Your Essential Guide to Hail Damage on New Jersey Roofs

After the Storm: Your Guide to Hail Damage on New Jersey and Pennsylvania Roofs

New Jersey is known for its beautiful coastline, vibrant communities, and, unfortunately, its fair share of severe weather. From powerful nor’easters to intense summer thunderstorms, our homes are constantly exposed to the elements. Among the most insidious forms of storm damage is hail, which can strike unexpectedly and leave behind a trail of hidden and visible destruction on your roof.

At Nailed It Roofing, your trusted local roofing experts proudly serving South Jersey communities like Cherry Hill, Moorestown, Cinnaminson, and Delran, we understand the unique challenges New Jersey homeowners face. We’ve seen firsthand the devastating effects of hail and are dedicated to helping you protect your most valuable asset – your home.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about hail damage in the Garden State: how to identify it, why it’s crucial to act quickly, and why a professional assessment from Nailed It Roofing is always your safest and smartest next step.

The Silent Threat: Why Hail Damage is So Serious

Unlike a fallen tree or a missing section of shingles, hail damage can be subtle. Small hailstones might leave behind only cosmetic blemishes, but larger, more severe hail can cause significant, long-term structural issues that aren’t immediately apparent.

Here’s why hail damage is such a serious concern for your New Jersey home:

• Compromised Shingle Integrity: Even seemingly minor hail impacts can bruise or fracture the fiberglass mat beneath the protective granules of asphalt shingles. This weakens the shingle, making it brittle and vulnerable to further damage from wind, UV rays, and future storms.
• Granule Loss: The tiny granules on asphalt shingles are essential for protecting the underlying asphalt from harmful UV radiation, which causes premature aging and deterioration. Hail strikes dislodge these granules, leaving the asphalt exposed and accelerating the aging process. You might notice these granules accumulating in your gutters or downspouts.
• Water Infiltration: Cracks, punctures, or loosened seals caused by hail can create pathways for water to seep into your roofing system, leading to leaks, rot, mold growth in your attic, and even structural damage to your home’s interior.
• Reduced Roof Lifespan: Hail damage, if left unaddressed, can significantly shorten the lifespan of your roof, leading to the need for a premature and costly replacement.
• Invalidated Warranties: Many roofing material warranties require prompt repair of storm damage. Ignoring hail damage could void your warranty, leaving you responsible for future repair costs.

When Hail Strikes: Identifying the Signs of Damage

A hailstorm can pass quickly, leaving behind little immediate evidence from the ground. However, a diligent inspection, from the ground level, can reveal important clues. Remember, NEVER climb on your roof yourself. This is extremely dangerous and best left to trained professionals like the team at Nailed It Roofing.

Here are the key indicators of hail damage to look for on your property:

Around Your Home (Ground Level Inspection is Key!)

• Dents in Gutters and Downspouts: This is often one of the first and most obvious signs. Hailstones frequently impact metal gutters, leaving behind visible dents, dings, or even cracks.
• Damaged Siding: Check your home’s siding, especially if it’s made of aluminum or vinyl. Dents, cracks, or chips here are strong indicators that your roof likely sustained similar impacts.
• Impact Marks on Soft Metals: Inspect outdoor air conditioning units, dryer vents, and other soft metal components. Dents or deformation here suggest the presence of hail.
• Bruising on Decks or Patio Furniture: Wooden decks, outdoor furniture, or even mailboxes can show signs of impact if the hail was severe.
• Debris in Gutters: An unusual amount of asphalt shingle granules in your gutters or at the base of your downspouts is a tell-tale sign of granule loss from hail impacts.

On Your Roof (From a Safe Distance – No Climbing!)

While you should never climb onto your roof, you can often spot significant issues from a ladder or from an upstairs window with binoculars. Look for:

• Missing or Cracked Shingles: Large hail can cause shingles to crack, tear, or even become dislodged entirely.
• “Bruised” or “Dented” Shingles: These appear as dark spots or indentations on the shingle surface where granules have been dislodged, exposing the underlying asphalt or fiberglass mat. On asphalt shingles, these impacts often look like small, circular depressions.
• Random Pattern of Damage: Unlike wind damage, which often affects one side or section of a roof, hail damage typically appears randomly across the entire roof surface.
• Damage to Roof Features: Check metal flashing around chimneys, skylights, and vents for dents or dings.
• Splits in Wood Shakes or Shingles: If you have a wood shake or shingle roof, hail can cause circular cracks or splits.
• Punctures or Dents on Metal Roofs: While more durable, metal roofs can still suffer from dents and dimples from hail impacts.

