Summer storms along the Colorado Front Range frequently bring heavy hail and severe wind gusts. For homeowners, checking your roof for damage is the first step in preserving your investment and avoiding costly leaks.
1. Spotting Shingle Bruising
Hail damage on asphalt shingles does not always look like a hole. In fact, most hail damage presents as "bruises." When a hailstone impacts a shingle, it knocks away the protective mineral granules, exposing the dark fiberglass mat underneath. These impact marks look like dark, circular spots and feel soft to the touch, similar to a bruised apple. Over time, UV exposure degrades this exposed fiberglass, leading to leaks.
2. Finding Wind Creases and Lifted Tabs
Wind damage is just as destructive as hail. High winds can get underneath shingles and break the sealant strip. Once the seal is broken, the shingle flaps in the wind, resulting in a dark crease across the top of the shingle tab. These creased shingles are no longer watertight and are highly susceptible to tearing off completely in the next high-wind sweep.
3. Inspecting Gutter and Collateral Damage
Often, the easiest way to detect hail damage is from the ground. Check your aluminum gutters, downspouts, window screens, and painted siding. If your gutters are dented, or if you see piles of shingle granules at the mouth of your downspouts, it is a clear indicator that your roof has sustained significant impact and requires a professional inspection.
4. The Drone Inspection Advantage
Walking on a fragile, storm-damaged roof can cause further shingle wear. That is why Lowrie Roofing utilizes high-resolution drone inspections. Our drones capture 4K aerial photography of every slope, allowing us to document hail impacts and creased tabs with millimeter precision. We compile this data into a detailed PDF report for your records or insurance claims adjuster.
