During hailstorms, frozen chunks of precipitation fall from the sky at alarming speeds. The roof on your house serves as an expansive surface for the pellets to land. The force of the impact can split, crack, and puncture roofing materials. If you’re waiting for a roofer to perform an inspection, here are a few ways to tell if shingles were damaged by hail. 

How to Determine If a Roof Has Hail Damage

1. Moss & Algae Growth

Look through windows on the upper floors of the house to check if you can spot green, brown, or black patches on the roof. These patches mean you have a moss or algae problem that should be addressed by a roofer.

As hail hit the roof membrane, the impact likely created punctures. These holes trap moisture, allowing for mold and algae to grow. When left unchecked, these organisms will eat away at the shingles down to the substrate. 

2. Damaged Gutters & Downspouts

Gutters and downspouts drain water runoff from the roof, directing it away from the home. Gutters are attached to fascia boards or directly to the membrane. After a hailstorm, look up from ground-level to see whether there are dents and cracks in the gutter channels. If there are gaps in the seams, the fasteners could have come loose, and you might find them on the ground.

If the gutter system was damaged by hail, odds are the membrane was impacted, as well. Have a roofing inspector check to be sure.

3. Granules Near the House’s Perimeter

It’s possible to detect shingle damage without setting foot on the roof. If the roof has asphalt shingles, walk around the perimeter of the home and look for residue on the ground that resembles black sand or dirt. These are granules that were shed by shingles as they were hit by hail. A roofer can determine the scope of the damage to determine whether any of the shingles are missing and need to be replaced.

If your home or business needs a roof replacement or repairs to restore safety after a hailstorm, contact the roofers at Sterling Exteriors in Cincinnati, OH. With over 75 years of combined experience, the professionals provide residential and commercial roofing services throughout the Tri-State area. View their roofing materials online, and call (513) 685-8055 to schedule a consultation and estimate. Browse project photos on Facebook.