It doesn’t matter how proactive homeowners are, severe weather events can take their toll on a home. Hail, for example, pounds everything in its path, including cars, landscaping, and, unfortunately, roofs. If you’ve had a hail storm pass through, you might be wondering, “What does roof hail damage look like?” And is it something that can wait, or do you need to take immediate action?
The truth is that hail can cause both minor roof damage and very significant roof damage, depending on the size of the hail, wind speed, and storm duration. The existing roof’s condition is also a factor. Enough damage can cause roof leaks and costly repairs (and hours of your time dealing with insurance).
But we’re not here to scare you—we just want you to feel informed and understand what you need to look for after a hail storm. In this post, we’ll break down the most common signs of hail damage, how different roofing materials respond, and the steps to take if you suspect a hail-damaged roof.
What Does Roof Hail Damage Look Like?
Unfortunately, roof hail damage often isn’t obvious from the ground, and it’s often caught too late. That’s why knowing what to look for in terms of signs is so important. Depending on the type of roofing system you have—whether it’s asphalt shingles, composite shingles, a metal roof, or even wood shingles—the signs can vary.
However, these are the most common indicators:
- Random dark spots where protective granules have been knocked off asphalt shingles
- Missing or cracked shingles (typical of older roofing systems)
- Bruised or dented shingles that feel soft or spongy to the touch
- Dents on metal components, such as dented gutters, flashing, or vents
- Granule buildup in gutters and downspouts
- Damage around vents and other roof penetrations, such as torn or missing boots
- Damage to nearby items like window screens, vinyl siding, or other collateral damage
Even smaller hail can loosen or knock granules off individual shingles, shortening the lifespan of your roof. The damage can be harder to notice, though, so an inspection performed by a professional roofing contractor is always a good idea after any hail storm.
How Hail Affects Different Roofing Materials
Not all roofing materials will respond to hail storms the same way, so it’s important to look for the damage most likely to occur on your specific roofing system. Here’s a breakdown of how hail typically affects different types of roofs:
|
Roofing Material |
Common Signs of Hail Damage |
|
Asphalt Shingles |
Missing granules, bruised or spongy feel, cracked shingles |
|
Metal Roof |
Dents and dings from hail impact |
|
Wood Shingles |
Cracks or splits along the grain, missing shingles |
|
Composite Shingles |
Cracks and missing pieces (though rare) |
While impact-resistant shingles can reduce future hail damage, no roof is completely hail-proof—especially under extreme weather conditions. Composite shingles are typically your best bet against damage, but even they can be chipped or broken. Metal roofs will show signs of damage, but they’re often just cosmetic. A professional inspection will help determine the severity of the damage.
How to Identify Hail Roof Damage After a Storm
We strongly recommend an inspection by a professional roofing contractor after a hail storm. However, if you need to go it alone, here’s how to identify hail damage with a ground-level inspection:
- Look for collateral signs: Broken windows, dented gutters, and damage to window screens may indicate roof hail exposure. If those items are damaged, the roof probably took its fair share of damage as well.
- Check for missing granules and cracked shingles on your asphalt shingle roof: You can also look for fresh piles of granules at the bottom of downspouts. Some granules from a newer roof are fine, but a pile that collects at the end of the downspout indicates damage.
- Use binoculars or a drone to inspect the roof’s condition: Never walk on a hail-damaged roof unless you’re trained. A professional contractor is a better bet.
As we mentioned, if you’re unsure, schedule a roof inspection with a professional roofing contractor. Trained eyes can detect even subtle roof hail damage, including marks from smaller hail hits that could compromise your roof’s integrity. And, finding hail damage and addressing it quickly will help prevent even more costly repairs in the future.
Immediate Action Steps to Take
We know that a damaged roof is scary and could cause you to panic. But, if you know what to do, you can calmly assess the situation and take the right steps. Here’s what you need to do if you notice roof hail damage.
1. Document the Damage
Take clear photos of any visible damage, both on the roof and surrounding property. Zoom in on roof shingles, gutters, and other signs of extensive damage. This will help when you file an insurance claim.
Note: If you know a storm with potential hail damage is coming, take pictures before as well. This is just a little extra assurance that your claim will go as smoothly as possible.
2. Contact a Roofing Contractor
A professional roofing contractor can perform a thorough roof inspection to assess damage to your roof, check the roof decking, and recommend necessary repairs.
Don’t wait to call. The hail wasn’t localized to your home, so your neighbors will be booking repairs as well.
3. Notify Your Insurance Company Immediately
Contact your insurance company immediately to start the insurance claims process. Be sure to review your insurance policy so you know what’s covered. In most cases, roof damage from hail will be covered, but each policy is different.
4. Get a Repair Estimate
Whether your roof needs roof repairs or a full roof replacement, your contractor can give you an honest quote and help you navigate the insurance claim.
Your best course of action is to find a roofing contractor who will help you navigate your insurance claim. These pros work with insurance companies all the time, and they know the ins and outs of the insurance claims process. Once you start your claim, your roofing contractor can help you navigate the rest.
When Is Roof Replacement Necessary?
In most cases, a little bit of storm damage doesn’t require a full-scale replacement. However, if the hail damage has compromised a large portion of your roof or caused severe damage, a roof replacement may be your only option. Some signs of significant damage include:
- There are widespread cracked shingles or missing granules across the roof surface
- You’ve had multiple roof repairs in recent years, trying to get as much life out of your roof as possible
- The roof is nearing the end of its lifespan anyway, as there’s no sense in professional repairs on a 25-year-old asphalt shingle roof
In these cases, your insurance company may cover a new roof as part of your insurance claim, depending on the extent of damage to your roof and your coverage.
Protecting Against Future Hail Damage
While no roofing system is immune to hail storms, there are ways to limit your risk with hail protection:
- Invest in impact-resistant shingles if you live in a region prone to high winds and severe weather
- Schedule regular roof inspections to monitor your roof’s health
- Work with a professional roofing contractor to perform preventive maintenance and catch small issues before they become extensive damage
Don’t let a hail storm lead to long-term problems. If you’re asking yourself, “What does roof hail damage look like?”—the best answer is a timely one…
Pro Home Improvement is Your Hail Damage Specialist
At Pro Home Improvement, we’ve been solving Michigan homeowners’ hail damage needs for almost 20 years. We know how to identify signs of hail damage and develop the best course of action for restoring your roof’s integrity. You can also count on us to help you navigate the insurance claims process, ensuring you never feel alone or unprepared. If you’re worried about hail roof damage, contact Pro Home Improvements for a professional inspection today.