Resource - What does hail damage to my roof look like?

What do you imagine when you imagine hail damage to your roof? If you’re picturing golf ball sized holes or missing shingles, you’re not alone. While severe hail events can cause this level of damage, hail damage in Minnesota seldom takes on this appearance. In fact, hail damage can be difficult to detect without knowing what you’re looking for. It’s important to know what hail damage in Minnesota looks like and what signs indicate that it’s time to schedule a roof inspection. 

What does hail damage look like in Minnesota?

The type of hail damage typical to Minnesota homes may not seem obvious. It’s easy for homeowners to spot large holes and cracks, but more subtle damage can easily be missed. Hail damage in Minnesota takes the form of smaller cracks and tears, and can be caused by hail as small as ½ an inch in diameter. However, even small scale damage to asphalt shingles can set the stage for expensive structural and interior damage down the line.

Signs of hail damage include the following:

• Random damage that takes on no clear pattern. 

Hailstones fall sporadically in random patterns, just like rain or snow. Damage caused by hail strikes will mimic this impact, leaving sporadic strikes that vary in distance and size. Some strikes may be very close together, while others are spread across larger distances.

• Black spots or dots. 

Hail strikes may leave a unique signature behind. When looking for evidence that your home’s roof has incurred hail damage, be on the lookout for black spots or dots. 

• Granular loss. 

Asphalt shingles are covered in granules. This is the coating that gives asphalt shingles their distinct, sandpaper-like finish. When granular loss occurs, this coating is removed, leaving the shingle’s asphalt exposed to the elements. Granular loss can quickly accelerate aging and weaken the condition of your roof. If you notice exposed matting, or sandpaper-like granules in your gutters or drain pipes, you may be dealing with granular loss due to hail damage.

• Bruised or soft shingles. 

Similar to bruised fruit, hail strikes can leave behind soft spots on asphalt shingles. These soft spots indicate areas of your roof that are now more vulnerable to additional damage. 

• Dented or damaged gutters and drainpipes. 

One of the first places that hail damage will show on your roof system is on your gutters and drainpipes. Visible damage to any of these elements can indicate more extensive hail damage to your roof. 

• Shiny asphalt or matting. 

Associated with granular loss, visible matting is a significant indication that a major hail event has impacted your roof. Hail damage that exposes the matting of your shingles leaves your roof susceptible to leaks and cracks. When these small cracks form, the interior of your house becomes vulnerable to water damage that could increase over time, eventually spelling disaster.

• Torn or split shingles. 

When hail damage becomes more severe, rips and tears in shingles can occur. Still, these tears or splits may be small, or imperceptible to the untrained eye. This is why having a trained professional assess your roof is critical. 

Examples of hail damage.

Don’t underestimate damage to your roof. Here are examples of common hail damage in the Twin Cities area that have resulted in full roof replacements. Each restoration was fully covered under the homeowner’s insurance policies. 

Hail damage can be easily misidentified. Call a Hailscale Expert today.

Common signs of hail damage can be subtle. To the average homeowner, distinguishing between hail damage and regular wear and tear to your roof can be almost impossible. To determine whether or not you should file a claim, you need to schedule an inspection with an expert.

Hailscale’s local professionals are licensed General Contractors, who have devoted their careers to helping homeowners like you navigate roof restoration. 

Assess your property’s hail damage by reviewing your Hailscale rating now. Or, schedule a no-cost, no-obligation inspection with a member of our team today.