What Does Hail Damage Look Like on a Roof? [Homeowner Guide]

Hailstorms cause up to $14 billion in property damage each year in the United States alone. As a homeowner, you may have experienced the damaging effects of hail on your roof.

The severity of a damaged roof ranges from minor dents and cracks to significant structural problems. And repairs can cost a fortune if you don’t catch them soon enough. But when you know what to look for, learning to spot hail damage is simple.

This guide will show you how to identify hail damage and essential aspects of hail damage roof repair and replacement. The tips you learn will help you prolong your roof’s life and protect your home and family.

Types of Roofs and Hail Damage

Hail can damage different types of roofs in various ways. Here’s a breakdown of how hail damage affects each type of roof:

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most common type of roofing material used in homes. Hail damage on asphalt shingles can appear as follows:

• Minor dents or cracks
• Loose granules
• Missing chunks/pieces of roof

You may also notice circular or crescent-shaped cracks or splits on the shingle surface. In severe cases, hail can cause punctures or holes in the shingles, leading to leaks and water damage inside your home.

Metal

Despite the durability of metal roofs, hail can still deal severe damage. Hail damage to metal roofs can appear as dents, cracks, or punctures on the roof’s surface.

The damage’s size and shape depend on the hailstones’ size and speed. Larger hailstones can cause more significant damage to metal roofs, leading to hard-to-repair cracks.

Wood Shingles

Hail damage to wood shingles can appear as splits, cracks, or dents on the surface of the shingles. Like asphalt shingles, sometimes hail makes crescent-shaped indents on wood shingles. You may also notice missing pieces or dislodged shingles after a hailstorm.

Clay

Since they are made for hot regions that rarely experience winter, clay roofs aren’t suited for hail. But that doesn’t rule out the possibility of it happening. Hail damage to clay roofs can appear as cracks, chips, or missing pieces of the tiles.

Rubber

Commercial buildings and homes with flat or low-slope roofs often use rubber. Hail damage to rubber roofs can appear as punctures, cracks, or tears on the roof’s surface. You may also notice missing roofing material or granules on the surface.

By understanding how hail damage affects different types of roofs, you can better spot hail damage on your roof. The sooner you identify the damage, the sooner you can repair it.

Cost of Roof Repairs After Hail

Hail damage can cause significant damage to your roof, and repairing it can be costly. The cost of hail damage repair depends on several factors.

Your repair fees will account for the extent of the damage, the type of roofing material, and the cost of labor and materials in your area. Here are some standard fees associated with hail damage repair:

Inspection Costs

The first step in hail damage roof repair is requesting an inspection from a professional contractor. Some contractors send inspectors for free. But, a paid assessment ranges from $100 to $250, depending on the size of your roof and the complexity of the examination.

Repair Costs

The cost of repairing hail damage has a massive range. Depending on the extent of damage and type of roofing material, you’re looking at prices between $300 to $10,000 or more.

For example, fixing a few damaged shingles on an asphalt roof may cost a few hundred dollars. On the other hand, repairing multiple tiles (each one between $7-800) on a tile roof can cost $1,000 or more.

Replacement Costs

In some cases, hail damage may be so severe that you’ll need to replace the entire roof. On average, roof replacement costs range from $6,000 to $20,000. But the price depends on your roofing material since replacing a metal roof costs more than an asphalt shingle roof.

It’s important to note that homeowners insurance may cover the cost of hail damage repair or replacement. Before you progress with your repairs, contact your insurance provider.

Preventing Hail Damage

Preventing hail damage seems as ludicrous as trying to stop the rain. While it’s true that hail damage is difficult to predict or control, there are some steps you can take to mitigate the risk of damage to your roof. Here are some tips to help you deter hail damage:

Invest in Impact-Resistant Roofing Materials

Consider upgrading to impact-resistant roofing materials like Class 4 asphalt shingles or metal. These materials can best withstand hail and other impact damage. Upgrading to them may make you eligible for insurance discounts, saving you long-term money.

Trim Trees and Branches

Hard hail pellets do enough damage on their own. But falling debris from the storm can increase destruction. Trim trees and branches that hang over your roof to cut the risk of falling limbs during a hailstorm.

Install Protective Accessories

Roofing experts have designed accessories to help protect homes during hailstorms. Consider adding hail guards, metal screens, or skylight covers to prevent damage to your roof.

Practice Proper Roof Maintenance

Maintain your roof by inspecting it at least twice a year and addressing any issues with haste. Keep your roof debris-free and clear your gutters and downspouts to prevent water damage.

Track Weather Reports

Watch weather reports to prepare for hailstorms before they hit. Take measures like moving vehicles and outdoor furniture under cover and closing windows and doors. Completing these simple tasks can help reduce the risk of hail damage to your roof and protect your home.

Hail Damage Roof Repair Near Me in Jacksonville, Florida

At Avenue Roofing, we understand the importance of addressing roof problems at home. Hail damage can cause significant harm to your roof, leading to costly repairs or even replacement.

If your home has hail damage, it’s time to contact a professional. Avenue Roofing’s experienced team of roofing experts can help.

Our licensed roofing inspectors will come to your property and provide a detailed damage assessment. From there, we can devise an action plan together to proceed.

Contact us today for a free quote on hail damage roof repair.