Way Up on the Roof

A hailstorm can wreak havoc on your asphalt shingle roof. The damage might or might not be immediately visible, depending on its extent. Below are some of the specific ways in which hail can damage your roof.

Granule Stripping

Asphalt shingles have mineral granules on their surfaces. The granules harden and protect the shingles from physical and weather-related damage. Hailstones can dislodge and strip the protective granules off the shingles. Such 'naked' shingles are more susceptible to future damage than shingles with their granules intact. 

Shingle Breakage or Cracking

Hailstones can also hit your roofing shingles hard enough to crack or break them. The size, density, and angle of the hailstones determine their impact on the roof. Broken or cracked shingles will allow water to seep into the roof. Such damaged shingles are also susceptible to further damage, such as wind displacement.

Shingle Loss

In some cases, the hailstones might lead to shingle loss instead of damage. The loss can occur if the hailstones break some shingles around their nailing areas, break shingles into small pieces, or strip off the shingle adhesive. Missing shingles expose your roof to wind damage, precipitation damage, and fire risk, among other things.

Gutter Damage

Hailstones don't just damage roof surfaces; they also damage associated roof structures. For example, the stones can do the following:

• Crack the gutters
• Dislodge the gutters
• Damage the gutter covers

The damage depends on the gutter materials and the intensity of the hailstones. Damaged gutters, even if the damage is merely a slope defect, interfere with drainage efficiency and can lead to siding damage or water backing up under the roof.

Flashing Damage

Roof flashing, the materials used to seal and waterproof roofing joints, can also suffer hail damage. Dents, cracks, or displacement of flashing materials are classic examples of hail damage. Worn or corroded flashing is more susceptible to such damage than sound flashing.

Skylight Damage

Lastly, a hailstorm can also damage your skylight. Some skylight materials are more susceptible to hail damage than others are. For example, acrylic and glass materials might suffer more damage than polycarbonate materials. A damaged skylight is not only a water leak risk, but it also allows heated or conditioned air to escape — making the damage a factor in energy inefficiency.

Inspect your roof for signs of damage after a major hailstorm. Consult a roofing contractor if you do notice signs of damage. You ought to fix a damaged roof before the next storm intensifies the damage.

To learn more, contact a roofing contractor.