How To Check Your Roof for Hail Damage [DIY Guide]

Hail is a potentially destructive force that can cause damage to your roof. Hailstones vary from small pebbles to large ones the size of gold balls. Whenever hailstones hit your roof, they may leave cracks, dents, or even holes, depending on the wind direction and strength. The hardest part of checking for hail damage is that the problem may not be immediately apparent. 

The big question remains, how to check your roof for hail damage? Many factors affect the process, including the roof type and the size of hailstones.

 In this article, we will look at how to check your roof for hail damage and the tools you need to do the job. 

Tools You Will Need to Check Your Roof for Hail Damage

There are a few different tools you will need before you begin inspecting your roof for hail damage. First, you should get a sturdy ladder to access your roof safely. Ensure the ladder is tall enough to reach the roof and stable enough to support your weight.

You also need some safety equipment. Safety should be your top priority when inspecting your roof. Wear slip-resistant shoes or boots, a hard hat, and eye protection. If you are uncomfortable with heights or unsure of your abilities, consider hiring a professional.

A flashlight may also be helpful if you want to inspect your roof. It can make it easier to look into dark or shaded areas of your roof for hail. You might also want to use binoculars to look closer at your roof without climbing up. Binoculars are particularly helpful for inspecting steep roofs or areas that are difficult to access or if you see significant damage from hail impacts.

Another useful tool is a tape measure. You can use it to measure the size of any dents or cracks you find. This information will be helpful if you need to either file a claim with an insurance company or make repairs on your own.

How to Check Your Roof for Hail Damage

After an extreme weather event, you should always check your roof for damage. Make sure to look for dented or cracked shingles on your roof. Hailstones can leave circular or irregular dents in asphalt shingles, weakening them over time. You should also note some normal wear and tear. Even damage to one shingle can make the shingles brittle over time.

Check for areas on your roof where the protective granules have been knocked off. These are very important for protecting shingles from UV rays while helping them shed water. Keeping up with repairs is the best way to prevent granule loss. If you have a tile roof, look for cracked or broken tiles.

Hailstones can crack or even break tiles, which can cause leaks and structural damage, something that can be hard to spot for the untrained eye. This can happen with wood shingles especially. 

You should also be aware that hailstones can cause dents in metal roofs as well as vinyl siding. Make sure to check for dents larger than a quarter, which can compromise the roof’s structural integrity. This can be particularly important if you’re going to file a homeowners insurance claim.

If you have a flat roof, check for cracks or holes. A bad hail storm can create holes in the roof, leading to leaks and water damage over time and more damage to personal property. 

Check for Hidden Signs of Hail Damage

In addition to visible signs of roof hail damage above, you should also check for hidden signs of damage, such as the ones listed below, after a hail event.  Make sure to look for water stains on your ceiling or walls. Water damage can indicate that your roof has been compromised. It can help to walk around on your roof carefully and feel for any soft spots. Soft spots can indicate that there is an issue underneath the surface.

Lastly, make sure to inspect your gutters and downspouts before hail hits. Hailstones can dent or even puncture gutters and downspouts, which can cause water damage to your roof vents and home’s foundation.

How To Fix Hail Damage on Your Roof

The extent of the damage caused by wind and hail will determine whether you need to make temporary or permanent roof repairs.

Temporary Repairs

Temporary repairs on a hail damaged roof are designed to prevent further damage from storm damage or issues with your roof until permanent repairs can be made. Here are some common temporary repairs.

Covering the Damaged Area With a Tarp

Covering a hole in your roof or a large area of damage with a tarp can prevent water from entering your home. Be sure to secure the tarp tightly to prevent it from blowing away.

Using Roofing Cement to Seal Small Cracks

If you have small cracks or holes in your roof, use roofing cement to seal them temporarily. Apply the cement with a putty knife and smooth it over the damaged roof and area.

Permanent Repairs

Permanent repairs are designed to fix the damage caused to your roof permanently.

Replacing Damaged Shingles or Tiles

After severe storms or due to wear and tear, damaged shingles and tiles will eventually need to be replaced. These permanent repairs should be carefully undertaken in order to extend the life of your roof. 

Patching Holes in Flat Roofing

If you have a flat roof, holes can be patched with a roofing patch kit. The roofing part replacement kit typically includes a patch and a sealant that can be applied with a putty knife.

Replacing Damaged Gutters and Downspouts

You need to replace gutters or downspouts if they are damaged. Ensure you hire a professional to replace them, as they need to be installed correctly in order to function properly.

It is important to note that if the roof damage is severe, you may need to replace your entire roof. A professional roofer can assess the damage and recommend the best action. Most homeowner’s policies cover hail damage and can help you with full roof replacement, hail roof damage, finding a roofing contractor, and more.

How To Prevent Hail Damage on Your Roof

Preventing hail damage to your roof is the best way to avoid costly repairs. 

It’s highly recommended that homeowners use impact-resistant roofing materials, such as metal, concrete, or asphalt roof shingles, with a high impact rating, which can better withstand hail damage. You may also want to consider upgrading to impact-resistant materials when it’s time to replace your roof.

If you have a lot of overhanging trees around the new roof, you should be aware that these can cause damage to your roof during a hailstorm. Make sure to trim trees around your home to prevent branches from falling on your roof during a storm.

When severe weather comes, you should be ready to clean your gutters, remove debris from your roof, and repair any damage immediately. Otherwise, problems could escalate quickly and force you to consider filing a claim.

Conclusion

Have you been wondering how to check your roof for hail damage? It may seem daunting, but with the right tools and knowledge, you can easily find the damages caused by hail.

Melo Roofing offers various services, including roof inspection, roof repair, skylight installation, commercial roofing, and residential roofing. We have an experienced team of experts with the latest training and modern tools to complete the job on time and provide an overall positive experience.