Did you know that Texas has more hail storms than any other state in the US? Texas has an average of 667 hail events yearly. It’s true — according to insurance company reports, there are more hail damage insurance claims paid in the Lone Star State annually than anywhere else in the country.
As a Dallas-area home or business owner, you should not only be concerned about hail damage to your roof, but you should also know how to identify it. So what kind of evidence should you be looking for after a storm rolls through town? Here are five signs that may indicate your roof has hail damage.
1. Dents or Dings in Your Roof
Whether you have asphalt shingles or a metal roof, denting is one of the easiest signs of hail damage to spot. Hailstones that are 1.25 inches or larger in diameter can easily leave dings and dents on a roof, and while the damage may be minor, it’s far from aesthetic and devalues your home or building.
Worse, even minor dents in your roof can encourage further deterioration over time if you don’t have the damage repaired. That’s especially true for metal roofs as these impact points may leave the roofing more susceptible to rust, which can cause serious deterioration.
If you notice what appear to be dents in your roof (or cracks if you have clay or slate tile) call a roofing contractor to schedule an inspection. A pro can alert you to any budding issues that require attention so you can handle the necessary roof repairs promptly and prevent further degradation.
2. Damage to Roof Vents or Flashing
All roofs have vents and flashings, and those components are often fashioned from metal. While they’re quite resilient, they can definitely suffer damage when large hailstones hit and may even suffer damage when smaller hailstones hit with sufficient velocity.
If you can see dents or dings in any of your roof’s metal components, they may indicate the presence of hail damage elsewhere on your roof.
3. Shingle Granule Loss
If you have asphalt shingles, they have granules, which not only give them color but also reflect UV rays and heat to help cool down your roof. When hail hits your roof, those granules can easily fall off, and if you have gutters, that’s where they’ll probably end up.
After a hail storm, head outside and take a look at your roof to see if there are any patches of missing granules. Then take a look inside your gutters to see if granules have collected in the troughs. Look around your downspout openings too, as granules can wash through the gutter system, especially during storms with heavy rain.
If you notice any signs of considerable granule loss, that’s a solid indication your roof may have hail damage. But you’ll want to schedule a more comprehensive inspection with a roofing contractor to confirm.
4. Dents in Gutters and Downspouts
Even relatively small hailstones can dent gutters and downspouts when they hit with enough velocity. So if your home has recently weathered a storm with high winds and any amount of hail, inspect your gutter system for signs of damage. If you notice dings, dents, or cracks, that may be a sign that your roof suffered hail damage too.
In some cases, hailstones of smaller diameter (around ¾ of an inch) can leave behind damage to roofs and siding when wind speeds are high enough. If you’re at all concerned about your roof, schedule an inspection. Better safe than sorry.
5. Signs of Rust
If you have a metal roof and notice any signs of rust on its surface, your roof may have hail damage. And that damage may have been there for a while since rust takes time to develop.
When hailstones hit your roof, they can cause hairline cracks to form in the roof’s finish. Those cracks can allow moisture to penetrate the finish, and when moisture sits on metal, rust is usually the result. If you don’t have metal roofing but have metal flashings or other roof components, the presence of rust in those areas may also indicate roof damage caused by hail.
Any degree of corrosion warrants further inspection, so you’ll want to contact a roofing contractor who can advise you on any repairs your roof might need.
Get a Hail Damage Roof Repair Quote in Dallas
Think your roof may have hail damage? Then get in touch with our team at Alpine Sheet Metal Systems to schedule an inspection and get a roof repair quote. We specialize in custom-fabricated metal roofing and components for residential and commercial properties throughout the DFW metro and have proudly served the area for more than 20 years.
To schedule an inspection or learn more about our roof repair and replacement services, call us today at 972-556-3825 or contact us to request a quote, and we’ll get in touch promptly.
