Hailstorms can leave you wondering if your roof survived unscathed—but not all damage is obvious. While some signs, like broken shingles or cracked tiles, are easy to spot, other damage can sneak by unnoticed until it’s too late. Knowing what to look for after a storm ensures that small issues don’t grow into major, expensive problems.
In this article, you’ll learn exactly what roofing hail damage looks like and how to inspect your roof for potential trouble. From dents and granule loss on asphalt shingles to cracks on tile or slate roofing, we’ll cover the most common signs of damage for different types of roofing materials. We’ll also discuss what to look for beyond the roof itself, such as dents in gutters or signs of water leaks inside your home, so you can make a thorough assessment.
What Happens to Your Roof During a Hailstorm?
Hailstorms don’t just bring noise—they can also cause serious damage to your roof. The extent of the damage depends on several factors, including the size of the hailstones, the type of roof you have, the age of your roof, and how strong the winds are during the storm.
Hailstone Sizes and Impact
Hailstones come in all sizes, from tiny pellets to enormous chunks of ice, and each size poses a different level of threat to your roof:
- Small Hail (Pea-Sized)These hailstones are usually less than ½ inch in diameter. While they may not always cause visible damage, they can still wear down the protective granules on asphalt shingles over time. If left unchecked, granule loss can lead to premature aging of your roof.
- Large Hail (Golf Ball-Sized or Larger)Hailstones around 1½ to 2 inches in diameter—or even larger—can leave deep dents, cracks, and punctures. These larger stones pose a higher risk of breaking tiles, denting metal panels, or damaging vents or skylights.
The type of roofing material you have plays a big role in how your roof holds up during a hailstorm:
- Asphalt shingles: Granule loss, dents, and bruising are common. Older or brittle shingles are more likely to crack.
- Metal roofs: Metal panels are highly durable but can dent when struck by large hailstones, especially along seams or ridges.
- Tile or slate roofing: While these materials are strong, they’re also more prone to cracking under heavy impact. Even smaller hailstones can chip or fracture tiles, especially if the tiles are older or already stressed.
Wind + Hail = Greater Risk
Wind can make a hailstorm even more dangerous by driving hailstones into your roof at higher speeds and from unexpected angles. Instead of falling straight down, wind-driven hail often strikes horizontally, which makes it more likely to find weak spots and cause uneven damage across your roof.
Some areas of your roof are more vulnerable to wind-driven hail:
- Edges and Ridges: These are high points where the roof is more exposed, making them prone to dents and cracks.
- Gutters and Downspouts: Hail can dent these components.
- Roof Accessories: Wind can push hail into vents, skylights, or chimney flashing, leading to dents, cracks, or water leaks.
The combination of hail size, roof type, and wind force determines how much damage your roof sustains. Even if damage isn’t immediately visible, subtle dents, cracks, or granule loss can compromise your roof’s long-term durability. That’s why it’s important to inspect your roof after every hailstorm—or call in a professional if you’re unsure.
Signs of Hail Damage on Different Roof Types
Not all hail damage looks the same, and the type of roof you have will determine the kind of damage you need to look for. In some cases, damage may be obvious, like cracked tiles or missing shingles. In other cases, it can be subtle—such as soft spots or dents that aren’t immediately visible.
1. Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material, but they are particularly vulnerable to hail damage. Here's what to watch for:
Dents, Bruises, or Soft Spots
- What it looks like: You might see dark spots where the protective granules have been driven into the fiberglass mat . These impact marks are often circular and vary in size.
- How to check: Visually inspect to see if there is a noticeable depression, if granules are missing or if they have been pressed into the mat. Then, gently press the area with your thumb. If the shingle feels soft or spongy, that’s a sign of bruising—an early indicator of future leaks.
Granule Loss
- What it looks like: The shingles may appear bare in places, with the black asphalt layer underneath exposed. This weakens the shingles and reduces their ability to repel water and UV damage.
- Additional signs: Granules often collect in gutters, downspouts, or at the base of downspout extensions after a storm. Finding excessive granules is a clear sign that hail has impacted your roof and/or that your roof is significantly aged (and therefore more vulnerable to impacts like hail).
Cracks or Splits
- What it looks like: Hailstones can crack or split shingles, especially if the shingles are aged or brittle. Look for visible cracks radiating outward from the point of impact.
- Why it matters: Even small splits can allow moisture to seep through, leading to water damage and mold inside your home.
2. Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is highly durable, but it’s not immune to hail damage. The signs of damage are usually cosmetic but can become more serious if ignored.
