Common Signs of Roof Hail Damage in Minnesota Homes
When hail hits your rooftop, it can cause immediate damage, ranging from minor to severe. It can also increase your risk of future problems like structural issues and leaks. It’s crucial to schedule a roof inspection post-storm to look for signs of damage, as delaying repairs can increase the risk of water damage, mold and mildew, and pest issues. So, what does hail damage look like on a roof in Minnesota? Read on to find out.
How to Tell if Your Roof Has Hail Damage
Once a storm has passed, it’s best to be proactive about looking for signs of storm damage to your roof and other interior and exterior structures. Start by conducting your own visual inspection, checking roofing and gutters for dents, missing pieces, and damage. In addition to checking your roof, look at other nearby areas for signs of damage. Inspect your home’s exterior, looking at siding for signs of cracks, chips, holes, and punctures. Damage to windows and doors will also alert you that your roof may have sustained hail damage. Look for broken glass, dented frames, and chips or cracks on frames. Finally, look at other outdoor structures, including your neighbors’ properties. If they are damaged, chances are your roof is as well.
Common Hail Damage Roof Signs
After any major storm, assess the interior and exterior of your home, as well as neighbors’ homes. The sooner you notice signs of hail damage, the sooner you can schedule an inspection and begin the process of filing an insurance claim and schedule roof repairs. Look for:
- Granule loss or patches of bare, dark roof
- Soft, spongy spots on shingles
- Split or cracked shingles
- Dented metal components, including gutters, downspouts, roof vents, HVAC units, chimney flashing, or mental roofing panels
- Cracked, chipped, or broken tiles
- Missing tiles, shingles, or other roofing components
- Damage to siding, windows, and doors
Recognizing Signs of Hail Damage to Asphalt Shingles
Most Minnesota homes have asphalt shingles. While they are very durable and resistant to wind, rain, and impact damage, a major hailstorm will still cause problems. When inspecting your roof, look for:
- Granules in gutters and downspouts
- Bare shingles or dark patches on the shingle surface
- Soft spots or areas of indentation
- Cracked or split shingles
- Missing shingles
- Broken or missing fasteners
What to Know About Hail Damage on Metal Roofs
Even small chunks of hail can damage metal roofing systems. In rare cases, metal roofing can even sustain punctures from large hailstones. Your roof may be at a higher risk of damage depending on the size and speed of the hail, the thickness of the metal, the slope of the roof, and the condition of the roof deck and underlayment. Cosmetic issues, or surface dents, will not necessarily affect the roof’s performance. However, functional damage requires immediate repair as it can cause roof leaks. When inspecting your roof, look for:
- Dimples
- Dents
- Chipped or cracked paint that exposes metal to rust
- Loose or missing fasteners
- Damage to ridge caps and metal flashing around chimneys
- Puncture holes
- Dents on accessories like vents, gutters, and HVAC units
Roof Hail Damage Checklist for Minnesota Homeowners
While you can start by doing a visual inspection yourself, you should contact a professional if you notice any signs of hail damage. Use this simple step-by-step guide to roofing inspections and insurance claims to start:
- Before you begin, grab a notebook and a camera or your smartphone to document location and extent of damage
- Start with a ground-level inspection, walking around the interior and exterior of your home to look for damage
- Next, get on a ladder to assess your roof and trees – but be sure to wear non-slip shoes and have someone with you to hold the ladder and spot you
- Then go inside and inspect your attic for signs of leaks, water stains, or light coming through the roof deck
- Once you have fully documented everything, contact your insurance company to begin the claims process and then call a roofing contractor to schedule a roofing inspection
Why Hail Damage Is Especially Serious in Minnesota
Minnesota typically gets over 40 days of hail a year, with the greatest risk of hailstorms between May and August. In fact, the state ranks among the top 10 U.S. states for major hail events. Severe hailstorms can cause major damage as well as minor cracks that expand and worsen over time. This allows water to penetrate the roofing underlayment. As it freezes and expands, it will crack roofing materials. This can cause roof leaks and increase the risk of mold and mildew along with pest and wildlife infestations.
Should You Call a Professional for Hail Damage?
Yes, you should always call a reputable local roofing contractor for hail damage. Committed 365 Roofing & Exteriors is a locally owned and operated roofing contractor specializing in hail and storm damage repair. We offer professional residential and commercial roofing services, including roofing inspections, roof replacement, and roof repair for asphalt shingles and metal roofing. We also offer siding and gutter services. Our highly qualified team will perform a comprehensive inspection, identify all areas of damage, carefully document everything, and provide you with a detailed estimate for your insurance company.
Our goal is to offer seamless, stress-free solutions that restore the safety and stability of your roof after a hailstorm. Call us now or reach out to us online for an instant quote for hail damage repair in St. Cloud or the Greater Central Minnesota area.
