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We had a nasty hail storm recently and while none of the shingles are pierced or broken there is extensive damage to the top layer but so far we had no indication that the roof is leaking. Based on the attached images of typical damage:
The ceramic granules are the protective layer of the shingle. They're not merely aesthetic. They offer UV, impact, and corrosion protection, and the shingle is vulnerable when they're removed.
The roof probably will not leak now, or in a few weeks, or a few months, but eventually the shingles will deteriorate badly enough that water gets through above the top edge of the underlying shingle, and then it can reach the deck and the attic. They need to be replaced.
While you could feasibly get some high-grade roofing adhesive and some ceramic sand and individually repair each divot, the result will not likely last as long as the original shingle would have. It'll also tend to show from the ground, either as color variation or bumps.
Yes it will leak. There's tar paper or tyvek or something under the shingles that will help provide a temporary defence against leaks, but you need to repair or replace those shingles.
This is more of an opinion, but that's a lot of little dings to repair... and if you don't get them all, it could be for nothing (leaks can cause a lot more damage).
So, maybe you could run around with a bucket of tar and patch it all up... it would save money and/or buy you some time, but I would replace it as soon as possible (better safe than sorry).
You should claim it and have it fixed professionally. This type of damage could result in leaks, you should have them replaced, and don't try to jerry-rig a fix yourself.
Depending on your insurance company your rates should NOT go up for making a claim for this type of damage.
Well, not your rates specifically as a result of your claim; everyone's rates may go up slightly depending on how widespread the hail damage was, but that will happen anyway whether you file a claim or not.
With asphalt shingle roofs, the primary water barrier is the tarpaper or “tyvek” type roof barrier sometimes used today, and is the first layer placed against the roof decking. The asphalt shingle protects the water barrier from exposure to sunlight and physical damage (hail, windblown tree branches, etc). It also provides some protection from a hard rain, but it’s not the primary barrier.
Hail damage to the shingle causes loss of granules on the shingle. The shingle then degrades and cracks over a period of time. When the cracks occur in the shingle, it’s only a short time before the water barrier cracks and fails.
I had some hail damage from a storm last week, and this past Saturday I found extensive “dings” on the roof where the granules were knocked loose from the ahingles, similar to the photos above. I was wondering if I could replace the granules, and I found the answer here. At best, it’s only a short term repair.
Looks like I will be calling my insurer tomorrow. It’s a pity. The roof had a 40 year manufacturer warranty, and is a little over ten years old. The warranty protects against material defects, not hail damage.
