What Does Hail Damage Look Like on a Roof?
Hail damage on a roof often looks like a cracks, broken shingles, dents or even missing granules, which can lead to leaks affecting almost all roof type from shingles to metal. The tricky part is that hail damage can be visible, subtle, or even can be hidden under the roof surface.
This blog shows what hail damage commonly looks like on roof, explains what each sign means, and gives you a safe plan for what to do next.
Hail Damage on Roof
| Damage Type | How to Recognize | Explanation | Next Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cracks | Hairline fractures on roof, split edges, or broken tabs | Water intrusion and faster shingle failure | Schedule an inspection quickly |
| Fractured or broken shingles | Pieces broken or missing, visibly damaged shingles | Exposed underlayment and higher leak risk | Inspect promptly, especially after hail |
| Dents | Dents on shingles, vents, flashing, or AC units | Granule loss and weakened waterproofing; indicates hail severity | Get a professional inspection to assess hail damage |
| Granule loss | Scraped or bare areas where granules are missing | UV/weather protection reduced, leak and wear risk increased | Repair or replace affected shingles soon |
Functional vs Cosmetic damage
Functional damage: reduces waterproofing, creates leak risk, weakens the roof system.
Cosmetic damage: changes appearance but may not affect performance immediately (more common on metal, depending on severity).
Why this matters: Insurance decisions and repair urgency often depend on whether damage is functional
How to identify Hail Damage to Roofs?
Hail damage roof signs include cracks in shingles, fractured/broken shingles, dents or impact marks on roofing surfaces and vents, and loss of protective granules.
If you suspect hail damage, it’s safest to schedule a professional inspection because many functional damages are hard to confirm from the ground.
A RoofClaim pro will evaluate your roof and review the findings in a comprehensive analysis. During their analysis they will be able to recommend the next steps to keep your roof secured. Next steps can range from no repairs necessary, minor roof repairs, or a full roof replacement.
What happens when you have Hail Damage Roof?
The damage mentioned above can easily result in water leakage inside your home, which is why it’s important to get an inspection any time there’s hail in your area.
The dents and the loss of protective granules on your roof shingles may leave a small hole and inevitably expand if left neglected. Aside from that, roof hail damage such as fractured or broken shingles will eventually make the shingle fall off entirely.
Hail Damage Inspection
At RoofClaim, you can claim free roof inspection after hail storm. In-spite of waiting for the possible signs get your roof inspected and save $1000s, before the small dent turns in costly replacement.
What to do after a hailstorm
| Action | Details |
|---|---|
| Stay away from the roof | For safety—don’t climb or walk on the roof yourself. |
| Take pictures from the ground | Capture vents, gutters, downspouts, and siding if visible. |
| Check ceilings for leaks | Look for stains or discoloration in the attic or on ceilings. |
| Schedule a professional roof inspection | Hire a qualified roofer to inspect your roof thoroughly. |
Hail Damaged Roof Repair
Hail Roof Damage Repair Process
If your roof has been damaged by hail, first, schedule a roof inspection with a local roofing company near you (a certified roofing expert will determine whether you need a roof repair or a full roof replacement). Next, work with a trusted roofing company that specializes in roof insurance claims, such as RoofClaim, to help you file your claim properly. Once approved, a professional roofing contractor will complete the repair or replacement to restore your roof and protect your home.
We wrote a very useful article that you should check out answering the question, Should I Repair or Replace My Roof? Aside from reading that, your best bet is to schedule a free roof inspection. Once we see the condition of your roof, we can advise you on exactly what to do. RoofClaim helps clients across the United States repair or replace their roofs after hail damage every year.
Will Insurance Cover Hail Damage?
Yes, most homeowners insurance policies cover hail damage, but it’s advisable to have your roof inspected first. Once you have your roof inspection completed gather the knowledge to file an insurance claim if it is necessary. Please read our guide on how to file an insurance claim so you know exactly what steps to take.
FAQ Hail Damage
Q. What size hail can damage a roof?
Hail of more than 1 inches can potentially damage the roof.
Q. Should I get my roof inspected after hail storm?
Definitely Yes. After every hail storm, opt for free roof inspection from RoofClaim to make your roof safe.
Q. How to inspect a roof for hail damage after hail storm?
Look for potential dents, cracks on the roof and also check the ceiling for leaks if any.
Q. Can small hails damage a roof?
Yes, even small hails can damage the roof. So get your roof inspected.
Q. What is the average insurance payout for hail damage roof?
There’s not an average payout amount, it depends on the size of the house and the location and other factors with the roof
The Bottom Line
Storms producing hail are common in the United States. Depending on the size of the and velocity of the wind at the time of the hail storm your roof could be cosmetically or structurally damaged.
Hail damage may start with a few dents and discoloration and may seem unnoticeable at first. However, many of the most serious issues are only visible to professional roof inspectors. Have your roof inspected for free as soon as possible from the top hail damage roofer(RoofClaim).
