Hidden Hail Bruises
Hidden Hail Bruises | Roof Inspections | Roofing | Sharps Chapel
When storms sweep through Sharps Chapel, they often leave more than torn branches in their wake—tiny, hard-to-spot hail bruises can silently shorten the life of your shingles. HEP’s certified team knows where these blemishes like to hide and uses advanced diagnostic tools to reveal damage that can’t be seen from the ground. By catching issues early, we help protect your home’s value, keep insurance claims straightforward, and give you the peace of mind that comes with a thoroughly vetted roof.
Schedule one of our professional roof inspections today, and discover why Sharps Chapel homeowners trust HEP for honest answers and reliable solutions. Whether you need documentation for an insurer or simply want to know your roof is storm-ready, our punctual crews arrive prepared to assess, photograph, and explain every finding—so you can make smart decisions long before a minor bruise becomes a costly leak.
FAQs
What are hidden hail bruises on a roof and why are they a problem?
Hidden hail bruises are small areas where hailstones have fractured or crushed the shingle mat without immediately puncturing the surface. The shingle may look intact, but the underlying asphalt is weakened, causing granule loss and reduced water-shedding ability. Over time the bruise can turn into a leak, void manufacturer warranties, and shorten the overall life of your roof. Because bruises typically aren’t visible from the ground, a professional inspection is the only reliable way to detect them before they cause interior damage.
How can I tell if my Sharps Chapel roof has hail bruises if they’re hidden?
Homeowners can look for indirect signs—loose granules in gutters, downspouts clogged with shingle debris, or dark spots on shingles—but these clues are easy to miss. The safest approach is to schedule a licensed roofing professional who will get on the roof, feel for soft spots, lift tabs to examine the shingle base, and use chalk or infrared tools to mark each bruise. Our inspectors are trained to spot even subtle hail impacts common after East Tennessee’s spring storms.
Will my insurance policy cover repairs for hail bruises discovered during an inspection?
Most homeowner policies written in Tennessee classify hail as a covered peril, which means both visible and hidden hail damage can qualify for a claim—provided you file within the policy’s time limit (often 12–24 months from the storm date). After our inspection, we document every bruise with photos, measurements, and a storm-date report so you can submit a thorough claim. We can also meet with the adjuster on-site to verify the findings, increasing the likelihood of approval.
How often should I schedule a professional hail-damage roof inspection in Sharps Chapel?
We recommend a full roof inspection at least once a year and immediately after any hail event with stones ¾" or larger. Sharps Chapel experiences frequent spring and fall hailstorms, and damage can accumulate over successive events. Annual check-ups catch gradual wear, while post-storm inspections document fresh bruises in time for insurance filing. Regular inspections cost far less than repairing structural water damage down the road.
What does your hail bruise inspection process involve?
1. Storm history review: We pull NOAA radar data to confirm hail size and path. 2. Exterior evaluation: Inspect shingles, vents, flashing, gutters, and siding for impact marks. 3. Tactile test: Gently press suspect shingles to feel for soft spots that indicate bruising. 4. Moisture scan: Use moisture meters or infrared cameras to locate hidden water intrusion. 5. Documentation: Chalk, photograph, and map every bruise; generate a digital report you can forward to your insurer. 6. Consultation: Explain findings, recommend repair or replacement options, and outline next steps for claims or maintenance.
What happens if I ignore hidden hail bruises on my roof?
Unchecked bruises accelerate shingle aging. Granule loss exposes asphalt to UV rays, causing brittleness and cracking. Eventually, water penetrates the roof deck, leading to stained ceilings, mold growth, damaged insulation, and even electrical hazards. Minor repairs that cost a few hundred dollars today can balloon into full roof replacement plus interior remediation—often thousands more—if left unattended. Early detection preserves both your roof’s lifespan and your home’s resale value.