Hail damage to asphalt shingles is an identifiable mark of distress caused by hail that has reduced the functionality or integrity of the overall shingle. This identifiable mark will leave a “bruising” affect or significant granular displacement which will expose the asphalt layer of the shingle. Over time, a progressive deterioration ensues affecting the water-shedding capability and the long term serviceability and, hence, is damaged. In a situation where a roof may have had 10 years remaining in its life, hail damage could reduce that to only 3 years.
Wind damage is often identifiable by anyone from the ground, but this is not always the case. The obvious form of wind damage is displaced shingles or shingle tabs. With a tab or shingle missing, there is little or no defense to your home against Mother Nature. Strong winds can also get underneath the shingle and force the shingle to pull through the nails that hold it in place, but not displace the shingle. This is also a form of wind damage as nothing is holding the shingle in place and it is only a matter of time before the shingles will be displaced. Regardless of the type of wind damage, there typically will be a crease or fracture line on many shingles around the damaged area caused by shingles flapping in the wind.