Hail Damage
Hail damage is a common concern for homeowners in Calgary, with its impact varying based on hail size, wind conditions, roofing material, and other factors. Because hail damage can be subtle and challenging to detect, a thorough inspection is crucial. This guide provides key insights into identifying hail damage to your roof, helping you recognize potential issues before they escalate.
Hail Damage by Size: Impact Levels
The above illustration outlines how varying sizes of hailstones correlate with levels of damage, illustrated from dime-sized impacts to baseball-sized destruction.
Level 1: Quarter-sized hail; little to no exterior damage; some plant damage.
Level 2: Looney-sized hail; minor damage to most roofs and cracks in siding.
Level 3: Walnut-sized hail; severe roof damage and dents in wood.
Level 4: Golf ball-sized hail; exterior paint damage and car dents.
Level 5: Baseball-sized hail; broken car windows, damaged crops, and bodily harm.
Identifying and Assessing Hail Damage to Your Roof
Hail damage is an unfortunate fact of life as a home owner in Calgary and the effects of hail damage can differ according to a range of factors: hail size, wind speed, wind direction, the material of the roof, age of the materials and slope all have an effect on the possible roof damage that occurs during a hail storm. It is important to understand that hail damage can sometimes be subtle and hard to detect, so a thorough inspection is necessary. Here is a run-down on how to identify hail damage to your roof:
Search for damage on the metal flashing and vents. Check metal roof vents, flashing or metal valleys on the roof to see if there are any dents. Soft metal will show dents, and also indicate the size of the hail.
Examine the top of the roof. Check the ridge cap of the roof for dents. This area of the roof is the most susceptible to hail damage since it is flat and will take a direct hit in a storm. Look at the shingles. Check the entire shingle, as well as the edges, for signs of damage.
Identify the types of shingle damage caused by hail. The 3 major signs of hail damage include:
Missing Granules: Check for missing pieces in the asphalt of the roof. Look for areas on the shingle that have exposed, black substrate. This means the granules of the asphalt have been compromised or knocked off by something.
Bruising: Search for bruising in the shingles. Dents from hail are not always completely visible. Run your hand over the shingle to feel for small dimples in the surface. If any of the dimples has any give to it when pressed, it is a sign that the shingle has begun some deterioration.
Cracking: Look for cracking in the shingle. Large hail can make a circular crack if the hail hits it hard enough.
If you are unable, or uncomfortable, getting up on your roof there are a couple of key indicators to look for from the ground. These include:
Inspect your gutters and downspouts, as high-impact hail is likely to dent them. Dents and dings on these areas often suggest roof damage.
Check if your gutters are clogged or overflowing, as granules shed from shingles during a hailstorm can cause blockages.
Examine your siding, which can show signs of hail damage.
Take a close look at your deck as this may also exhibit damage from severe hailstorm, serving as an indicator for potential shingle damage.
If any part of this sounds daunting or you’re unsure or uncomfortable with inspecting your home yourself, it is always best to reach out to a professional to gain that peace of mind and to ensure your home remains protected.