Signs Your Roof Has Hail Damage in Minneapolis

Hail is an unfortunate fact of life for Minneapolis homeowners, especially during the spring and summer. Any severe thunderstorm can bring hail. And, while some hailstorms pass without issue, others can leave behind significant damage to your home and roof.

Unfortunately, many Minneapolis homeowners struggle to notice hail damage, as it is not always visible from the ground. It is not until the damage becomes more serious that the homeowner notices it. At this point, what could have been a minor repair is now a huge, expensive replacement project.

The rest of this guide will help you identify the signs of hail damage and outline the steps to take if you are concerned that your roof has been affected.

Why Hail Is a Serious Threat to Minneapolis Roofs

First, let’s talk about why hail damage is a serious threat. Most importantly, it is very common. Minnesota experiences a wide range of severe weather conditions, including hail-producing storms. Hail can do damage to your roof even if it is relatively small. Common damage from hail includes:

• Dislodging the protective granules from shingles.
• Cracking roofing materials.
• Damaging flashing and roof vents.
• Shortening the lifespan of your roof.
• Creating pathways for moisture intrusion.

Because hail damage may not immediately lead to leaks, it can fester until your home experiences serious leaks, other water intrusion, or premature roof failure.

Common Signs of Hail Damage

Given the fairly severe consequences of missing hail damage, all Minneapolis homeowners must know the early indicators that their roofing system may need professional help.

On the Roof

If you have just experienced a storm, look for the following damage on your roof.

• Missing shingle granules: Signs include bare spots on shingles, uneven shingle coloration, and excessive granules collecting in gutters and downspouts.
• Dents or impact marks on shingles: These areas may appear as small circular dents, soft spots, bruised sections of shingles, or dark patches where granules have been removed.
• Cracked or split shingles: Cracked shingles can allow water access underneath the roof’s surface, which can cause a myriad of water-related problems.
• Damaged roof flashing: Dented or loose flashing can also create openings for water to enter your home, especially through chimneys, skylights, roof valleys, and plumbing vents.
• Damage to roof vents and accessories: Other roofing components can be damaged by hail, these include metal roof vents, exhaust caps, flashing, and skylight frames. Noticing damage to these accessories often indicates larger areas of damage on the shingles themselves.

Around Your Property

In addition to looking for signs of hail damage on your roof, you should also glance around your property. Sometimes, the easiest clues to see are on the ground or other exterior surfaces. The following signs around your property likely indicate hail damage to your roof.

• Damaged gutters and downspouts: Look for dents, dings, paint chipping, and impact marks in your metal gutters.
• Dented siding: Check for cracks, dents, chips, and surface blemishes in your siding as well.
• Damaged window screens: Window screens may show tears, punctures, or dents after a hailstorm, indicating hail damage and likely pointing to other hail-related issues.
• Outdoor equipment damage: Inspect outdoor items, such as air conditioning units, patio furniture, mailboxes, and deck railings for visible damage as well.

What Happens If You Ignore Hail Damage?

Even if your roof seems fine after a storm, it may still have hail damage. Do not get complacent with the health of your roof. Untreated hail damage can lead to several long-term and costly problems. These include the following.

• Roof leaks.
• Premature roof aging.
• Higher repair costs.
• Insurance claim challenges.

What to Do If You Find Hail Damage

So, you have inspected your roof and property after a severe thunderstorm in Minneapolis and noticed hail damage. What do you do now? The following steps can help you act quickly and prevent costly repairs down the road.

• Avoid climbing on the roof: This is a dangerous task that is best left to the professionals, such as those at SMC Construction, Inc.
• Document the damage: Take photos or any visible signs of hail damage around your property. Also, make sure to include the date and timestamp, so there is no question about when you took the pictures. Clear documentation is essential for both your contractor and filing an insurance claim.
• Check your home for interior signs of damage: New leaks, discoloration, or damp insulation could be a symptom of hail damage on your roof. Make sure to document these findings as well.
• Schedule a professional roof inspection: Professional contractors can safely go on your roof and determine the extent of the hail damage. Doing so will provide a clearer picture of your roof’s condition and help determine the extent of the needed repairs.
• Review your insurance policy: Every policy is different when it comes to hail damage. Make sure to understand your coverage and speak to your insurance agent about filing the claim as soon as possible.
• Address repair promptly: If hail damage is found, even if it appears to be minor, do not delay in scheduling repairs. Damaged shingles and exposed roofing materials can cause water infiltration, mold growth, rotting roof decking, structural damage, and other costly issues.

Minneapolis is a wonderful place to live. But you will need to protect your home from its occasional severe weather. That is why SMC Construction, Inc. is proud to serve the entire Twin Cities area. We provide the interior and exterior contracting services you need to keep your home in the best possible condition. Contact our team today to schedule your free evaluation, evaluate your options, and restore your home’s roof.