Have you just experienced a hailstorm lately? You must be wondering, “Did it cause any damage to my roof?” Especially if the damage is not clearly visible and you are not sure, whether the roof is partially damaged or you need a full-fledged repair or replacement.
The fact is, hail can hit hard and it is devastating. While the damage might not be so obvious from the ground but it can cause significant issues with time, especially when it has left untreated.
But, have you ever wonder, what does hail damage look like on a roof? How can you identify if the roof is damaged or just working fine.
Do not worry; today we are going to explore the signs to identify hail damage on roof so you can tackle things easily without wasting time.
Roof Hail Damage – What Does Hail Damage on a Roof Look Like?
If a storm hit your home and brought hail that is more than one inch in diameter, then remember, this damage to the roof will be pretty obvious. And when that hail is combined with high wind speeds, then the hail damage to roof will be even more obvious and severe.
You may be able to see signs of damage too. For example, cracked or broken windows, and damaged siding or dented gutters.
However, if the hail is smaller, it may cause unseen damage to your roof. We would recommend you to contact a storm damage repair specialist to inspect your roof after a hailstorm – no matter how small the hail was.
Why Hail Roof Damage Matters?
Before we jump into what it looks like, let’s talk about why hail damage is a big deal.
Even if your roof looks fine from a distance, hail can:
- Create tiny cracks that lead to leaks
- Knock granules off your shingles
- Shorten your roof’s lifespan
- Void your roof’s warranty if not addressed quickly
- Cause insurance headaches if left unreported
So yeah… it’s something you want to catch early.
First, Understand Your Roof Type:
Before identifying roof damage, you must know the type of your roof so you know what to look for. These are some common roofing materials:
- Asphalt shingles
- Metal roofing
- Wood shakes
- Slate or tile
What Hail Damage Look Like on Asphalt Shingles Roof?
- Dark or black spots:
These are bruises where hail knocked off the protective granules.
- Bald spots:
Areas where the top layer of granules is missing.
- Soft spots or dimples:
Like a bruise on an apple, these might not be obvious, but you’ll feel them if you press down gently.
- Cracked shingles:
Hail can split a shingle right down the middle, especially older ones.
- Granules in gutters:
If you find a bunch of sand-like granules in your downspouts, hail might be the culprit.
Up Close:
- The hail damage to roof shingles looks random—not in straight lines.
- Shingles may appear “scuffed” or worn out.
- In some cases, you’ll see exposed fiberglass underneath.
What Does Hail Damage Looks Like on Metal Roofs?
- Dents and dimples:
Think of the way a car hood looks after a hailstorm.
- Scratches in the coating:
If hail was large, it can scrape away the protective finish.
- Bent panels:
Large hailstones might cause parts of the panel to bend.
- Loosened fasteners:
Repeated hail impact can loosen screws or nails.
What Does Hail Damage Looks Like on Wood Shakes?
Wood shakes (or shingles) have their own way of showing stress after a storm.
Keep an eye out for:
- Splits with sharp edges:
Caused by the sudden impact of hail.
- Brown/orange discoloration:
Fresh splits will look newer than the surrounding wood.
- Impact marks or dents:
Especially if the shakes are older or drier.
- Loose or missing pieces:
Wood can break off entirely if the hail was big enough.
What Hail Damage Looks Like on Slate Roofs?
Signs to watch for:
- Cracked or broken tiles:
These might be clean breaks or jagged ones.
- Punctures:
In rare cases, very large hailstones can punch through.
- Chips at the edges:
Tiny, almost unnoticeable chips can lead to bigger issues over time.
- Dislodged tiles:
A strong storm might have shifted some pieces out of place.
Remember, Not All Hail Damage is Serious or Obvious:
Yes, that is true. And sometimes hail storm roof damage take weeks or even months for the problems to surface—usually in the form of:
- Leaking inside your home
- Mold or water spots on ceilings
- Clogged gutters from granule loss
- Increased energy bills due to reduced insulation
Here are Some Signs to Look for:
Identifying hail damage to roof is no longer a difficult process. Look for these additional signs:
- Dented gutters or downspouts
- Damage to window screens
- Bruised siding or paint chips
- Cracked skylights
- Dings in your AC unit or outdoor furniture
What to Do If You Have a Hail Damaged Roof?
If you spot roofing hail damage after a storm, do not waste a single more minute and follow these steps immediately:
- Take photos of the damage
- Call a professional roofer
- Get documentation of the damage
- Contact your insurance company
- Don’t delay
Can You Inspect the Roof Yourself?
Well, you can. But, it’s best to leave that to the pros. After all, they have been doing for years and know what it takes to inspect the roof.
Most importantly, walking on your roof can be dangerous—especially if it’s wet or damaged. Therefore, we would recommend you to hire a certified roofing contractor who exactly knows what to do, what to look for and how to stay safe.
Final Thoughts:
After this detailed post, we are sure that now you have learned how to tell if your roof has hail damage and what to do if you suspect any minor or major damages.
Now is the time. If you’re dealing with a recent hailstorm—or just want peace of mind—don’t wait. Reach out to a trusted local roofer to assess your roof. A little prevention now can save you from big headaches later.