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Identifying Hail Damage to Asphalt Shingle Roofs

Asphalt shingle roofs are one of the most popular roof types in the country, with a variety of options available to homeowners. However, it is crucial to be aware that hail can cause significant damage to asphalt shingles. Identifying hail damage quickly can help minimize further damage and protect your home from weather-related issues.

When assessing an asphalt shingle roof for hail damage, look for missing granules or “bruises” on the surface of the shingles. Missing granules indicate that the shingle has been impacted by something large enough to dislodge them and can be a sign of more significant underlying issues. Additionally, note any cracking or splitting on individual shingles, often indicating hail-related damage.

Identifying Hail Damage to Asphalt Shingle Roofs

How do I know if my roof shingle is damaged?

Asphalt shingle roofs are one of the most common roofing materials used in homes. They provide a durable and reliable solution for sheltering against the elements, but all roofs will eventually become damaged. Knowing how to check whether or not my asphalt shingle roof is damaged is essential to home maintenance. 

The best way to determine if my roof shingles are damaged is by visual inspection from ground level with binoculars. This provides me with easy access to observe the condition of the shingles without having to climb onto the roof and risk injury. If I can see any broken or curled edges or missing granules, these could be signs of damage and should be repaired as soon as possible. Furthermore, excessive wear, discoloration, and strange growths such as moss may also indicate that further investigation should occur.

What is the definition of hail damage to shingles?

Hail damage to shingles is a significant issue affecting asphalt shingle roofs. Asphalt shingles are North America’s most commonly used roof material due to their affordability and durability, but properties with asphalt roofs are still likely to experience hail damage. The impacts of hail on an asphalt roof depend on the storm’s severity and the hail stones’ size. Hailstone sizes vary from pea-sized hailstones to golf ball-sized hailstones or larger; however, any size of hailstone can cause damage. 

Hailstone impacts typically create dents in the shingles, and granules may be dislodged from their surface, exposing them to wear over time if not replaced promptly. Additionally, more severe hail damage cases may result in broken or cracked shingles and leaks through punctured sections.

What is the most common damage done to asphalt shingles?

Asphalt shingle roofs are a popular choice for many homeowners. Durable and cost-effective, asphalt shingles can withstand most weather conditions and generally last up to twenty years with proper maintenance. However, like all roofing materials, there is potential for damage over time that can reduce the lifespan of asphalt shingle roofs. The most common damage done to asphalt shingles is due to UV rays from the sun which cause discoloration and cracking over time. Additionally, extreme weather, such as high winds or hail, can cause further wear and tear on asphalt shingle roofs. Ice damming is another issue that can arise due to snow accumulation during cold temperatures; water builds up behind the ice leading it to seep into the deck beneath the roof, causing further damage.

When should an asphalt shingle roof be replaced?

Asphalt shingle roofs are popular for many homeowners due to their relatively low cost and efficient installation process. However, these roofs do not last forever and will eventually need to be replaced. Generally speaking, asphalt shingle roofs should be replaced every 15-20 years, depending on the climate in which they are installed and other factors like how much sun exposure the roof receives or how well it is maintained. 

Homeowners must regularly inspect their asphalt shingle roof to identify any signs of wear and tear before it is too late. It may be time to replace the entire roof if there are noticeable cracks or missing shingles. Additionally, if your energy bills seem higher than average or there is water damage inside your home, these could also be signs that you need a new roof.

Are asphalt shingles hail resistant?

Asphalt shingle roofs are a popular type of roofing material. Their affordability, durability, and aesthetic appeal make them an excellent choice for homeowners. However, many have questions about the hail resistance of asphalt shingle roofs. 

To understand the hail resistance of asphalt shingle roofs, it is crucial to understand how they are made and their construction features. Asphalt shingles typically consist of two layers of fiberglass matting- one on top and one on the bottom- with an asphalt coating between them. This provides added strength against damage from heavy winds or rain. Additionally, most asphalt shingles come with an underlayment that helps protect against water penetration and adds additional stability during severe weather conditions like hail storms.

How can you tell if shingles are hail resistant?

Asphalt shingle roofs are a popular choice for homes and businesses because of their affordability and durability in most weather conditions. Homeowners should confirm that their roof is suitable for the climate where they live to ensure its long-term performance. One way of checking if a shingled roof is hail resistant is by looking at the product’s labeling. Most reputable asphalt shingle manufacturers have ratings indicating the level of damage, such as cracking or tearing, and they can withstand hail impacts. Generally speaking, products with higher ratings offer more protection against hail than those with lower ratings.

It’s also possible to ascertain an asphalt shingle roof’s resistance to hail through visual inspection. If a homeowner notices any signs of discoloration or existing cracks on the surface of their shingles, these could indicate that it may not be as hail resistant as desired.

How do I know if my shingles have hail damage?

Asphalt shingle roofs are one of the most popular roofing materials due to their durability and low maintenance requirements. Unfortunately, even asphalt shingle roofs can be damaged by hail storms, leaving homeowners with the difficult task of determining whether or not their shingles have been affected. To determine if your asphalt shingle roof has hail damage, the first step is to look for signs of dents or dimples on your roof’s surface. If you can spot these signs from ground level, there has likely been some hail damage on your roof. The next step would be to check for cracked or missing granules; often, these areas are visible from below using binoculars or an aerial view. Finally, examine the joints between each shingle, which could indicate further damage where the hail has penetrated the underlying layers.

Kyle Houck

President

About the Author

Kyle Houck is the President of Eastern Exteriors, LLC.

Eastern Exteriors, LLC is a family-owned company based in Frederick, Maryland. From new roof installation and roof repairs by professional roofers to premium window installations and expert siding installation, we are a full-service exteriors and contractor roofing company. And, if storms blow your way, we’ll be there to assess and repair the damage quickly.

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