized hail (a whopping 1.75 inches) becomes a wrecking ball, not just for your roof but for your entire property. These giants can not only shatter shingles but also damage gutters, siding, and even cause dents in vehicles.

Therefore, regardless of the size of the hailstones you witnessed during the storm, a thorough inspection of your roof is crucial. Don't be lulled into a false sense of security by the deceivingly small hail on the ground. By taking proactive steps to identify and address any potential damage, you can save yourself from bigger problems down the road.**

the aftermath of a hailstorm can be deceiving. While you might be relieved to see only small pebbles scattered on the ground, underestimating the power of hail can be a costly mistake. Even hailstones as small as peas or marbles, though seemingly harmless, can wreak havoc on your property, particularly your roof. The impact of these smaller stones, especially when combined with strong winds that often accompany hailstorms, can chip away at the protective asphalt granules on your shingles, exposing the underlying felt and making them more susceptible to water damage. Over time, this cumulative effect can lead to leaks, structural problems, and ultimately, the need for a costly roof replacement.

After a hailstorm, you might not be able to see your entire roof for a close inspection. But don't worry, there are still ways to check for potential damage from the ground. Take a walk around your house and examine areas exposed to the hail. Look for dents and dings on your siding and window sills. Even minor marks could indicate that your roof took a beating as well.  Hailstones can also wreak havoc on your decks and porches, chipping away at paint or leaving other visible damage.

Your gutters and downspouts are particularly useful for spotting hail damage on your roof. Since they're positioned right along the edge, large or small dents in these metal components can be a telltale sign that the hailstones also pummeled your shingles. Don't forget to check your window screens too – holes appearing after a storm could be another clue of hail damage on your roof.

Finally, extend your inspection to other exposed outdoor items like your air conditioning unit. Hail can damage the delicate fins and coils of your AC unit, so look for any signs of dents or warping.  The good news is that insurance may cover repairs for hail-damaged air conditioners.  If you notice any concerning signs, be sure to check your policy and file a claim if necessary.  However, remember to prioritize your safety  – avoid climbing onto your roof to inspect for damage yourself. It's always best to leave roof inspections to qualified professionals.

If you do choose to climb onto your roof, there are key areas to examine for hail damage. Similar to the gutters, check for denWhile an absence of obvious signs might seem reassuring, a closer look is still recommended to ensure your roof escaped hail damage altogether. However, inspecting your roof yourself can be hazardous. Prioritize safety by taking precautions or consider hiring a professional.

ts or imperfections on any roof components, including vents, skylights, and the chimney.

Hail damage can be blatant or subtle. Larger hailstones typically leave noticeable dents on shingles and other surfaces, while smaller ones might cause trickier-to-spot damage.

Here's a helpful tip: bring a piece of sidewalk chalk. By rubbing it sideways on surfaces like the chimney cover, you can reveal any depressions caused by hail.

Focus your inspection on the shingles, as dents and dings are strong indicators of hail damage.

Houston's hail-damaged roof is a lot like a ticking time bomb because while it can range in severity, it almost always hurts your home’s integrity. In some cases, the damage may be barely noticeable, but in extreme cases, when there is golf ball size hail raining down, the damage is more pronounced.

Depending on what type of roof your home or business has, hail can rip apart the roofing material or even smash right through it. Tiny holes in the roof can later lead to significant issues. Unfortunately, it is near impossible to know the extent of damage without a closer inspection. Call our Houston hail damage  repair team today, and we’ll send over our best professionals to access your roof for hail damage and provide you with a no-obligation quote to repair it.