What to Watch Out For After a Hail Storm

The severity of hail-storm damage to your roof will vary depending on factors such as wind intensity, hailstone size and the roof materials. But it’s better to check your roof for any signs of damage after a hail storm, regardless of its intensity.

Timberland Exteriors, a company offering residential roofing services, recommends looking for the following signs:

On asphalt and composition shingles 

• Black hail-shaped and soft-to-the-touch dents
• Shiny asphalt or malt
• Exposed roof felt due to the loss of granules

On Wood Shingles 

• Brown or orange cracks or splits in the shingle that have sharp corners and edges
• Dents near the splits

For both types of shingles, keep an eye out for algae or moss growth as well as dented gutters and downspouts.

However, it is easy to mistakenly identify an aged shingle with a few cracks as the casualties of a hail storm when, in fact, it could have been the result of wear-and-tear from prolonged exposure to the sun and rain.

If you do plan to check for signs of damage on your roof yourself, take safety precautions. Or better yet, you can call a professional to do it for you. And if you’re not sure, it’s better to play it safe and call a firm specializing in hail storm damage restoration.

Water Leaks and Mold 

The external damage to the shingles is just one part of the problem though. The real problem starts when water starts to seep into the punctured layer of tar paper under the shingles. This then leads to water leaks, which can in turn result in mold.

So check for the following signs within your house.

• Mold on the wall and the ceiling
• Water stains on the ceiling or the wall, near light fixtures and in closets and the garage

And if there’s damage to your backyard and your house’s ground level, there’s a good chance the upper level might have sustained worse damage.

On Your House’s Lower Exterior 

• Damaged sidings, windows and door screens
• Dents in air conditioner condensers, outdoor furniture, play sets, pool equipment and vehicles
• Chipped decks or fencing
• Splatter marks on the driveway
• Rot on wood surfaces

If you do find any of these signs, call an exterior remodeling contractor like us right away to have your roof fixed.

Looking for contractors to call? Timberland Exteriors is your best best. Use this form or call us at (715) 203-8040 to get your free estimate. We can work with you in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, or in other surrounding areas in MN.