What Does Hail Damage Look Like on a Roof? (Easy Guide)

Spring and summer storms can bring devastating hailstorms that leave homeowners wondering about the condition of their roofs. Hail damage isn’t always obvious from ground level, but knowing what to look for can help you identify problems before they lead to costly repairs or insurance claim issues. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the key signs of what does hail damage look like on a roof and help you understand when it’s time to call in professional help.

We’ll cover the most common types of hail damage, provide you with a step-by-step inspection process, and explain what you should do if you discover damage. Whether you’re dealing with minor granule loss or significant impact marks, understanding these signs will help you protect your home and make informed decisions about repairs. Here’s what we’ll cover:

• Understanding different types of hail damage
• 6 steps to identify hail damage on your roof
• What to do if you find hail damage
• Working with insurance after hail damage

🔎 Understanding Different Types of Hail Damage

Hail damage can manifest in several ways depending on the size of the hailstones, the intensity of the storm, and your roofing material. The damage might be subtle or severe, but each type requires attention to prevent long-term problems.

• Granule Loss: Hail can knock off the protective granules on asphalt shingles, leaving dark spots or exposing the underlying asphalt mat. You may notice granules in gutters or at the base of downspouts after a storm. These areas are more vulnerable to weather damage and can speed up roof aging.
• Impact Marks and Bruising: Larger hailstones can create circular indentations or soft spots on shingles. These bruises, often spongy to the touch, indicate damage to the underlying mat and vary in size depending on the hailstone diameter.
• Cracked or Split Shingles: Severe hail can cause shingles to crack or split, exposing the roof deck underneath. These cracks, often random in pattern, can expand over time, creating pathways for water infiltration.
• Exposed Mat or Substrate: In severe cases, hail can strip away the protective coating, exposing the underlying mat or substrate. These black or dark areas are highly vulnerable to leaks and require immediate professional attention.

Signs of Hail Damage on Other Roofing Materials

While asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material, hail can damage other types of roofing systems as well. Each material shows damage differently, and understanding these variations is crucial for proper assessment.

• Metal Roofing Damage: Hail can cause dents, scratches, or paint chipping on metal roofs, potentially compromising the protective coating and leading to rust. Even minor dents can disrupt water drainage, so inspections are crucial after hailstorms.
• Tile and Slate Damage: Clay tiles and slate are brittle and can crack, chip, or shatter on impact. Broken pieces often end up in gutters, and even small chips can allow water to seep in, risking structural damage. Damaged tiles should be replaced promptly.
• Wood Shake and Shingle Damage: Hail can splinter, split, or leave impact marks on wood roofs, exposing fresh wood underneath. These areas become entry points for moisture, leading to rot and deterioration if not repaired quickly.

✅ 6 Steps to Identify Hail Damage on Your Roof

Conducting a thorough inspection after a hailstorm is essential for identifying damage early. Follow these systematic steps to assess your roof’s condition safely and effectively.

1. Start with a Ground-Level Visual Inspection

Begin your assessment from the safety of the ground using binoculars to examine your roof closely. Look for obvious signs of damage such as missing shingles, visible impact marks, or areas where granules have been stripped away.

Check the north-facing slopes first, as these areas typically show damage most clearly due to lighting conditions. Pay special attention to roof edges, valleys, and areas around chimneys or vents where damage might be more pronounced.

2. Examine Your Gutters and Drainage Systems

Inspect your gutters for an unusual accumulation of granules, which often indicates hail damage to your shingles. Fresh granule loss will result in a significant amount of granular material in your gutter system.

Also look for dents or damage to your gutters, downspouts, and other metal components. These items can serve as indicators of the hail size and intensity that hit your property.

3. Check for Collateral Damage

Look around your property for other signs of hail damage that can help you gauge the storm’s severity. Examine air conditioning units, outdoor furniture, vehicles, and landscaping for impact marks or damage.

Damage to these items can provide valuable context for insurance adjusters and help confirm that your roof likely sustained similar damage during the same storm event.

4. Document Everything with Photos

Take comprehensive photos of any damage you discover, including close-up shots and wider views that show the extent of the affected areas. Document the date and time of your inspection and the recent weather events.

