The Unseen Damage From Hail

3/28/2019 (Permalink)

In 2016, the United States experienced 5,601 severe hail storms, as documented by the NOAA Severe Weather Database. Hail can range in size from the size of pencil tip to the size of a softball.

Many homeowners are not aware of hail damage on their roofs. Hail damage to roof tops often times cannot be seen from the ground, and that’s a big reason why the idea of hail damage hardly ever crosses a homeowner’s mind.

Tell-Tale Signs of Hail Damage on a Roof

Although you cannot fully determine the amount of hail damage on a roof from the ground, there are some signs that a trained eye can point out and help determine if there may be more damage up top. Here are a few things to look for.

1. Dented gutters, gutter screens, or downspouts
2. Damage to siding and windowsills/casings
3. Damage to air conditioners or other outdoor items
4. Damage to decks or painted wood surfaces

Once you are on the roof check for these signs of roof damage:

1. Dented vents, chimneys, or sky light covers
2. Dented or damages shingles. (This may be the most important to check for.)

Dented or damages shingles are what leads to a damages and potentially leaky roof.