If you live in an area where you see fluctuating temperatures and freezing rain on occasion, then you likely will notice some hail storms. Hail can have a devastating effect on your home and car, and it will especially do a number on your roof. Roof damage can be more localized or widespread, and there are a few different types of damage that you are likely to see. Keep reading to learn about a few of them.

Granule Loss

Mild to moderate hail storms are unlikely to cause extensive damage to your property. However, even the smallest ice chunks can hit your shingles hard enough to loosen the granules. These granules are adhered to protect your roof from thermal damage as well as the damage from objects hitting the roof. And, when they start to loosen, they will leave your shingles unprotected. This will often result in dry, curled, and cracked shingles across the roof. 

Not only does granule loss reduce leave your shingles unprotected, but your roof may not look as appealing with granules missing. You are likely to notice an inconsistency in regards to the color and shimmer of your roof. Granules can sometimes be replaced depending on the shingle manufacturer. You should leave the replacement up to you roofer who can make sure that the granules are sprinkled across your roof consistently. Also, you roofer can complete a thorough inspection to make sure the shingles are not damaged underneath the granules.

Indentations

When you look at your roof after a hail storm, you may see a number of dark spots on the roof. Typically, the spots are where granules have released, but this also indicates a great deal of pressure in the region. This pressure from the hail can cause the shingles to compress, causing internal damage to the shingle. The structural integrity of the shingle is reduced, and you may see tears in this area. Also, if you notice indentations, then pressure may be exerted on the felt paper covering the roof as well as the plywood underlayment that provides your roof with structure. Damage to these materials can lead to future leaks and more extensive water damage.

Your roofing professional can inspect the damage and determine if shingles need to be replaced immediately. If they are not in need of immediate replacement, then another inspection should be complete within six to twelve months. If you want to know more about hail damage and how it may affect your roof, speak with a professional roofer.