Hail Roof Damage? Here’s What You Need to Do

When hail hits your home, the damage can sneak up on you. Some signs are obvious, like dented gutters or cracked windows. Others? Not so much. Shingles might look fine but be hiding bruises or cracks that lead to leaks weeks later. So, what should you actually do when a hailstorm rolls through and your roof’s taken the hit?

Key Takeaways

• Inspect gutters and downspouts for dents or clogging.
• Look for granule loss, cracked shingles, and exposed mats.
• Even small hail can cause big problems.
• Call for a professional inspection, even if damage looks minor.
• File an insurance claim as soon as possible.

Start with a Visual Check

First things first—go outside once it’s safe. Take a slow walk around your house. Look up at the roof if you can do so safely, and check anything visible from the ground. Dented gutters, displaced shingles, or bald spots on your roof are red flags. Don’t forget the siding, windows, and deck. If they’re damaged, your roof probably is too.

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What Hail Actually Does to a Roof

Not all hailstorms are the same. Some bring small pebbles of ice; others drop golf-ball-sized missiles. Hail damage depends on size, wind speed, and your roof’s material and age. The damage might be cosmetic at first—small dents or chipped shingles—but that doesn’t mean it’s harmless.

Asphalt shingles can lose granules, exposing the asphalt underneath. This speeds up aging. High-speed impacts can crack shingles or even expose or fracture the fiberglass mat underneath. In some cases, hail can weaken the seal strip that holds shingles in place, which means they’re more likely to blow off in the next storm.

What It Looks Like

So how do you know if your roof’s in trouble? It’s not always obvious. Signs include:

• Bald patches where granules washed off
• Dented metal flashing or gutters
• Dark spots on shingles (these are bruises)
• Cracked or lifted shingles

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And remember, different roofing materials respond differently. Clay or concrete can crack or shatter. Metal roofs may dent. If your roof uses metal tile roofing, check for surface dents or impact marks.

How Small is “Too Small” to Worry?

You’d think hail has to be big to do real damage. But that’s not the case. Even 1-inch hail can dislodge granules or cause bruising, especially with strong winds. Three-quarter-inch hail can damage vinyl siding and paint, while 1.25-inch hail can puncture soft roofing areas.

Once hail hits the 2-inch mark, we’re talking serious destruction—ripped siding, broken vents, cracked windows, and roof punctures. But again, even small hail can weaken your roof. And those “minor” hits often don’t show up until you spot a leak during the next rain.

Common Signs You Missed Something

Did your gutters overflow after the storm? That might mean granules from your shingles were knocked off and clogged the system. Got dents on your metal fixtures or siding? Your shingles probably took a hit too. If you notice any of these issues, it’s worth calling for a proper roof inspection.

Roof damage can stay hidden until it becomes a bigger issue. This is why spotting early signs of roof damage matters. Waiting might cost you more down the road.

What to Do Right Away

Once you’ve done your initial walkaround, take photos. Document anything that looks off. Then call a trusted roofer. Don’t climb on the roof yourself—leave that to the pros. Look for local roofing contractors with storm damage experience. They’ll know what to look for and can give you an honest take on how bad it is.

If damage is confirmed, your next call should be to your insurance company. Most home insurance policies cover hail damage, but you usually have a limited window to file a claim. Some policies only give you a year. So don’t wait.

The Inspection: What Pros Look For

Professional roofers have an eye for damage you might miss. They’ll check for bruising, lifted shingles, exposed underlayment, and seal strip failures. Even if the damage is minor, they’ll spot whether it’ll get worse and help you decide if repairs are enough—or if getting a new roof makes more sense.

They’ll also assess whether the damage is functional (which affects your roof’s performance) or cosmetic (which might still qualify for a claim if it reduces the roof’s value).

Don’t Ignore It

It’s easy to delay roof repairs, especially when everything seems “fine.” But minor damage can lead to major problems. Moisture gets in, insulation gets wet, mold spreads, and eventually you’re looking at wood rot or electrical issues. What starts as a few dents could turn into a ceiling leak or warped drywall.

Can Hail Damage Be Repaired?

Yes, and often more affordably than a full roof replacement. If just a few shingles were hit, targeted repairs might do the job. But if the hailstorm was intense or your roof was already aging, a full replacement might be the safer call. A professional inspection will give you a clear plan.

Also keep in mind: patched areas might still be visible. If appearance matters, especially for resale, you’ll want to weigh that against doing a full replacement.

When Insurance Gets Involved

Your homeowner’s policy likely covers hail roof damage, but not all coverage is the same. Some policies cover full replacement cost. Others account for depreciation. If your roof is old, you might only get partial reimbursement.

That’s why documentation matters. Save every receipt, photo, and report. And get estimates from licensed contractors, not just one. You’ll want options when you talk to your insurer.

A Note on Filing Timelines

You typically have up to 12 months to file a claim, but some carriers vary. File as soon as you can. That gives you time to get inspections, submit quotes, and appeal if needed. Waiting increases the risk of denial—especially if another storm hits in the meantime.

Final Steps

Once the claim’s filed and work begins, try to be home for key repair days. Walk through the scope of work with your contractor. Ask questions. Make sure the materials match what’s on your policy. And get everything in writing.

Don’t Wait for the Next Storm

Roof damage won’t fix itself. And it doesn’t take a huge storm to cause long-term issues. A quick inspection, even after light hail, can save you from months of stress and thousands in repairs.

Need help figuring out what to do next? Wescon Construction’s roofing repair team is ready to guide you through it all—from inspection to repairs and everything in between.

Conclusion

Hail doesn’t have to leave you stuck. Act fast, call a pro, and take photos. Minor dings can turn into major leaks if ignored. But with the right info and the right help, you’ll be back to normal before the next storm rolls in.