Hail can leave behind a path of destruction. Nowhere is this more likely than on your roof since it typically takes the brunt of the storm. Know the common ways that hail causes damage so that you can spot them quickly.

1. Compression Damage

The weight and force of repeated hail strikes on your shingles can lead to something called compression damage. This damage isn't immediately visible to the untrained eye because much of the damage is to the internal structure of the shingles. Compression damage weakens shingles so that they are more likely to develop leaks during a future storm. The compression can also cause small dents in the shingles, where water can settle. This collecting of water on the shingle surface also makes a leak more likely.

2. Granule Loss

All asphalt shingles are covered in granules of gravel. These granules serve an important purpose of protecting the shingles from UV damage. The granules also prevent shingles from breaking down and leaking. Hail dislodges these granules, which is why you may find gravel in the gutters or on the ground beneath the eaves following a hail storm. Shingles may have shiny spots on them if they lose a lot of their granules.

3. Flashing Destruction

The thin metal flashing that is used to seal openings between rooftop penetrations, like the chimney and the shingles, are especially prone to hail damage. The force of the hail causes the flashing to become dented and warped. Sometimes the damage is little more than to the appearance of the flashing, but in severe instances, it can break the seal so that water can seep beneath. Major hail damage can even rip the flashing. If the flashing is leaking after a hail storm, then it needs to be replaced.

4. Damaged Eaves

The eaves of the house can sometimes be more damage-prone than the roof, especially if you have a hail resistant roof such as metal. Wood and vinyl eaves are most likely to suffer damage, such as cracks and holes, due to the force of the hail strikes. Wood eaves can sometimes be repaired, but vinyl eaves must be replaced if the hail cracks or penetrates them.

5. Torn Shingles

Heavy or extremely large hails can actually tear and shred the shingles on your roof. You may even find dislodged shingles laying in your yard or laying askew on the roof surface. When this happens, you will need to patch the damaged areas until you can have the roof repaired or replaced.

Contact a roof hail damage service for more information.