Summer and early fall bring bright, sunny skies, but they also bring frightening weather. Do you have a roof that is protected against hail damage?

There are some signs that can tell you if your roof has been damaged by hail or is at risk – or both! Read this blog to learn how to identify hail damage to your roof and when to replace it.

Understanding the Dangers of Hail Damage

Although hailstones the size of quarters or larger cause the most noticeable damage, even less violent storms can cause damage that builds up over time. Other issues may arise as shingles weaken and pull away from their backing due to hail damage.

Your entire roof can be affected by this loss of structural integrity. It is possible for exposed and unprotected areas of your roof to become brittle and more susceptible to leaks due to UV rays from the sun.

When your roof is damaged by a hail storm, it may also absorb more water from rain and snow. Water absorbed by the shingles might expand in the winter due to freezing, further damaging them. When a roof is damaged, it can reduce a house’s ability to insulate, cause serious leaks, introduce mold into the house, and cause electrical problems.

Hail damage can become a serious issue long before you notice it on your roof.

What Does Hail Damage Look Like on a Roof? 

Roof damage occurs when hail storms are severe. Hailstones (the size of a half-dollar or larger) and high winds can loosen the seal holding your shingles in place, exposing the roof beneath.

What does hail damage look like on a roof? Depending on the quality of the material on your roof, the damage may appear different. When hail damages asphalt and composite shingles, it appears as punctures or tears, while when hail damages wooden shingles, it appears as dents or splits.

A certain type of roof may make hail damage difficult to detect after a storm, weakening the entire structure and leaving your home vulnerable.

Other Signs of Roof Hail Damage

It is possible to examine your roof after a hailstorm and still miss signs of damage. The reason is as follows.

Most hailstorms will not cause noticeable damage to asphalt shingles, at least not right away. As a result of impact, these shingles lose tiny granules of their coating, becoming weaker and more susceptible to leaks and poor insulation.

You should have your roof inspected if you notice tiny black particles in your gutters or downspouts.

So, You Have a Hail Damaged Roof: Now What?

By now, you know that hail damage to your roof could mean major — not to mention costly — problems for you and your family. Even minor damage can escalate quickly, causing leaks, electrical issues, and insulation problems. The only true solution is a brand-new roof. Fortunately, at Southers Construction, we provide roof replacement.

Our experienced team designs and installs roofing systems using the industry’s best materials, covered by our No-Hassle Warranty. For a free consultation, contact us today.

Southers Construction is here to help you become a Pro-Active homeowner rather than a Reactive homeowner. Having this difference as a homeowner will help you be prepared for the biggest challenges your home will face, but becoming proactive you will save not only time but a lot of your hard earned money.