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Here in Austin, storms can deliver hailstones the size of golf balls or even grapefruit! It’s not unusual for homeowners to be woken up in the middle of the night when the roof takes a strike like that!

But should you be losing sleep over hail on your roof?

In most cases, the answer is no. Hail may make a fearsome noise – and it can even leave a dent – but that doesn’t mean the roof necessarily needs to be repaired or replaced.

Let’s take a closer look at how hail damage affects your home’s roof.

Roof Damage By Hail May Be Loud, But Oftentimes Damage is Superficial

Hailstones can chip or crack roof shingles. If one shingle takes a direct hit, you might even find that it leaves a round dent. This is rare, though, and most damage isn’t as serious as it looks.

When older roof shingles are struck directly by large hailstones, they might be damaged enough to require replacement. A majority of the time, the roof itself won’t need to be replaced. And even some shingle damage is superficial and doesn’t affect roof performance.

After any storm, we recommend doing a quick visual inspection of the roof.

Be careful after hail: If a storm occurs at night, you won’t be able to assess the damage until morning. Once there’s sufficient light and it’s not too slippery, head outside to inspect the roof from ground level. Don’t climb up on the roof, as it could still be slick.

If you’re not sure whether there's any roof damage from the hail, the next place to check is your ceilings. No visible leaks? Take a look in your attic, which can reveal signs of roof damage that aren’t obvious in other parts of the home, such as moisture build-up or a draft from outside.

Otherwise, odds are good that your roof has weathered the storm with no problem.

When is Roof Damage By Hail More Serious?

Shingles that are bent or knocked out of place will need to be secured again or replaced. If you notice some shingles in need of attention, it’s a good idea to call a reputable, local roofer in the Austin area.

The roof remains structurally sound because of the strong wooden decking underneath.

If the roof is damaged, then getting a professional opinion is crucial. When shingles can’t protect the underlying layers of the roof, it can lead to moisture intrusion that will ultimately weaken the decking. Typically, homeowners have weeks or months, not days, to resolve the issue before that happens. However, it's always best to get a professional to take a look right away.

Rain or shine, Longhorn Roofing is here to help you make sure the roof over your head is one you can rely on. If you’re concerned about your roof, give us a call. We’ll perform a complete evaluation and let you know what can be done to strengthen your roof and extend its life.

For expert advice about your roof, contact Longhorn Roofing today.

In Need of a Roofing Contractor You Can Trust? Click Here to Get In Touch With  Longhorn Roofing Today.