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Shingle damage comes in many forms, and the damage usually depends on the wind speed and the shape of the roof before the winds. Typically, when shingles are damaged by wind, they become torn, creased, or detached from the roof. Some might go missing entirely. More extensive roof damage might occur if a tree branch or other debris has fallen onto the roof as a result of the windstorm.

Though cedar shakes often get confused with shingles, there are a few key differences between wood shakes and wood shingles. For one, cedar shingle prices are lower, although shingles are less durable than wood shakes. Cedar shakes are thicker than shingles (shingles range from about 3/8 to 1/2 inches thick, compared to 1/2 to 3/4 inches thick for shakes). Wood shakes are handmade, while shingles are usually machine-made. Also, wood shakes work better on steeper roofs than shingles do. While the cost of cedar shingles is more budget-friendly, there are many great reasons to choose shakes.

A roof pitch multiplier is an accurate way to calculate roof square footage, and it’s handy for purchasing the correct amount of materials. To determine your roof pitch multiplier, you'll need to calculate the roof slope, square it, and add it to 144. Next, find the square root of the total and divide it by 12. The answer is your roof pitch multiplier. Once you know the roof pitch multiplier, multiply it by the total square feet of your building to determine the total roof surface area.

Generally, hailstones that are one inch in diameter or larger can cause significant damage to a roof. However, smaller hail can also cause damage, particularly when accompanied by strong winds, if it strikes an aging or poorly maintained roof, or if hailstorms are frequent in your area. Hail that is ¼ inch (pea-sized) or smaller poses a minimal risk of immediate, permanent damage, but cumulative impacts can cause deterioration over time. The extent of the damage also depends on the roofing material; hail-resistant tiles like slate or certain types of asphalt shingles can withstand impacts better than other materials. If you are concerned about potential damage after a storm, it is always a good idea to have a professional roofer conduct an inspection.