After a hailstorm or a strong windstorm, most homeowners in Salt Lake County look up and see nothing obvious. But damage to asphalt shingles is often hard to spot from the ground, and small problems can turn into leaks over a winter. Here is what to look for, and what to do if you find it.
7 signs your roof may have hail or wind damage
- Dents or dark spots on shingles. Hail often leaves round bruises where the granules have been knocked loose and the mat underneath is exposed.
- Granules in your gutters or at the downspouts. A lot of loose granules means the shingle surface is wearing away.
- Cracked or split shingles. Impacts and wind stress can crack asphalt shingles, especially older ones.
- Missing or lifted shingles. Wind can pull shingles loose or break the seal strip that holds them down.
- Dented metal. Check vents, flashing, gutters and the metal edge of the roof. Dents there are a good clue that hail hit the roof too.
- Water stains on ceilings or walls. A new stain after a storm is a sign water is getting past the roof.
- Damage on the ground. Dented cars, damaged siding or a beaten-up deck or fence suggest the roof took hits as well.
What to do after a storm
1. Stay off the roof
Wet or damaged shingles are slippery and unsafe. Take photos from the ground and from windows instead.
2. Document what you see
Note the date of the storm and photograph any damage to the roof, gutters, siding and yard. Photos with dates help if you decide to file an insurance claim.
3. Protect the home from further damage
If water is coming in, move belongings, put a bucket under the leak, and call a roofer about a temporary repair. See our emergency roof repair service.
4. Get a professional inspection
A roofer can check the whole roof, including the ridge, vents and edges, and tell you whether it needs a repair or a replacement. 123 Roofers offers free on-site inspections with photos of any damage. Learn more about our storm and hail damage roof repair.
5. Talk to your insurance company
Read your policy or call your agent to learn how to file a claim and what the deadline is, because time limits differ between policies. Our guide to roof insurance claims in Salt Lake County explains how we work with homeowners and adjusters.
Repair or replace?
A few damaged shingles can often be fixed with a targeted roof repair. If damage is widespread, the shingles are near the end of their life, or leaks keep coming back, a full roof replacement is usually the better long-term choice. If you are thinking about a more durable material, ask us about metal roofing.
Frequently asked questions
Can I see hail damage from the ground?
Sometimes, but not reliably. Many signs, such as bruised shingles and cracked mats, are only visible up close, so an inspection is the safest way to know.
Should I wait to see if the roof leaks?
It is better not to. A leak means water has already reached the decking and insulation. Catching damage early is usually cheaper than repairing water damage later.
Does 123 Roofers charge for inspections?
No. We offer free roof inspections across Salt Lake County, including South Jordan, West Jordan, Sandy, Draper and Salt Lake City. See all service areas.
Book a free roof inspection
If a storm may have damaged your roof, call (385) 299-3117 or request your free inspection online. Every roof we install is backed by a 25-year workmanship warranty.