Hail Damage to Asphalt Shingles

{"time":1691640377723,"blocks":[{"id":"9NmHyXm8vc","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Hail events are a frequent occurrence in various parts of the United States during the spring and summer months, although they can transpire throughout the year. In the year 2021 alone, a total of 3,762 hail events were recorded, as reported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center. More than half of these events took place in the regions often referred to as \"Hail Alley.\" Every year, numerous property owners undergo hailstorms that result in damaged roof shingles. Recognizing the signs of hail damage is of utmost importance."}},{"id":"8fOeOODrZx","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Why is Hail Damage Reporting Common?"}},{"id":"BEBvbYUOzB","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Hail forms when raindrops are lifted into thunderstorm updrafts, making hailstorms most prevalent during seasons characterized by thunderstorms. These raindrops freeze at a certain point in the atmosphere, accumulating more layers as additional raindrops freeze onto the ice surface. Once these ice balls attain sufficient weight, they descend and can cause harm to buildings, vehicles, and living creatures. However, not every instance of hailfall leads to functional hail damage. For asphalt shingle roofs, functional hail damage arises when the impact of hail tangibly reduces the functionality of a previously intact shingle."}},{"id":"jqP-xsAk6Z","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Hail is a natural meteorological phenomenon, and roofs subjected to hailstorms may endure over time with no intervention, require varying degrees of repair, or even demand complete replacement. Hence, comprehending the signs of hail damage is vital for accurate diagnosis."}},{"id":"uDpFyPDuSy","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Collateral Indicators"}},{"id":"FIb_JMX7tR","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Hail investigations extend beyond the roof itself. Collateral indicators are as instrumental as direct shingle observations. Damages to items such as downspouts, vent covers, and weathered surfaces yield valuable insights into the nature of the hailstorm, including hailstone size, direction, and density."}},{"id":"xAf2KUuvIx","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Materials like soft metals are typically the first to show signs of hail impact, often with dents up to twice the size of the hail that fell, indicating the direction of the hail. Clean spots, known as \"spatter marks\" or \"splash marks,\" emerge when hail strikes a discolored surface. The hail clears the staining, leaving a spatter mark that signifies the hail's directionality. Shingle blemishes align with the size, direction, and density of the damage observed on collateral indicators if the roof has been functionally damaged by hail."}},{"id":"MrkFfXviRp","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Hail Damage to Asphalt Roof Shingles"}},{"id":"MzCgqK7bai","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Vulnerable asphalt shingles are those directly exposed to incoming hailstones and those without sturdy backing. These include shingles along eaves, rakes, valleys, and ridges. Hail damage within the roof's field will be distributed randomly across each slope."}},{"id":"WAD3Gvnh10","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The hail size is often described by comparing it to familiar objects. For commonly used three-tab asphalt and dimensional-style shingles, hailstone sizes of 1 to 1 ¼ inches (quarter- to golf ball-sized) lead to damage. Marks smaller than ¾ inch very rarely constitute functional hail damage. Hail strikes frequently retain granules at the center of the impact while inducing an indentation on the shingle's backside. An indentation is indicative of a fracture in the shingle mat, a thin fiberglass layer meant for reinforcement. Mat fractures frequently occur as a result of severe hail impacts."}},{"id":"Ei6QjsjjtP","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Diagnosing Hail Damage"}},{"id":"tJqNMKX-X1","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Though hail is a prevalent cause of damage, several other factors can produce roof blemishes resembling hail damage. These include damage of human origin, avian impacts, moss and lichen growth, natural weathering causing granule loss, heat-induced blistering, and nail pops. The subtle distinctions between genuine hail damage and blemishes arising from other sources underscore the imperative role of expert inspection and comprehensive documentation during roof damage diagnosis."}}],"version":"2.27.2"}

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Hail Damage to Asphalt Shingles

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