Can Hail Damage My Roof?

Living in Newnan, GA, means that occasionally we must suffer through some massive thunderstorms. When storm cells are severe, they often produce hail. Most hail is pebble size, but in some places, there have been reports of hail as big as softballs. Hail can damage cars, bust windows, and cause thousands of dollars worth of damage to homes and other buildings. While hail damage to your vehicle or outdoor furniture may be obvious, it’s harder to see hail damage up on your roof. As a result, many people overlook the damage that a hailstorm can cause to their roofs.

Hail Damage

Roofing contractors receive numerous calls about hail damage after a storm rolls through the area. Surprisingly, an otherwise durable roof sometimes takes a punch from certain types of hail. Most of the hail that comes down in a storm doesn’t have the power to penetrate through shingles. But that doesn’t mean it can’t cause problems.

Even relatively small hail can knock loose the protective granules that cover asphalt shingles. Pockmarks from hail can be hard to spot. But if they are left unrepaired, the loose granules can be washed off by rain or blown by wind. Once the asphalt below is exposed, the sun’s UV rays will start to deteriorate the asphalt. From there, it’s not long before you have a full-blown leak on your hands.

The biggest issue with hail damage is that you may not discover that you have a problem until months down the line. Roofs are not easily accessible, so it can be impossible to see some damages until it starts to leak. Consequently, if there is damage, it will show up when you least expect it. To prevent an unpleasant surprise, look for these common signs that you have roof damage from hail.

Hail Damage at Ground Level

If there is visible hail damage on the ground, your roof likely took a hit, too. Look for dents in cars, patio furniture, or other ground-level items. Check for pocks in your deck. Any damage you can spot from the ground is a good indication of the size and intensity of the hailstorm that just passed.

Shingle Granules in Downspouts

Granules that have been knocked loose by hail can be washed off the roof and into your gutters. From there, the gravel-like pieces can be flushed right out the downspout. Check for small pebbles that look like gravel at the bottom of your downspouts. If you find any, that could be a sign of trouble up above.

Visible Discoloration on the Roof

Most of the time, hail damage is hard to spot even if you’re up walking on the roof. But if the hail was large enough, damage might show up as discoloration on the roof. If you see spots on your roof that are lighter or darker than the surrounding shingles, it’s time to call a roofer for a closer look.

Call a Reliable Roofer

When the unexpected storms of Newnan, GA, seem to have caused property damage all around, it’s best to call in roofing contractors to inspect the roof and make sure that you have no damage. Even if you don’t think your roof had any issues, look around. If there were other things around your home broken, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Call Eagle Watch Roofing, your local roofing contractor in Newnan, for help with your roofing issues.