After a hailstorm, your roof may have sustained damage that’s not immediately visible from the ground. Identifying hail damage roof issues early is critical—undetected damage can lead to leaks, rot, and costly repairs down the road. Even more importantly, most insurance policies have time limits for filing hail damage claims.
This guide will help you recognize the signs of hail damage on different roofing materials and understand when to call a professional for inspection.
What Affects Hail Damage Severity?
Not all hailstorms cause the same level of damage. Several factors determine whether your roof sustained damage and how severe it might be:
Hail size: Hailstones range from pea-sized (1/4 inch) to softball-sized (4+ inches). Generally, hail needs to be at least 1 inch in diameter to cause significant roof damage, though smaller hail can damage older or already-compromised roofs.
Wind speed and direction: Wind-driven hail hits at an angle, which can affect where damage occurs on your roof. One side of your roof may show more damage than another.
Roofing material: Different materials respond to hail differently. Asphalt shingles dent and lose granules, wood splits and cracks, and metal dents but rarely punctures.
Roof age and condition: Older roofs with brittle shingles are more susceptible to hail damage than newer, more flexible materials.
Barriers: Trees, fences, and neighboring structures can reduce hail impact on parts of your roof.
Hail Damage on Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material, and they show hail damage in distinctive ways. Knowing what to look for can help you identify problems quickly.
Signs of Hail Damage to Look For
Random pattern of damage: Hail damage appears randomly across the roof surface with no discernible pattern—unlike foot traffic or manufacturer defects which follow predictable patterns.
Black or dark-colored hits: Impact marks that appear darker than the surrounding shingle, where the granules have been knocked loose and the black asphalt base is exposed.
Loss of granules: Exposed shingle mat (the fiberglass or felt beneath the granules). You may also notice excessive granules in your gutters after a storm.
Soft spots (like a bruised apple): When you press on a hail-damaged spot, it may feel soft or spongy—similar to pressing on a bruised apple. This indicates the underlying structure has been compromised.
Shiny asphalt visible: Fresh hail damage exposes shiny asphalt underneath where granules have been knocked away.
Hail Damage on Wood Shingles and Shakes
Wood roofing materials show hail damage differently than asphalt. Look for these indicators:
Fresh splits with sharp edges: Hail impact can split wood shingles. Fresh damage shows sharp, clean edges and lighter-colored wood (brown/orange) at the split. Old splits from weathering have softer, grayed edges.
Impact marks along the split: You may see dents or impact points near where the wood has cracked.
Random pattern: Like asphalt, genuine hail damage appears randomly rather than in patterns suggesting normal wear or foot traffic.
Hail Damage on Metal Roofs
Metal roofs are highly durable but can still sustain cosmetic and functional damage from hail:
- Visible dents and dings in the metal surface
- Damaged or chipped paint coating
- Punctures (rare, but possible with very large hail)
- Damage to seams or fasteners
Other Signs of Hail Damage Around Your Property
If you’re unsure whether your roof sustained damage, check these other areas that are easier to inspect:
- Gutters and downspouts: Look for dents, dings, and granule accumulation
- Window screens and frames: Tears or dents indicate significant hail
- Air conditioning units: Dented fins on outdoor AC units
- Siding: Cracks, chips, or dents on one side of the house
- Deck or patio furniture: Paint chips and dents
- Vehicles: Dents on cars parked outside during the storm
If you see damage on these items, there’s a good chance your roof was affected too.
What’s NOT Hail Damage
It’s important to distinguish hail damage from normal wear and other issues:
- Blistering: Bubbles in shingles from manufacturing defects or poor ventilation—not hail
- Cracking from age: UV exposure causes shingles to become brittle and crack in consistent patterns
- Algae or mold staining: Dark streaks from organic growth, not impact damage
- Normal granule loss: Some granule shedding is normal, especially on new roofs
- Mechanical damage: Marks from foot traffic or dropped tools follow patterns, not random distribution
What to Do After a Hailstorm
Follow these steps after a significant hailstorm:
- Document the storm: Note the date, approximate hail size, and duration. Check local news for storm reports.
- Do a ground-level inspection: Walk around your property looking for obvious damage to siding, gutters, AC units, and landscaping.
- Check your attic: Look for any new signs of water intrusion or daylight coming through.
- Take photos: Document any damage you find for insurance purposes.
- Contact a professional roofer: Don’t climb on your roof—let a professional assess the damage safely and thoroughly.
- Contact your insurance company: If damage is found, file a claim promptly. Most policies have time limits for storm damage claims.
Filing an Insurance Claim for Hail Damage
If your roof has hail damage, your homeowner’s insurance may cover repairs or replacement. Here’s what to know:
- Time limits apply: Most policies require claims within 1-2 years of the damage
- Get a professional inspection: Insurance companies often require a documented inspection from a licensed contractor
- Understand your deductible: Many policies have separate wind/hail deductibles, often 1-2% of your home’s value
- Don’t sign anything until: You’ve reviewed the scope of work and confirmed your insurance will cover it
- Be wary of storm chasers: Work with established local contractors, not out-of-town companies following storms
Schedule Your Free Hail Damage Inspection
After a hailstorm, the best thing you can do is get a professional assessment. At AW Roofing & Asphalt, we provide thorough hail damage inspections and will document our findings for your insurance claim. We’ll give you an honest assessment—if we don’t find damage, we’ll tell you.
As a local company, we’re here for the long term and stand behind our work. Contact us today to schedule your free post-storm roof inspection.
