Should I Get My Roof Inspected After a Hailstorm?

When summer storms roll through your neighborhood, bringing strong winds, heavy rains, and pounding hailstones, your roof must be ready to take on everything Mother Nature can throw at it. Tough, durable, and well-built roofs can protect your home all year round, but to do that, they must be properly inspected and maintained throughout the year, especially after a hailstorm.  

Hail damage can take many forms, from a dented gutter to cracked shingles, and almost all of that damage can lead to more severe problems down the line if it's not taken care of quickly. When it comes to hail damage, time is not on your side – it's critical to inspect your roof for signs of damage as soon as possible after a severe storm."¯

What are Common Signs of Hail Damage?

Hail damage can show itself in many ways, including visibly dented downspouts, cracked or broken roofing materials like tile or shingles, and even a hole smashed through a previously weakened area of your roof. After severe weather blows through your area, though, there are several common signs (many of which can be seen from the ground) that can indicate hail damage to your home. 

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Dented Gutters and Downspouts

Even smaller hail chunks can wreak havoc on your relatively unprotected gutters and downspouts. Since these systems are designed to be out in the elements in order to do their job, they're among the most vulnerable to dents and scrapes from hard-falling hail. A strong enough severe storm could even rip your home's downspout to the ground or knock loose a section of gutter, allowing water to spill off your roof in any direction. Visibly dented, scratched, or loose sections of your gutter system are sure signs that urgent repairs are needed. 

Broken or Cracked Roofing Materials

While not all of your shingles or tile are immediately visible from ground level, it is possible to see some of the lower sections of your roof without climbing up on a ladder. Depending on the hail size, your roofing materials could have sustained significant damage from hailstones, including cracked or broken asphalt shingles and tile, splintered and split wood shingles, or, depending on the storm, they could be torn away, exposing the underlayment beneath. Damaged roofing material can open up your home to water leaks, which can cause water damage, mold growth, and wood rot throughout the structure."¯ "¯ 

Loose Granules (on Shingles)

On the surface, asphalt shingles missing a few granules here or there after a severe storm might seem like the least of your worries. In fact, it takes a serious amount of force to strip the top layer of a shingle away.  

When a shingle on your roof shows signs of granule loss from hail impact, it's safe to assume that the integrity of that shingle has been weakened and needs to be replaced. If it's not, there's a chance that these affected shingles can develop slow, small water leaks over time – leaks that are difficult to notice until the damage has been done!

Other Considerations for Hail Damaged Roofing

After a severe hailstorm, the immediate priority is to repair any hail damage to your roof as quickly as possible to keep your home protected from the elements. However, as a homeowner, there are a few other items you'll need to consider both during and after the emergency repairs. The first of these is whether or not your homeowners' insurance covers the kind of damage that your roof received. Contacting your insurance company to discuss your options should be near the top of your to-do list after the hail stops flying. Additionally, if you haven't been keeping up on routine maintenance for your roof, this would be a great time to work with your roofing contractor to develop a plan to keep your roof in top shape year-round."¯"¯ 

Insurance Claims

Roof damage from hail is usually (though not always!) covered by the majority of home insurance policies. After you've verified that your roof has been damaged, contact your insurance company to start the process of opening an insurance claim to get the cost of any needed roofing repairs or replacements covered. This may involve a visit from an insurance adjuster, who will verify the severity of the damage and inform you of what will and will not be covered. Navigating the insurance claims process can be difficult and time-consuming, so getting the process started as soon as possible after you've confirmed that hail has damaged your roof is essential."¯ "¯"¯ 

Preventative Maintenance

While preventative maintenance on its own can't prevent every kind of damage caused by high winds and hailstorms, having a solid, dependable, and sturdy roof can mean the difference between a few dents or scratches and a total loss. Regular preventative maintenance is recommended throughout the year to maximize the value and lifespan of your roof. It also ensures that your roof is ready to stand up to the worst that the elements have to offer. Take the time to develop a plan for regular roof inspection and roof repair to prevent what should be a minor problem from turning into a disaster."¯ 

Contact PRQ for a Complimentary Roofing Evaluation

Whether you're concerned about potential hail damage to your roof after a recent storm or you want the confidence that comes with knowing your roof is ready for the next one, contact PRQ Exteriors today to schedule a free inspection. Our certified experts will thoroughly inspect your roof, report any signs of potential trouble, and recommend an action plan to get your roof ready for the long haul. 

PRQ Exteriors sets the standard for roofing companies in the Denver area by providing quality roofing services and excellent customer service built on great communication. Since 2014, homeowners and business owners in Denver turn to us for trusted, professional roof repairs, replacement, and storm restoration. Use the form below to schedule a free roofing evaluation today.