How to Tell if Your Roof Has Been Damaged by Hail or Wind

The hail falls black. Loss of granules, which can reveal roofing felt, is a telltale sign that your roof has been damaged by hail. Hail is soft to the touch, like an apple bruise, and can cause dents and dents in siding and window frames. Vinyl siding and wood siding are both susceptible to hail damage, especially if the wood is nearing the end of its expected lifespan.

Major wind events can also move debris that can reach the roof, such as glass shards, tree branches, and other debris. These can sometimes be more damaging than the wind itself. In addition, it's a good idea to check the gutters and downspouts for clogs caused by debris. Keep trees trimmed and away from the roof to prevent branches from scratching or tearing roofing materials.

If you're not sure if you need to inspect your hail-damaged roof, look for signs of damage such as dents in siding and window frames, dents in gutters and downspouts, holes in window screens, broken shingles in the back, and areas of higher wind pressure at the edges and corners of the roof. If you suspect that your roof has been damaged by hail or wind, it's important to call a roofing contractor with insurance experience immediately. They will be able to inspect your roof and determine if there is any damage that needs to be repaired. The contractor must ensure that everything in the claim is clearly and specifically identified as legitimate damage related to a storm, so that it is protected against insurance fraud and its high penalties.

Homeowners can also take steps to prevent wind damage by ensuring that the materials at the edges and corners of the roof are strong enough and in good condition.