15 Sep How Hail Affects Your Roof
When a severe storm strikes, your first thought probably has nothing to do with your roof. In fact, your roof 
may not even make the first 10 thoughts running through your mind. But, it’s important to understand that severe weather, especially strong winds and hail, can affect your roof on more than just a surface level. Often, damage lurks beneath the surface and can take months to even show up. Which begs the question, how exactly does hail affect your roof?
The damage isn’t always immediate.
In some cases, severe weather is going to be so bad, that your roof ends up with dings all over it. But, that’s not always how it plays out. Sometimes, that damage lies dormant for months or even years. Over time, the hail damage to your roof can cause premature aging of your shingles. It’s not always apparent when you’re in need of roof repair, which is why having a professional roof repair company inspect your roof after a severe storm is always a great idea.
What are some common types of damage to look for?
While you won’t always have the ability to spot the damage from the ground or even by climbing up on your roof, there are a few signs of damage anyone can be on the lookout for:
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- Granule Loss: If your roof has asphalt shingles, then there are ceramic granules embedded on the surface of the shingles that protect them from the sun. But, during a hailstorm, these granules can become damaged or loose. This type of damage isn’t just surface level or cosmetic. It directly exposes the asphalt coating to weather conditions, which can lead to serious issues for your roof, structurally speaking.
- Cracks in Shingle Surface: When large hail impacts the shingles, cracks may radiate outward from the point of impact. These cracks can lead to interior damage in your home. Because these cracks have the potential to run through the entire thickness of your shingle, depending on the age of your roof and previous damage, the cracks can allow water to drip through your roof and into your attic.
- Exposed or Fractured Fiberglass Mat: This type of damage may not be immediately apparent of visible, but, if it exists, then you’ll want to find a quality roof repair service to help you as soon as possible. An exposed fiberglass mat, caused by shattered surfacing, means the shingles are actually pulling or breaking away from the fiberglass mat. A fractured fiberglass mat can result in severe damage to the shingles and your roofing deck.
- Loosening of Self Seal Strip: Again this type of damage may not be immediately visible, but if it occurs, then your roof is left vulnerable to weather conditions. When this type of storm damage happens, the integrity of the seal is compromised not to mention shingles will be far more prone to blowing off the roof in the future.
When it comes to your roof, you don’t want to take any chances. Often, it’s your first line of defense against the elements. If your home has been hit by a severe storm, high wind, or hail, it’s a great idea to have a professional inspect it for hail damage that you may not be able to see yourself. The pros at Hoosier Contractors are always ready to help get your roof back in shape after a storm has rolled through. Contact us for your no-obligation inspection today.