Hailstorm Alert: How to Identify and Prevent Roof Damage – A Practical Guide from SANGOBUILD

From March to July each year, severe hailstorms frequently strike northern India and other regions around the globe. As the first line of defense for any home, the roof often bears the brunt of the impact. As a global leader in premium roofing systems, SANGOBUILD reminds homeowners and builders alike: identifying hail damage early and taking proper action is critical to protecting both property and peace of mind.

Hailstorms pose a significant threat to roofs, causing damage that can lead to costly repairs. To help homeowners prepare and respond, SANGOBUILD has released the "Roof Hail Damage Identification & Response Guide", offering practical tips from surface-level inspections to insurance claims.

1. Exterior Signs of Roof Damage After Hail

• Dented or Bruised Shingles: Check for circular dents or soft spots on asphalt shingles. A sponge-like feel may suggest damage to the mat underneath. SANGOBUILD's stone-coated metal tiles are designed with high impact resistance to minimize such damage.

• Granule Loss: If a large number of granules are missing, exposing the black substrate beneath, the shingle's protective layer has likely been compromised.

• Cracked or Split Shingles: Especially common in aged or brittle shingles, hail impact can result in visible cracking.

• Dented Metal Components: Look at vents, gutters, flashing, and other roof accessories for dents—often a clear sign of hail impact.

2. Ground-Level Clues Not to Miss

• Granules in Gutters or Downspouts: A sudden accumulation of granules after a storm can indicate significant roof surface wear.

• Dented Outdoor Fixtures: Check AC units, window screens, or metal siding for visible hail marks—these can signal roof damage even if it's not obvious from below.

3. Hail Damage by Roofing Material Type

• Asphalt Shingles: Look for granule loss, soft bruises, and cracks.

• Wood Shakes/Shingles: Check for splits or sharp punctures.

• Metal Roofs: Dents and chipped coating. SANGOBUILD's stone-coated steel tiles use advanced Alu-Zinc technology and protective stone coatings, outperforming traditional metal roofs in hail resistance.

• Tile/Slate Roofs: Watch for chips, cracks, or broken corners.

4. When to Call a Roofing Professional

• If the roof is too dangerous to access or the damage is unclear.

• If your insurance company requires a certified inspection report.

• If water stains or leaks appear inside the home after a storm.

5. How to Document for Insurance Claims

• Take clear photos and videos of all visible damage: shingles, gutters, roof accessories, etc.

• Record the date of the hailstorm and keep copies of repair estimates.

• Contact your insurer as soon as possible—some policies have strict claim deadlines.
  

6. Common Misconceptions

"Small Hail Can't Cause Damage": Even hail as small as 0.5 inches can wear down roofing materials over time.

"No Leaks = No Damage": Hidden damage may not show immediate leaks but can worsen over months, leading to costly repairs later.

SANGOBUILD Roofing – Built for Extreme Weather

SANGOBUILD's stone-coated metal roofing systems are engineered with multi-layered impact resistance, offering top-tier protection against hail, heavy rain, and corrosion. With a global 50-year warranty, our roofing solutions bring long-term value and peace of mind.