The Nailed It Roofing Advantage: Why Professional Inspection is Crucial

Even if you don’t see obvious signs of damage from the ground, it is always advisable to get a professional roof inspection after a significant hailstorm. Hail damage can be subtle and difficult for an untrained eye to spot, especially on certain roofing materials.

Here’s why you should call Nailed It Roofing for a professional hail damage assessment:

1. Safety First: As stated, climbing on your roof is incredibly dangerous. Our licensed and insured roofing professionals are trained in safety protocols and have the right equipment to safely and thoroughly inspect every inch of your roof.
2. Expert Eye for Hidden Damage: Our experienced inspectors know exactly what to look for, including the subtle signs of granule loss, bruising, and hairline cracks that can easily be missed by homeowners. We can identify damage on various roofing materials, from asphalt shingles to metal and flat roofs.
3. Comprehensive Assessment: We don’t just look at the shingles. We inspect your gutters, downspouts, flashing, vents, skylights, and even your attic for signs of water intrusion or structural issues caused by hail.
4. Detailed Documentation: Our team will provide thorough documentation, including photos and a detailed report of all discovered damage. This is invaluable when filing an insurance claim.
5. Insurance Claim Assistance: Navigating the insurance claim process can be complex and overwhelming. Nailed It Roofing has extensive experience working with insurance companies in New Jersey. We can help you understand your policy, provide accurate estimates, and guide you through the claims process to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. We can even work with your adjuster to ensure nothing is overlooked.
6. Preventing Costly Future Problems: Identifying and repairing hail damage promptly can save you significant money in the long run by preventing minor issues from escalating into major structural problems and costly interior water damage.
7. Maintaining Your Warranty: Many roofing material warranties require prompt repair of storm damage. A professional inspection and timely repair can help ensure your warranty remains intact.
8. Peace of Mind: Knowing that a qualified professional has thoroughly inspected your roof and addressed any damage gives you peace of mind, especially when the next storm rolls through.

The Hail Damage Repair Process with Nailed It Roofing

Once hail damage is identified, prompt repair is essential to protect your home. Here’s a general overview of the repair process with Nailed It Roofing:

1. Initial Contact & Free Inspection: Contact us as soon as you suspect hail damage. We’ll schedule a convenient time for a thorough, free roof inspection.
2. Damage Assessment & Report: Our expert team will meticulously inspect your entire roofing system, documenting all hail-related damage with photos and detailed notes. We’ll then provide you with a comprehensive report outlining the extent of the damage and our recommended repair or replacement plan.
3. Insurance Claim Support: If the damage warrants an insurance claim, we’ll assist you every step of the way. We can help you prepare your documentation and even meet with your insurance adjuster to ensure all damage is properly assessed.
4. Temporary Repairs (If Necessary): If there’s significant damage that poses an immediate threat of water intrusion, we can perform temporary tarping or repairs to protect your home while permanent repairs are being arranged.
5. Professional Repair/Replacement: Once your claim is approved (if applicable), our skilled and experienced roofers will meticulously execute the necessary repairs or full roof replacement, using only high-quality materials and proven techniques to restore your roof’s integrity and protect your home for years to come. We are licensed and insured, guaranteeing quality workmanship.
6. Thorough Cleanup: We pride ourselves on leaving your property as clean, or cleaner, than we found it. We’ll ensure all debris from the repair process is removed.

Don’t Wait – Act Now!

The temptation to ignore what appears to be minor hail damage can be strong, but this can lead to far greater problems down the line. Hidden leaks, accelerated aging, and eventual structural compromise are all potential consequences of unaddressed hail damage.

If your New Jersey home has been hit by a hailstorm, don’t delay. Contact Nailed It Roofing today for a free, professional roof inspection. We serve homeowners throughout South Jersey, including Cherry Hill, Moorestown, Cinnaminson, and Delran, providing reliable, high-quality roofing services you can trust. Let us help you protect your home and gain peace of mind after the storm.

Remember: Your safety is paramount. Never attempt to inspect your roof yourself. Always rely on trained and insured professionals like Nailed It Roofing.