Spotting Hidden Hail Damage: A Calgary Homeowner's Guide

Calgary homeowners are no strangers to the sudden fury of a hailstorm. While large hailstones can leave obvious devastation, often the most insidious damage is subtle and easily missed. This "hidden" hail damage can silently compromise your home's integrity, leading to leaks, reduced lifespan for materials, and costly repairs down the line if not addressed promptly.

At Roof Right Exteriors, we believe in empowering Calgary residents with the knowledge to protect their most valuable asset. This guide will walk you through what to look for on various parts of your home's exterior after a hailstorm, emphasizing why a professional inspection is always the safest bet.

Why Hidden Hail Damage Matters

Hail damage isn't just cosmetic. Even small impacts can:

• Compromise Protective Layers: On shingles, hail can dislodge granules, exposing the asphalt mat to harmful UV rays and accelerating deterioration.

• Weaken Materials: Impacts can create micro-fractures in siding or frames that worsen over time with weather cycles.

• Lead to Leaks: A seemingly minor dent on a vent or a small crack in a shingle can create a pathway for water to enter your attic or walls, leading to mold, rot, and structural issues.

• Void Warranties: Undetected damage can sometimes affect manufacturer warranties if not reported within a specific timeframe.

Where to Look for Hail Damage on Your Calgary Home

After a hailstorm, once it's safe to do so, take a careful look at these key areas. Remember, safety first – if you're uncomfortable on a ladder, wait for a professional.

1. Your Roof: The First Line of Defense

The roof takes the brunt of a hailstorm. Look for:

• Missing Granules: Check gutters and downspouts for an accumulation of asphalt granules, which indicates wear or hail impact on shingles.

• Bruises or Pockmarks: On asphalt shingles, hail impacts often look like dark, circular spots where granules have been knocked off, exposing the underlying asphalt. They might feel soft or spongy to the touch.

• Cracks: Look for cracks, especially around the edges of shingles or where they overlap.

• Dents on Metal Components: Inspect metal vents, skylight frames, chimney caps, and flashing for dents or dings. These are often clear indicators of hail size and impact.

• Broken or Cracked Shingles: Larger hail can cause more obvious cracking or even puncture shingles.

2. Siding: Visual Cues on Your Walls

Siding can also show signs of hail impact, though it varies by material:

• Vinyl Siding: Look for cracks, chips, or small holes. Sometimes, the impact can be subtle, causing a "spiderweb" crack pattern.

• Fiber Cement Siding: Hail can cause chips, cracks, or even small indentations.

• Wood Siding: Dents, chips, or splintering can indicate hail impact.

• Paint Chipping/Scraping: On any siding type, look for areas where paint has been chipped or scraped away by hail.

  
  

3. Gutters and Downspouts: Easy to Spot Damage

These are often made of softer metals and can be excellent indicators of hail activity:

• Dents and Dings: Look along the top and outer surfaces of gutters and downspouts for visible indentations.

• Misalignment: Severe impacts can cause gutters to sag or pull away from the fascia.

(Imagine a photo here showing a dented aluminum gutter with multiple small indentations.)

4. Windows and Doors: Frames and Glass

While glass is less frequently damaged by hail than other materials, frames can show signs:

• Frame Dents: Inspect window and door frames (especially aluminum or vinyl) for dents or dings.

• Cracked Glass: In rare but severe cases, large hail can crack or shatter window panes or door glass.

5. Other Exterior Elements

Don't forget to check:

• Outdoor Light Fixtures: Look for dents or broken glass.

• Decking and Railings: Wooden or composite decking can show impact marks.

• Air Conditioner Fins: The delicate fins on your outdoor AC unit can be bent or flattened, affecting efficiency.

Your Post-Hailstorm Checklist

Use this quick checklist after a significant hail event in Calgary:

• Check gutters for granule accumulation.

• Inspect roof shingles for dark spots, cracks, or missing pieces (from the ground or with binoculars if safe).

• Look for dents or dings on metal roof vents, chimney caps, and flashing.

• Examine siding for cracks, chips, or dents.

• Check gutters and downspouts for dents or misalignment.

• Inspect window and door frames for dents.

• Look for damage to outdoor light fixtures or AC unit fins.

• Note the date of the hailstorm.

The Importance of Professional Hail Damage Inspection

While this guide helps you identify potential signs, a professional inspection by Roof Right Exteriors is crucial. Our experienced Calgary roofers are trained to:

• Identify Subtle Damage: We can spot impacts that are easily missed by the untrained eye.

• Assess Full Extent: We'll check all areas of your roof and exterior, including those not visible from the ground.

• Document Damage Properly: We provide detailed reports and photographic evidence, essential for insurance claims.

• Provide Expert Recommendations: We'll advise you on the best course of action, whether it's repair or replacement.

Don't let hidden hail damage become a major problem. After any hailstorm in Calgary, contact Roof Right Exteriors for a free, comprehensive inspection. We're here to ensure your home remains protected and beautiful.

Call to Action: Ready to ensure your home is protected after a hailstorm? Contact Roof Right Exteriors today for a free hail damage inspection in Calgary!

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