A severe summer storm just rolled through Michigan, and your neighborhood was hit by hail. You look up at your roof from the driveway, but everything seems fine. The problem is that hail damage is often invisible from the ground. Ignoring hidden damage can lead to massive leaks and voided insurance claims later. Knowing exactly what to look for and getting a professional inspection is the best solution.
The Impact of Hail on Asphalt Shingles
When a hailstorm strikes, the physical impact on an asphalt shingle can be devastating, even if it is not immediately apparent. Asphalt shingles are designed with a layer of protective granules on the surface. These granules shield the underlying asphalt from the sun’s harsh ultraviolet rays. When hail hits the roof, it often knocks these granules loose.
Once the granules are gone, the exposed asphalt begins to degrade rapidly. The sun dries out the asphalt, causing it to crack, blister, and eventually fail. This process does not happen overnight. It can take months or even a year for the compromised shingle to allow water to penetrate the roof deck. By the time you notice a leak inside your home, the structural damage to the roof may already be extensive.
Furthermore, large hailstones can actually bruise or fracture the fiberglass matting underneath the asphalt layer. This type of damage completely compromises the water-shedding ability of the shingle. Because the damage is cumulative, it is crucial to understand that a roof that survives a storm without immediate leaking is not necessarily an undamaged roof.
Signs of Hail Damage You Can Spot from the Ground
While it is dangerous and ill-advised for a homeowner to climb onto a roof after a storm, there are several signs of hail damage you can safely look for from the ground. Start by inspecting your gutters and downspouts. If you have metal gutters, look for dents or dings. If the hail was large enough and hit hard enough to dent aluminum gutters, it almost certainly damaged your shingles.
Next, check the area where your downspouts empty. After a severe storm, it is common to find a large accumulation of shingle granules washed out of the gutters. While some granule loss is normal as a roof ages, a sudden and significant pile of granules after a storm is a strong indicator of impact damage.
You should also inspect other exterior elements of your home. Look at your siding, window casings, and outdoor air conditioning units. Dents in vinyl siding or chipped paint on window frames are clear signs that hail hit your property with significant force. If these areas show damage, your roof requires a professional evaluation.
What a Professional Looks for During a Roof Inspection
When a certified roofing contractor inspects your roof, they know exactly how to identify hail damage that an untrained eye might miss. One of the primary things they look for is “bruising” on the shingles. These bruises often feel soft to the touch, indicating that the fiberglass mat underneath has been fractured.
Professionals also look for circular cracking patterns. When a hailstone impacts a shingle, it often leaves a distinct, circular crack that mimics the shape of the stone. Additionally, they will search for areas where the protective granules are completely missing, exposing the black asphalt underneath.
It is important to remember why a professional inspection is necessary. Climbing on a wet, potentially damaged roof is incredibly dangerous. A professional contractor has the safety equipment, training, and experience to navigate the roof safely and document the damage accurately for your insurance claim.
Distinguishing Between Hail Damage and Normal Wear
Not all roof damage is caused by hail, and insurance adjusters are trained to tell the difference. Normal wear and tear, such as blistering or heat cracking, happens gradually over the life of a roof. Blistering usually occurs when moisture is trapped inside the shingle during the manufacturing process and expands when heated by the sun.
The key difference lies in the pattern of the damage. Normal wear and tear is typically uniform across the entire roof or specifically on the side that receives the most sun exposure. Hail damage, on the other hand, is random and scattered. Hailstones do not fall in a uniform pattern, so the impact marks will be dispersed irregularly across the roof’s surface.
Understanding this distinction is vital when filing an insurance claim. An experienced roofing contractor can help clearly document the random, impact-based nature of hail damage, ensuring that the insurance company understands the cause of the failure is storm-related and not just an aging roof.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much hail damage is required to replace a roof?
The amount of hail damage required for a roof replacement varies by insurance policy, but generally, an adjuster looks for a specific number of “hits” within a 10-foot by 10-foot area (a “square”). If the damage exceeds this threshold, a full replacement is often warranted. Performance Roofing and Siding can help assess if your Michigan roof meets these criteria.
2. Does home insurance cover roof hail damage?
Yes, most standard homeowners insurance policies cover roof damage caused by hail and wind. However, coverage can depend on the age of your roof and the specific terms of your policy. Performance Roofing and Siding can assist you in understanding your coverage in our Michigan service areas.
3. How long do I have to file a roof insurance claim in Michigan?
In Michigan, most insurance companies require you to file a claim within one year of the storm date. However, it is always best to file as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Performance Roofing and Siding recommends scheduling an inspection immediately after a severe weather event.
4. What should I do if I think my roof has hail damage?
If you suspect your roof has hail damage, the first step is to contact a certified roofing contractor for a comprehensive inspection. Do not attempt to inspect the roof yourself. Performance Roofing and Siding offers thorough, 28-point inspections across our Michigan service territories.
Conclusion
Understanding what hail damage looks like on a roof is the first step in protecting your home after a severe Michigan storm. While some signs are visible from the ground, the most critical damage is often hidden from plain sight. Ignoring these subtle signs can lead to significant water damage and costly repairs down the road.
By knowing the difference between normal wear and storm damage, and by trusting a professional to conduct a thorough inspection, you can ensure your home remains safe and secure. Do not wait for a leak to appear before taking action. Being proactive is the best defense against the unpredictable Michigan weather.
Ready to Protect Your Michigan Home?
If your neighborhood recently experienced a severe storm and you are concerned about potential roof damage, do not wait for a leak to confirm your suspicions. Contact Performance Roofing and Siding today for a free, comprehensive 28-point roof inspection. Our GAF Master Elite certified team will thoroughly assess your roof, document any damage, and guide you through the insurance claim process. Protect your investment and gain peace of mind. Schedule your inspection now and let our family protect yours.