Dings or Dents
- What it looks like: Dents are typically shallow and easy to spot, especially on flat panels where hail impacts leave visible impressions.
- Where to look: Focus on ridges, seams, or panel edges, as these are areas where dents may be more concentrated.
Scratches in Paint Finish
- What it looks like: Hail can chip or scratch the protective paint layer on metal roofing. Even minor chips can expose the underlying metal to moisture and lead to rust over time.
- Why it matters: Although these scratches may seem like cosmetic damage, rust can weaken the integrity of the panels if left untreated. Early repairs can prevent corrosion and more expensive issues later on.
3. Tile or Slate Roofing
Tile and slate roofing materials are strong, but they can be vulnerable to impact damage from hail. Cracks, chips, and shifting tiles are common after a storm.
Chips, Cracks, or Broken Tiles
- What it looks like: Even small hailstones can cause chips or fractures on these materials, especially along the edges. Look for cracks that may have formed at the center or along the perimeter of each tile.
- Why it matters: Damaged tiles can leave your roof exposed to water infiltration, which may result in leaks if not repaired promptly.
Displacement
- What it looks like: Heavy hail impacts or strong winds can shift tiles out of place, leaving gaps that compromise the roof’s ability to shed water.
- Where to look: Pay attention to any uneven or misaligned tiles, as this is often a sign that hail or wind has displaced them.
Other Signs of Hail Damage Beyond the Roof
We don’t always recommend hopping on your roof and checking for damage yourself. For one, falling is a always a danger. For another, it can be hard for a non-professional to properly assess the damage.
Fortunately, the impact of a hailstorm leaves clues on other parts of your home and property. These additional signs can give you a better idea of whether your roof might have sustained damage. Checking these areas can help you confirm the need for a professional inspection.
Gutters and Downspouts
- What to look for: Inspect your gutters and downspouts for dents, warping, or misshapen sections. Hailstones often strike gutters with enough force to leave noticeable indentations, which can affect drainage.
- Granule buildup: If you notice granules collecting in your gutters or downspouts, it’s a sign that your shingles have taken a hit. Granule loss not only indicates roof damage but also means the shingles are less effective at protecting your home from water and UV exposure.
Window Frames and Screens
- Torn or punctured screens: Check your window screens for holes, tears, or other damage caused by hail. If the hailstones were strong enough to damage the screens, your roof may also have taken a beating.
- Dented window frames: Inspect the frames around windows and doors for dents or scratches. Metal or vinyl frames are especially vulnerable during hailstorms, and their condition can signal the need to inspect the roof for similar impact damage.
Siding and A/C Units
- Dented siding: If your home has metal or vinyl siding, hail can leave impact marks or dents along walls. Hail damage to siding often aligns with the direction of the wind, so pay close attention to areas most exposed during the storm.
- A/C unit damage: Outdoor air conditioning units, which typically have metal fins or grills, can also suffer from dents or bent fins after a hailstorm. If the storm was strong enough to damage your A/C unit, the roof could have experienced similar or worse damage.
What Happens If You Ignore Hail Damage on Your Roof?
Hail damage may not always be obvious right after a storm, but ignoring even minor signs can lead to significant problems over time. What might seem like a small issue—such as a soft spot on a shingle or a dented metal panel—can quickly escalate into costly repairs or even a full roof replacement. Understanding the consequences of leaving hail damage untreated will help you take proactive steps to protect your home.
Short-Term Issues: Leaks from Small Cracks or Missing Granules
Even minor hail damage can compromise your roof's ability to protect your home. Small cracks, bruised shingles, or granule loss might not cause immediate leaks, but they leave your roof vulnerable to water infiltration. Once moisture penetrates the roofing material, it can seep into your attic or walls, leading to the following short-term problems:
- Water stains on ceilings or walls: Dripping or water spots inside your home signal that moisture is getting through damaged areas on your roof.
- Drafts or temperature changes: Damaged roofing materials can affect insulation, making your home less energy-efficient and driving up utility bills.
Long-Term Problems
The longer you leave hail damage unaddressed, the more it weakens your roof and the structure beneath it. Here are some of the most serious long-term consequences:
Mold and Water Damage in the Attic or Walls
- Water seeping into your attic promotes the growth of mold and mildew, which can spread to insulation and interior walls. Mold is not only expensive to remediate but can also affect indoor air quality, causing respiratory issues for your family.
- Rotting wood: Moisture buildup from small leaks can cause the wooden decking beneath your roof to deteriorate, weakening the roof’s structure over time.
Premature Roof Failure
- Degraded shingles: Shingles with missing granules or small cracks continue to weaken, making your roof more prone to leaks with each passing storm.
