Everyone knows what hail damage looks like on an automobile—hundreds of dings as if golf balls fell from the sky. Hail damages a roof in various other ways, though, depending on the type of roof, the speed and angle of impact, and many other factors.
Many homeowners don’t notice hail damage right away. Perhaps you stayed inside or were on vacation when the storm hit, or you simply never took a close look at the roof until weeks after the fact. In any case, if your roof has visible damage, it’s worth getting an inspection so you can make necessary roofing repairs to avoid worsening damage.
How Much Damage Can Hail Do to a Roof?
When a car gets struck by hail, the damage is mostly cosmetic. Your roof will likely have cosmetic damage as well as cracks and wear that can linger and cause a bigger problem later. Namely, a hail-damaged roof might be compromised in a way that lets in water. That can mean mold, mildew, algae, damage to your attic, and the need to replace the roof sooner than you would have otherwise.
After a hail storm, you’ll want a roof inspection if you spot problems such as:
- Faster aging of roofing shingles
- Cracks and craters
- Warped edges due to wind damage
- Bent, damaged flashings
- “Bruising” or dark spots
- Holes through the roof and membrane
Hail Damage on Asphalt Roofs
Asphalt shingles can be dented, broken, or bruised by hail storms. The marks will be somewhat random across the roof, mostly with downward indentations. It’s important to know if you have hail damage rather than other issues, because the holes from hail damage are more likely to lead to long-term, major problems than some other issues.
Effects of Hail on Other Types of Roofs
Slate, terracotta, and other types of stone or tile roofing can be affected by hail differently. Many of these will be split or cracked rather than indented, because the sharp edges of hail produce a high-impact fracture in harder materials. The ultimate damage is the same—a shortened lifespan for the roof, possible water damage inside, and an ugly appearance from the street.
Hail Damage Roof Repair in Baltimore
If your roof appears damaged from hail, wind, or other forces, our roofing repair team can help contain the damage and return your roof to looking like new.
Park Heights Roofing has been named the Best Roofer in Baltimore, and we perform roof repair and replacement including slate roof repair, asphalt roof repair, and more. Contact us online or call 410-358-1257 to request info or schedule an inspection.