Hail vs. Wind Damage on Asphalt Shingles: Eastern Idaho Quick Guide

by Aaron | Aug 28, 2025 | Severe Weather

Hail vs. Wind Damage on Asphalt Shingles: Eastern Idaho Quick Guide

Not sure if a recent storm left hail or wind damage on your roof?
Use this quick visual guide for Idaho Falls, Rigby, and Rexburg homeowners.
From the ground with binoculars, you can spot key signs and decide when to call a pro.

At a glance

Hail: random circular divots, crushed granules, soft or bruised shingle mats.
Wind: lifted or creased shingle tabs, missing shingles, bent or displaced flashing.
Check safely: walk the perimeter, stay off the roof, document with photos, and look for granules at downspouts.
Next step: if multiple slopes show issues, schedule a professional inspection and documentation for insurance.

Quick comparison: what to look for

Hail damage signs	Wind damage signs
Random round impact marks with crushed or missing granules	Tabs lifted or folded back, creases along the shingle lines
Soft spots or bruising when pressed, matte-looking areas	Missing shingles, exposed nails, disturbed ridge caps
Granule piles at gutter outlets after storms	Shingles flapping during wind, torn sealant strips
Indentations on metal flashings or soft metals	Bent drip edge, displaced flashing near chimneys or walls

Safe at-home inspection steps

Walk the perimeter. Use binoculars from the ground. Do not climb onto the roof.
Photograph each slope. Take wide shots and close-ups of anything suspicious.
Check gutters and downspouts. Look for fresh granule piles and dented metal.
Look in the attic. Check for daylight at sheathing joints and damp insulation.
Document the storm. Note the date, time, and wind or hail reports in your area if available.
Call a professional. If you see creases, missing tabs, or widespread impacts, schedule an inspection.

When to call Idaho Roofing

In Idaho Falls, Rigby, Rexburg, and nearby towns, straight-line winds and fast-moving thunderstorms can damage multiple slopes in a few minutes.
If more than one face of the roof shows impacts or creasing, get a documented inspection before making an insurance claim.

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What to do first after a storm

Take photos of the roof, gutters, siding, and yard. Include close-ups of shingles and any debris.
Save receipts for temporary protection, such as tarps or emergency repairs.
Do not pressure-wash the roof. Do not scrape impacts or chip ice.
Contact a licensed roofing contractor to create a written inspection report with photos.

Proudly serving Eastern Idaho

We inspect and repair asphalt shingle roofs across Idaho Falls, Rigby, Rexburg, and surrounding communities.
Our team provides clear documentation that you can share with your insurer, plus repair or replacement options that fit local weather conditions.

FAQs

Can hail damage be hard to see?

Yes. Hail can bruise the shingle mat without obvious granule loss at first. If you suspect damage, have a professional check multiple slopes and soft metals for impact marks.

What if I only see granules in the gutters?

Some granule loss is normal over time, but fresh piles after a storm indicate impacts or accelerated wear. Ask for an inspection to confirm the source.

Should I call insurance or a roofer first?

Start with a roofer. A documented inspection helps you understand the scope and whether a claim is appropriate. If you file a claim, share the report and photos with your adjuster.

Is a small repair OK after wind damage?

Yes, if the roof is otherwise healthy. Isolated lifted or missing tabs can often be repaired. Widespread creasing or aging across several slopes usually points to replacement.

Ice Dams in Eastern Idaho: Causes, Prevention, and Safe Removal

by Aaron | Aug 5, 2025 | Severe Weather

Ice Dams in Eastern Idaho: Causes, Prevention, and Safe Removal

Ice dams form when heat from the home melts roof snow that refreezes at cold eaves. The resulting ridge traps water, which can back up under shingles and leak inside.
In Idaho Falls, Rigby, and Rexburg, the solution is part prevention (air sealing, insulation, ventilation) and part protection (ice and water shield at eaves/valleys).

At a glance

Root cause: warm roof deck from air leaks or low insulation, plus cold eaves.
Result: meltwater refreezes at eaves and crowns into a ridge that traps water.
Prevention: air seal the attic, add/level insulation, and ensure balanced intake/exhaust ventilation.
Protection: install ice and water shield at eaves, valleys, and other vulnerable areas during reroofing.
Removal: use ground-level roof rakes and professional steaming. Avoid chisels and salt that can damage shingles and landscaping.

Why ice dams happen here

Our winters bring periods of sustained cold and on-roof snowpack. Heat escaping into the attic warms the roof deck above living spaces while eaves remain cold.
That temperature difference causes meltwater to refreeze at the edges and overhangs.

Prevention checklist (best long-term fix)

Air sealing: seal attic bypasses around can lights, bath fans, plumbing stacks, and top-plate gaps.
Insulation: add or level attic insulation to consistent depth; protect soffit intake with baffles.
Ventilation: balance intake (soffits) and exhaust (ridge or roof vents) to keep the roof deck cold.
Eave protection: specify ice and water shield at eaves/valleys during reroof projects.
Gutters & drainage: keep gutters clear to reduce refreeze at the edge.
Heat cable (supplemental): use on problem eaves as a band-aid, not a substitute for air sealing/insulation.

Safe removal options (short-term relief)

These steps reduce immediate risk. Work from the ground or hire a pro—do not chip or pry ice off shingles.

Method	What it does	Notes
Roof rake (from ground)	Removes snow above the dam to reduce meltwater	Use a roof-safe rake with rollers; pull snow down, not up
Professional steam removal	Cuts channels through the ice without damaging shingles	Best for active leaks or heavy dams
Calcium chloride socks	Opens small melt channels through the dam	Place carefully; avoid rock salt and contact with plants

Avoid: chisels, axes, hammers, pressure washers, or rock salt—these can damage roofing and shingles.

When to call Idaho Roofing

If you see ceiling stains, attic frost, or ice ridges at eaves, schedule an inspection. We’ll document conditions, safely relieve dams if needed, and recommend permanent fixes like air sealing, ventilation adjustments, and underlayment upgrades during reroofing.

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FAQs

Do heat cables fix ice dams permanently?

No. Heat cables can reduce ice formation at problem eaves, but they do not address the root cause. Air sealing, insulation, and balanced ventilation are the long-term solution.

Will insurance cover ice dam leaks?

Policies vary. Some cover sudden damage from ice dams while excluding long-term maintenance issues. A documented inspection helps clarify options.

Is gutter cleaning really that important?

Yes. Clogged gutters slow meltwater at the edge and increase refreeze, which makes dams worse. Clean them before sustained freezes.

Can I prevent dams without accessing the attic?

You can reduce risk by raking roof snow after storms and keeping gutters clear, but lasting results usually require attic air sealing and insulation improvements.