- Structural compromise: If the decking or framing beneath the roof becomes damaged from repeated exposure to moisture, the entire roof may fail prematurely.
- Full roof replacement sooner than expected: While a well-maintained roof can last 20-30 years, untreated hail damage can shorten its lifespan, forcing you to replace it years ahead of schedule.
Insurance Complications
Ignoring hail damage can also lead to issues with your homeowner’s insurance. Many policies cover hail damage, but delaying action could leave you responsible for repairs.
- Missed claim deadlines: Most insurance companies have strict time limits for filing claims after a storm. If you wait too long to report damage, your claim could be denied.
- Out-of-pocket expenses: If the damage worsens over time and you didn’t file a claim promptly, insurance may not cover the full extent of repairs. You could end up paying for costly repairs or a full roof replacement yourself.
What to Do After Hail Damages Your Roof
After a hailstorm, you may wonder whether your roof needs simple repairs or a full replacement. The decision comes down to the extent of the damage, the condition of your roof, and whether repairs will sufficiently protect your home long-term. Here’s how to determine the best course of action and navigate the process smoothly, including tips on working with contractors and your insurance company.
Minor Damage: When a Simple Patch or Small Repairs Are Enough
If the hail damage is limited to specific areas or individual components, small repairs may be enough to restore your roof’s integrity.
- Examples of minor damage: Bruised or dented shingles: A small section of shingles may need replacing if only a few are affected.
Granule loss in isolated areas: If the bare spots are minimal and don’t expose the underlying asphalt, the damaged shingles may only need a patch.
Dented metal roofing: Cosmetic dents on metal panels or ridges often don’t affect the roof’s performance and can sometimes be repaired without replacement. - When repairs make sense: If your roof is fairly new (less than 10 years old) and the underlying structure is sound, repairs are usually a practical and cost-effective option.
Extensive Damage: How to Tell If You Need a Full Roof Replacement
In some cases, the damage from hail is too widespread to patch. Here are signs that your roof may need a complete replacement:
- Multiple damaged areas: If dents, bruises, or cracked shingles are spread across large sections, spot repairs won’t provide lasting protection.
- Severe granule loss: Widespread granule loss means your shingles no longer offer adequate protection from UV rays and water, increasing the risk of leaks and roof failure.
- Old roof with pre-existing wear: If your roof was already nearing the end of its lifespan (15+ years for asphalt shingles), the hail damage may accelerate the need for a full replacement.
- Compromised structural integrity: If water has already penetrated through damaged areas, leading to rotting wood or mold in the decking, a replacement will likely be necessary.
Tips for Choosing a Reputable Contractor
When deciding on repairs or a replacement, it’s essential to hire a contractor you can trust. Here are some tips for finding a reputable professional:
- Look for local contractors with good reviews: Choose companies with a strong local presence to avoid "storm chasers"—out-of-town contractors who follow storms and offer quick, low-quality fixes.
- Check for licensing and insurance: Make sure the contractor is licensed in your state and carries general liability and workers' compensation insurance.
- Request multiple estimates: Get at least 2-3 quotes to ensure you’re getting a fair price and a realistic timeline for repairs or replacement.
- Ask about warranties: A trustworthy contractor will offer warranties on both materials and labor, giving you peace of mind if something goes wrong down the line.
Insurance Claim Tips
Navigating insurance claims after hail damage can feel overwhelming, but following these steps will help ensure your claim is processed smoothly:
- Document everything with photos and videos:Take clear photos of all visible damage, including missing shingles, dents in gutters, and granule buildup in downspouts.
Capture damage to your home’s exterior, such as dents in siding or A/C units, to provide further evidence. - File your claim promptly:Most insurance policies have time limits for reporting damage after a storm. Filing your claim quickly helps you avoid delays or denial of coverage.
- Keep detailed records of all communication:Track phone calls, emails, and receipts to ensure you have everything in order if there are any disputes during the claims process.
For a comprehensive look at how to file a roof insurance claim, check out our complete guide to roof insurance claims.
The Upshot
Hailstorms can cause more damage than you might initially realize, and overlooking minor issues can lead to major problems over time. From dents in shingles to cracks in tiles, knowing what to look for and where to inspect can help you catch hail damage early. Addressing small issues right away can prevent water leaks, mold growth, and even premature roof failure.
Whether your roof needs a quick repair or a full replacement, working with a reputable contractor ensures the job is done right the first time. Don’t forget to document everything with photos and videos, and get a professional inspection if you plan to file an insurance claim—timely action is key to protecting both your home and your wallet.