Hail can cause severe damage to a roof, and requires repairs as quickly as possible to minimize the extent of the damage and protect the interior of the home from leaks. Extensive hail damage may result in the need for a new roof altogether.
Signs Of Hail Damage On Different Roofing Materials
The most obvious sign of hail damage is small holes in the roof, but even if the hail didn’t create actual holes, it doesn’t mean that it didn’t damage the roof. There is also a difference between cosmetic and functional damage, so you may need to hire a roofing professional to assess the damage, help you walk through the process for insurance claims if necessary, and conduct hail damage roof repair.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most common type of shingle found on homes in the U.S., and while they are an affordable option, they are also vulnerable to damage from hail. When hail hits asphalt shingles, it can create holes in the shingles which is the most concerning form of damage and it should be addressed quickly.
Another sign of hail damage to this type of roof shingle is the loss of granules which can compromise the integrity of the shingles and cause damage to the roof’s underlayment. It can also create soft spots that will degrade faster.
Clay Barrel Tiles
Clay barrel tiles are very durable in the face of hail, but after years in the sun, they can become brittle, leading to damage caused by hail in the form of small cracks, holes, and broken tiles that can slip off the roof.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is highly impact resistant, contrary to popular belief. Impacts from hail can still create indentations in the roof, though it’s unlikely that it will actually create cracks or holes. This cosmetic damage may not need to be addressed immediately, but it can create an unsightly appearance.
Cedar Shakes
Cedar shakes are naturally water resistant and durable, but they can weaken over time especially if they aren’t maintained properly. During a hailstorm, cedar shakes can crack or split, leaving the roof vulnerable to leaks as well as mold and mildew growth.
Slate Tiles
Slate tile is another durable natural material, but they can become brittle over time and impacts from hail can cause them to chip, flake, split, or crack. All of this can result in a greater susceptibility to water damage.
Composite Roof Tiles
Composite roof tiles are highly durable in the face of hail impacts, especially those with a Class 4 impact rating. Hail is less likely to cause damage to a composite roof than any other roofing material which means that the home will be better protected from damage to the roof and the water damage that it can lead to.
How Much Damage Can Hail Do To A Roof?
If you inspect your roof after a hailstorm and find holes, that’s an obvious sign to call a professional and possibly make an insurance claim. Even if you don’t see holes, that doesn’t mean you’re out of the woods. Roof damage from hail— a small crack, loss of granules, and exposure to impacts — can sometimes go unnoticed but can lead to bigger issues down the road.
Small cracks that go unnoticed are at a greater risk of becoming larger cracks or holes during the next storm. These small cracks can also allow water to seep under the tiles, and damage the underlayment and possibly the roof deck itself.
If left unchecked, water can continue to seep through, eventually causing leaks inside the home and possibly mold and mildew growth. This can also lead to structural damage and issues with the attic or upper floors of the home. In extreme cases, water can leak through the roof and run down the walls, weakening the structure and possibly leading to mold and mildew growth.
Even if there aren’t cracks or holes from hail, impacts from hail can weaken the roof tiles and cause them to lose their water resistance, which can lead to bigger issues and more damage down the road.
How To Repair Hail Damage
Repairing hail damage largely depends on how much damage was done. Small holes or isolated shingle damage can be repaired relatively quickly and without breaking the bank. Larger scale damage to the roof or damage that was left unrepaired and created more problems can cost much more or require insurance claims.
Assess the damage. If you are able to, you can assess the damage yourself by going up on the roof and identifying any areas where the hail created holes or cracks or damaged the granules on asphalt shingles. This is where regular roof inspections are important. If you regularly inspect your roof, you’ll be able to tell what damage was the result of hail and what damage is the result of normal wear and tear and UV exposure.
Mark the damage and determine the extent of repairs. If there is damage in isolated areas, you can mark it with chalk, so you can easily find it when it’s time to repair. A roofing professional can also conduct a thorough inspection and determine how extensive the repairs will need to be. Isolated damage can often be repaired with new roof tiles while more extensive damage may require a new roof altogether.
Determine if an insurance claim is necessary. Contact your insurance company to discuss the damage and determine if a claim is necessary and weigh the cost of the deductible against the cost of the claim.
Complete the repairs. Whether you tackle the roof hail damage repair yourself or hire a professional, the roof should be repaired as quickly as possible.
Brava Composite Shingles Provide Superior Protection Against Hail Damage
If you’re facing a reroofing project as a result of hail damage, Brava composite shingles are the best choice for superior hail protection to ensure you won’t be in this position again.
Our composite roof tiles offer the authentic look of Cedar Shake, Old World Slate, and Spanish Barrel Tiles, but without the fear of hail damage that comes with the traditional materials.
With a Class 4 impact rating and superior durability, our products won’t fade, crack, chip, flake, or split, even in the face of a hailstorm.
Contact the experts at Brava today to explore our hail-resistant products and choose the best material to reroof your home!
