Hail Damage to Roofs: When do you need repairs?

Oklahoma is no stranger to hailstorms and the recent hailstorm in April 2021 was estimated to have caused around a billion dollars of damage. That was just one storm. Oklahoma, as a state, received 341 large hail storms in 2020 according to the NOAA Severe Weather Database. With statistics like these, it’s only natural that you as a property owner would be concerned about potential hail damage to your roof and wonder if it needs repairs. Being proactive about maintaining your roof can save you a lot of money in the long run.

How to tell if your roof has sustained any hail damage?

Hail affects various types of roofing differently and the amount of damage sustained can depend on factors like the severity of the storm, wind speeds, roof materials, age of the roof, and more.

Hail damage can be hard to spot from the ground but there are few tell-tale signs, you can look for on the ground before calling in the experts.

Dented gutters, downspouts, or gutter screens: Even small dents can be indicators that your roof has suffered some damage from hail.
Clogged gutters: Granules displaced from shingles due to hail damage can clog up your gutters.
Signs of impact on sidings and windowsills and casings: Damage to any exposed metal surfaces can indicate severe damage to the roof.
Damage to outdoor items: Sheds, swings, and patios can all suffer from hail damage as can your air conditioner, which may qualify for insurance replacement.
Damage to decking: Check any wooden surface-like decking for signs of damage.

Once you have established that you probably do have some hail damage and may require roof repairs, it’s time to get on to the roof for an inspection or to call in the professionals.

What does hail damage look like on a roof?

Hail damage on the roof can look cosmetic but may have severe repercussions if not repaired in the long run. Slate shingles can show the most obvious damage as they may break, come loose, or appear cracked.

Damage to asphalt roofs is immediately obvious if you have received hail that is over an inch in diameter. You’ll see obvious places on the shingles where the granules have been knocked off, tears at the ends, or splits in the shingles. Small hailstones, especially when coupled with high wind speeds, can cause serious damage although such hail damage may not be obvious to the untrained eye. Hail impact marks on roofs are difficult to spot but can lead to roof leaks. This is because although the hail damage looks minimal, it still compromises the integrity of the shingle. The protective coating is lost, and the underlying asphalt can crack with prolonged exposure to sunlight. Repairing hail roof damage as soon as possible can help you avoid larger problems in the future.

Hail damage roof inspections and insurance claims:

It’s always a good idea to call in professional roofing companies for an inspection when you suspect your roof has suffered from hail damage. They will typically mark out all the spots where your roof has suffered from damage with chalk and take pictures to help you file an insurance claim. Most insurance companies require at least eight instances of roof damage within 10 sq. feet on 3 sides of the roof for a claim to be accepted. Many companies will come and inspect your roof for free, report the extent of hail damage, give you a price estimate for repairs, and even help you file your hail damage roof insurance claim.

Whether you need help with snow and ice or hail damage to your roof, our professional roofers are here to help. To properly care for your roof, we recommend that you hire a professional roof care company at least twice a year.

For roofing assistance in Oklahoma City and its surrounding areas, contact Robbins Roofing today!