What Does Hail Damage Look Like on a Roof?

Hailstorms are a regular threat in North Alabama, and the damage they leave behind isn't always obvious. Unlike a tree falling on your roof or shingles blown off by wind, hail damage can be subtle—sometimes invisible from the ground—yet it can significantly shorten your roof's lifespan and lead to leaks months or years later. Understanding what hail damage looks like can help you know when to call for an inspection and protect your investment.

Why Hail Damage Matters

When hail strikes your roof, it damages the protective granule layer on asphalt shingles. These granules aren't just for appearance—they protect the underlying asphalt from UV degradation and provide fire resistance. When granules are knocked loose, the exposed asphalt deteriorates much faster.

Hail damage is cumulative. Even if your roof doesn't leak immediately after a storm, the damaged areas are now weak points that will fail sooner than the rest of the roof. This is why insurance companies cover hail damage even when there's no immediate leak—they understand that compromised shingles will eventually fail.

Signs of Hail Damage on Asphalt Shingles

Hail damage on asphalt shingles can be tricky to identify. Here's what trained inspectors look for:

Granule Loss: Dark spots or "bruises" on shingles where the granules have been knocked off. The underlying asphalt is darker than the granule-covered surface.

Random Pattern: Unlike wear damage that follows patterns (around edges, in valleys), hail damage appears randomly across the roof, wherever hailstones struck.

Soft Spots: When you press on a hail-damaged area, it may feel soft or spongy because the shingle's mat has been compressed or fractured by impact.

Exposed Fiberglass Mat: In severe cases, you might see the black fiberglass mat under the granule layer exposed.

Cracks or Fractures: On older or brittle shingles, hail can cause visible cracking.

Other Signs of Hail Damage to Check

Don't just look at the shingles. Other parts of your property can provide evidence of hail:

Metal Components: Gutters, downspouts, vents, flashing, and chimney caps often show obvious dents from hail. These are easier to spot than shingle damage and indicate your shingles likely took hits too.

Siding and Trim: Dents or holes in aluminum or vinyl siding, damage to window screens or frames.

Air Conditioning Units: The fins on outdoor AC units dent easily from hail.

Decks and Patio Furniture: Check for impact marks on wood decks, patio furniture, and other outdoor surfaces.

Vehicles: If your car was outside during the storm, check for dents.

What to Do After a Hailstorm

Wait until conditions are safe: Don't rush onto your roof or property if there's still a risk of weather or falling debris.

Document everything: Take photos of any visible damage to your property, including dented gutters, damaged siding, or debris in your yard. Note the date and approximate hail size if you observed it.

Contact a professional: Hail damage is difficult to assess from the ground and requires training to properly identify. A professional inspection is essential.

File an insurance claim: If damage is found, you'll want to file a claim promptly. Most policies have time limits for filing.

Beware of storm chasers: After major hailstorms, out-of-town contractors flood the area. Stick with local, established companies like River City Roofing Solutions who will be here to stand behind their work.

The Importance of Professional Inspection

While you might see obvious damage like dented gutters, many homeowners can't tell whether their shingles have hail damage. That's why a professional inspection is crucial. Our trained inspectors know exactly what to look for and can document damage properly for insurance purposes.

We provide free hail damage inspections and will work directly with your insurance company to ensure all damage is properly documented and covered. Contact River City Roofing Solutions after any hailstorm for a thorough assessment.