This documentation will be crucial for insurance claims and can help roofing professionals understand the scope of damage before they arrive for their assessment.

5. Inspect Interior Spaces

Check your attic and interior ceilings for signs of water infiltration, such as water stains, dampness, or dripping. Hail damage can create immediate leak pathways that may not be visible from the exterior.

Look for any changes in your home’s interior that might indicate roof damage, including new ceiling stains or unusual sounds during subsequent rain events.

6. Schedule a Professional Inspection

While you can identify obvious damage yourself, many signs of hail damage require professional expertise to assess properly. Contact a qualified roofing contractor who has experience with hail damage assessment.

Professional inspectors have the training and equipment to safely access your roof and identify subtle damage that might not be visible from the ground. They can also provide detailed reports for insurance purposes.

⚠️ What to Do If You Find Hail Damage

Discovering hail damage on your roof requires prompt action to prevent further problems and protect your investment. The steps you take immediately after identifying damage can significantly impact the outcome of repairs and insurance claims.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Notify your insurance company as soon as possible after discovering hail damage. Most policies have specific timeframes for reporting claims, and delays can complicate the process. Provide them with the documentation you’ve gathered and be prepared to schedule an adjuster visit.

Keep detailed records of all communications with your insurance company, including claim numbers, adjuster contact information, and any instructions they provide regarding temporary repairs or contractor selection.

Secure Temporary Protection

If you’ve identified areas where water might penetrate your home, take steps to minimize damage while waiting for permanent repairs. This might include placing tarps over damaged areas or collecting water from minor leaks.

However, avoid climbing on your roof or attempting repairs yourself, as this can be dangerous and might void insurance coverage. Focus on protecting your home’s interior and documenting any new damage that occurs.

Get Multiple Professional Assessments

Contact several reputable roofing contractors for professional assessments of the damage. Different contractors may identify varying levels of damage, and having multiple opinions can help ensure you get comprehensive repairs.

Choose contractors who are licensed, insured, and have specific experience with hail damage repairs. Ask for detailed written estimates that break down the scope of work and materials needed.

📑 Working with Insurance After Hail Damage

Understanding the insurance claim process can help you navigate the often complex world of hail damage coverage. Being prepared and informed will help ensure you receive fair compensation for necessary repairs.

Understanding Your Coverage

Review your insurance policy to understand what types of damage are covered and what your deductible requirements are. Most standard homeowner’s policies cover hail damage, but coverage details can vary significantly between insurers and policy types.

Pay attention to any depreciation clauses, coverage limits, or exclusions that might affect your claim. If you’re unsure about any aspect of your coverage, don’t hesitate to ask your insurance agent for clarification.

Working with Adjusters

Insurance adjusters will inspect your roof to assess the damage and determine coverage. Be present during this inspection if possible, and provide them with the documentation you’ve gathered. Point out all areas of concern and ask questions about their assessment process.

Remember that insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, and their initial assessment might not capture all damage. If you disagree with their findings, you have the right to request a re-inspection or seek an independent assessment.

Choosing the Right Contractor

Select a contractor who has experience working with insurance companies and hail damage claims. They should be able to provide detailed estimates that align with insurance requirements and help you understand the scope of necessary work.

Avoid contractors who offer to pay your deductible or promise to work solely with insurance proceeds. These practices can be problematic and may indicate potential issues with the contractor’s business practices.

🏡 Trust Armour Construction for Your Hail Damage Assessment

Hail damage on a roof can take many forms, from small dings and cracks in shingles to more significant issues like bruising, granule loss, or even punctures. It’s not always easy to spot with the naked eye, which is why having a trusted team of experts on your side is so important. At Armour Construction, we know exactly what to look for and how to identify both the obvious and hidden signs of hail damage. With years of experience navigating Indiana’s unpredictable weather, our team provides thorough inspections and honest assessments to ensure your roof is safe and secure.

When you choose Armour Construction, you’re not just getting roofing specialists—you’re getting a partner who puts your safety and satisfaction first. We’ll guide you through the entire process, including working with your insurance company to make sure no detail is overlooked. Don’t leave your roof’s health to chance. Contact Armour Construction today for a professional hail damage assessment and the peace of mind you deserve. Let us protect your home, so you can focus on what matters most.