Hail can destroy nearly every part of your roof, from the shingles to the accessories. Look out for the most common types of hail damage so that you can call in a roofer before leaks become a problem.

1. Shingle Cracks

The most obvious type of hail damage is shingle cracks. Older shingles and those not rated for hail damage are most likely to suffer cracking. Although larger hailstones are more likely to cause this sort of damage, even small stones can sometimes crack a shingle. Cracked shingles will need to be replaced; otherwise, you will end up with a roof leak. 

2. Granule Loss

Granule loss is just as devastating to a shingle as a crack, but it is not as obvious. The granules are the protective gravel coating on the surface of asphalt shingles. When knocked loose, the shingle will develop smooth, slightly shiny spots where the granules once were. You may also notice a lot of gravel in your gutters or on the ground around the perimeter of your house. Shingles are more likely to leak if they lose their granule coating, so they will need to be replaced. 

3. Flashing Dents

Hail can dent and crack the metal flashing around chimneys, vents, and other root top penetrations. If the flashing looks warped, dented, or loose, then it will need to be repaired and replaced. In some cases, only the sealant around the edges of the flashing suffers cracking from hail strikes. This is a simpler fix as your roofer will only need to reapply fresh sealant.

4. Gutter Damages

Damaged, loose guttering is a common problem after hail. The damage from the gutters can also affect the eaves if you find that water doesn't flow off the roof properly. Not only will the damaged gutters need removal and replacement, but your roofer may also need to repair any holes or other damage that occurred when the gutter fasteners were torn loose by the hail.

5. Vent Destruction

The soffit vents on the underside of your eaves are usually immune to hail damage, but the same can't be said for roof surfaces, ridges, or gable end vents. These can become badly dented, or even knocked off, during a hail storm. In some cases, the vents look fine, but damage to the sealant around the vent can lead to leaks. Replacement of damaged vents and resealing may be needed. 

Contact a hail damage roof repair contractor if you are concerned about the condition of your roof following a storm. 

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