Hail hits on a Nashville roof.

Homeowners in Nashville are no stranger to hail events throughout the Music City. The Nashville area averages 3 hail events per year. Davidson County, TN even had hail hits that were 2.5 inches in diameter in 2011. When a hail event happens, we all take note that our homes and vehicles are most susceptible to damage.  

In this blog, the team at Music City Roofers will discuss everything you need to know about hail damage in Nashville, TN. Our in-depth information will provide you with peace of mind for what to do when the next hail storm arrives.  

What Hail Can Do To Your Nashville Roof 

To understand the damage that hail can cause on your roof, we first must understand how fast hail falls from the sky. This all depends on the size of the hail.  

  • Small stones that measure less than an inch in diameter travel at speeds from 9- 25 miles per hour. 

  • Stones that measure 1-1.75 inches can fall from 25-40 miles per hour. 

  • Hail stones that measure 2-4 inches fall from 44-72 miles per hour.  

  • Large hail stones over 4 inches will reach speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour. 

Hail smashing into your roof can cause severe damage to your roof. Severe storm damage can lead to full roof replacement or repairs. The damage that hail can do is also dependent on the roofing material of your home. The team at Music City Roofers will cover the signs of hail damage to your roof based on the three most popular roofing materials; asphalt shingles, metal roofs, and cedar shake shingles.  

Signs of Hail Damage On Asphalt Shingles  

Asphalt shingles are made from a layer of fiberglass backing, asphalt, and granules on top. All these layers work in tandem to protect your home from water damage. Fiberglass is to create a firm layer, asphalt acts as waterproofing and something to adhere the granules to. The granules prevent UV rays from breaking down the asphalt.  

When hail strikes asphalt shingles, it can damage the granules. Granule loss exposes the asphalt to the elements and causes the roof to age more quickly as the UV rays gradually break down the shingles.  

Larger hail can bruise the shingles down to the asphalt and create what feels like a bruised apple. These dings, dents, and cracks create scenarios where moisture can penetrate the shingles and start a water leak.  

Metal Roof Hail Damage Indicators 

Metal roofs are increasingly popular, but they can still be damaged by strong hail. Hail can leave behind highly visible dings and dents, much like dings and dents on an automobile. These dings will rust over time and lead to premature roofing failure. Hail can also chip the finish on a metal roof and cause corrosion.  

Wood Roofs Damaged By Hail 

Cedar shake roofs have been popular in Nashville for some time. Like any other roofing material, wood roofs are susceptible to severe weather. Nashville homeowners with cedar shake roofs may discover significant damage to their roof after a bout of severe weather. The top signs of damaged cedar shake shingles in Nashville are as follows: 

  • Splits and cracks- homeowners may discover brightly colored splits when compared to the aged coloring of the cedar shake shingles. 

  • Dings and dents- cedar is a softwood and is less dense than hardwoods. This lack of density makes them more susceptible to storm damage.  

  • Punctures- large hail can puncture cedar shake and expose the roof felt below to moisture.  

What To Do If Your Nashville Roof Has Hail Damage? 

Do not wait to schedule your roof inspection in Nashville. First, severe weather often has a timeline with homeowners' insurance to file a claim. If you wait, you may miss the opportunity to replace your roof using insurance funds.  

Do not hesitate to reach out to a roofing professional if you have experienced a hailstorm (or any type of severe weather).  

Prolonging a roof leak means that your home stands to endure more damage, stronger leaks, and even structural issues. The worse the issues become, the more expensive the project.  

Inform your insurance company that you might have sustained hail damage. A roofing company, like Music City Roofers, can help navigate the complexities of filing an insurance claim. Additionally, an experienced roofer can help ascertain hail damage repair vs replacement and work closely with insurance companies.  

Signs You Need To Call A Nashville Roofing Company 

What are the signs that a roofing professional needs to inspect your roof?  

  • Any time after a severe weather event, including hail, and high winds. 

  • When you have developed a roof leak. 

  • If you find a shingle in your yard. 

  • Water stains in your home. 

  • Curled shingles 

  • Granules in your gutters and downspouts 

Act Quickly On Hail Damage To Your Nashville Home 

Severe weather in Nashville is a regular occurrence. With a roofer like Music City Roofers in Nashville, homeowners can count on professional roof installation services, expert analysis, and superior warranties. Contact our customer service team to schedule your free Nashville roof assessment.