How do I know if my roof has hail damage if it is not leaking?
Hail damage is often hard to see from the ground, and it does not always cause a leak right away. Hail knocks granules off the shingles and damages the top layer of protection, which lets the weather gradually wear down the roof. A roof inspection is the best way to know for sure.
How hail damages shingles
Composition shingles have a fiberglass mat coated with asphalt, with a layer of granules on top. The granules protect the asphalt from the sun.
When hail hits a shingle hard enough, it can knock off the granules and damage the mat underneath. Over time the damaged area wears faster and can begin to leak.
Signs you can check from the ground
Dents in gutters and downspouts. These are made of soft metal and often show hail marks.
Granules at the bottom of your downspouts, especially a sudden amount after a storm.
Dents or damage on air conditioning units, vents, window screens and other soft metal around your home.
Why you should not wait
Most insurance policies only give you a limited time after a storm to file a claim. If your roof starts leaking long after the storm, it may be too late to file.
Old Pro Roofing offers free, no-obligation roof inspections. If your roof is not damaged, we will let you know.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big does hail have to be to damage a roof?
It depends on the age and type of your roof and on the wind during the storm. Older shingles can be damaged by smaller hail.
Can I check the roof myself?
You can safely check your gutters, screens and yard from the ground. Please do not climb onto your roof.
My neighbor’s claim was approved and mine was not. Why?
Hail often falls unevenly, and roofs differ in age and material, so two houses on the same street can have different results.
