Hail damage doesn't always make itself obvious, and that's part of what makes it so frustrating for homeowners. Knowing what to look for, both on your own and with a professional inspection, helps you catch problems before they turn into something much more expensive to fix.
- Granule buildup at downspouts: After a storm, check the discharge points at the base of your downspouts. A surge of granules collecting there is one of the clearest signs that shingles took a beating.
- Dents on gutters or AC condenser panels: Soft metal surfaces like gutters and condenser fins dent easily from hail. If you see circular marks on those surfaces, your roof likely took similar hits.
- Mat bruising on shingles: This is the damage you can't see from the ground. Hail can bruise the fiberglass mat beneath the granule surface without leaving a visible crack, weakening the shingle from the inside out.
- Cracked or fractured shingles: Direct hits from larger hailstones can split shingles outright, leaving open paths for water to reach the roof decking below.
- Ceiling stains or soft spots inside: Interior water stains are a late-stage sign. If you're seeing this, the roof has likely been letting water in for some time.
Getting a professional inspection within a day or 2 after any significant storm gives you accurate information while the damage is fresh and before conditions have a chance to get worse.
Shingle Replacement with Impact-Resistant Materials
When hail has fractured or bruised shingles beyond repair, we replace them with impact-resistant architectural shingles that are built to hold up better against future storms. For a home in Des Moines, where significant hailstorms happen year after year, upgrading to a more durable shingle during a repair is one of the smartest long-term decisions you can make for your roof.
Flashing Repair and Resealing
Hail loosens and lifts flashing around chimneys, vents, and valleys, which creates openings that let water in long after the storm has passed. We reseal and repair flashing as part of the repair process so those vulnerable transition points are properly protected again before the next round of severe weather hits.
Ice and Water Shield in High-Risk Zones
Along eaves and in valleys, we install ice and water shield where repairs are made to give those areas an added layer of protection against leaks. In a market where hailstorms are often followed by heavy rain, having that barrier in place makes a real difference in how well your roof holds up under the pressure.
Underlayment Inspection and Replacement
When shingles are removed during a repair, we check the underlayment beneath them for tears, saturation, or wear that hail may have contributed to over time. If it's compromised, we replace it before new shingles go down, because a solid repair starts with what's underneath, not just what you can see from the street.