Living in North Texas means living with the reality of severe weather. When a hailstorm rolls through the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, the sound of ice pounding against your home can be alarming. Once the storm passes, the immediate question for every homeowner is: “Did my roof survive?”
Knowing how to identify hail damage is crucial. While some damage is obvious, much of it is subtle and requires a trained eye to spot. As a premier Dallas roofing contractor for over 46 years, Lon Smith Roofing & Construction has helped thousands of homeowners navigate the aftermath of severe storms. Here is a guide to understanding what hail damage looks like and what you should do if you suspect your roof has been hit.
Why Hail Damage is So Destructive
Hailstones can range in size from small peas to large grapefruits. When these solid chunks of ice strike your roof at high speeds, they can cause significant harm to your roofing materials.
For asphalt composition shingles, the most common roofing material in Texas, hail impacts can dislodge the protective granules that coat the surface. These granules are essential for shielding the underlying asphalt from the sun’s harsh UV rays. When the granules are gone, the asphalt is exposed, leading to rapid deterioration, cracking, and eventually, leaks.
Signs of Hail Damage You Can Spot from the Ground
While we strongly advise against climbing onto your roof after a storm due to safety risks, there are several signs of hail damage you can look for from the safety of the ground:
1. Check Your Gutters and Downspouts
High-impact hail will knock a significant amount of granules off your shingles. After a storm, check the splash blocks at the base of your downspouts. If you see a heavy accumulation of black, sand-like granules, it is a strong indicator that your roof took a beating. Additionally, look for dents or dings on the metal gutters themselves.
2. Inspect Your Siding and Windows
Hail rarely falls straight down; it is usually driven by high winds. If your siding, window screens, or window casings show signs of impact, such as dents, cracks, or chipped paint, it is highly likely that your roof sustained similar or worse damage.
3. Look at Your Air Conditioning Units
The soft metal fins on the outdoor condenser unit of your HVAC system are very susceptible to hail damage. If these fins are flattened or dented, it is a clear sign that a significant hailstorm passed over your property.
4. Examine Outdoor Items
Check your mailbox, patio furniture, fences, and even your vehicles if they were parked outside. Dents on these items are a telltale sign of a severe hail event.
What Hail Damage Looks Like on the Roof
If you suspect damage based on your ground-level inspection, it is time to call a professional. When an A1 Certified Inspector from Lon Smith Roofing examines your roof, they are looking for specific patterns of damage:
- Bruising: This is the most common sign of hail impact on asphalt shingles. A hail hit will leave a dark spot, or “bruise,” where the granules have been knocked away, exposing the black asphalt underneath. These spots are often soft to the touch, like a bruised apple.
- Cracking: Large hailstones or severe impacts can cause circular cracks in the shingle matting, radiating outward from the point of impact.
- Missing Shingles: While more commonly associated with high winds, severe hail can sometimes break off the edges of shingles or cause entire tabs to tear away.
- Damage to Roof Accessories: Inspectors will also check metal roof vents, flashing, skylights, and chimney caps for dents and dings.
“Our A1 Certified Inspectors complete over 80 hours of rigorous training to identify weather-related damage that others might miss.”
The Importance of a Professional Inspection
It is important to understand that you cannot always see hail damage from the ground, and even a seemingly minor storm can cause hidden issues that will lead to leaks down the road. This is why a professional inspection is so critical.
At Lon Smith Roofing, our “Commitment to Excellence” means we provide thorough, honest assessments. We will document any damage we find with photographs and provide you with a detailed report. If your roof is undamaged, we will gladly give you that peace of mind.
Don’t wait for a leak to tell you your roof is damaged. If your neighborhood has recently experienced a hailstorm, call Lon Smith Roofing 24/7 at 800-317-4791 or contact us online to schedule your FREE A1 Certified inspection today!
