How to Spot Hail Damage on Your Roof

Hailstorms can be strong and destructive, wreaking havoc on everything from your yard to your home. One of the most vulnerable areas of your home is the roof, and it’s important to inspect it for damage after a significant hailstorm. If left unchecked, hail damage can lead to leaks, mold growth, and even structural issues. But how do you know if your roof has hail damage after a storm? Let’s explore signs of hail damage to your roof, how to spot hail damage, and what to do next.

When a hailstorm rolls through, it can leave a lasting mark on your home’s roof. Large chunks of hail can dent, crack, or even puncture your roof. While it may seem like minor cosmetic damage, too much damage from hail can end up weakening the integrity of your roof. These are some of the most common signs of hail damage:

  • Dented Shingles: If you have asphalt shingles, look for dents or pockmarks that can weaken the shingles and negatively impact their ability to shed water properly.
  • Cracked Shingles: The impact of hail can cause shingles to crack or break apart, which can leave the underlying roof structure exposed to the elements.
  • Damaged Roof Vents and Flashing: Roofing structures, including metal roof vents, flashing, and even chimney caps can get dented or bent from hail.

Hail damage to your roof can vary based on the type of roofing material, the size of the hail, and the length of the storm. Some areas of the roof are also more prone to damage than others. Here’s what you need to know about common areas where hail damage can occur.

  • Asphalt Shingles: These types of shingles can show dents, bruising, or granule loss after a hailstorm.
  • Metal Roofs: While metal roofing is highly durable, hailstones can still leave visible dents.
  • Roof Vents and Skylights: Metal roof vents and skylights are other common areas that can be damaged by hail. Look for cracked skylight glass or dented vents.
  • Siding and Gutters: Don’t forget to check the siding, gutters, and downspouts around your home. Dented gutters and cracked siding are common after hailstorms.

After a major storm, it’s important to inspect your roof for damage from strong winds, rain, and even hail. However, climbing onto your roof can be dangerous, so it’s important to use extreme caution or, better yet, hire a professional roofing contractor. Here are 4 things to check when doing a visual inspection of your roof for hail and storm damage:

  1. Check the Ground: Before climbing up a ladder, look around your property for any obvious signs of damage. If you notice gutters, siding, or air conditioning units are dented from hail, this can make it more likely that there’s roof damage, too.
  2. Inspect the Gutters & Downspouts: Check for dents and granules in the gutters and downspouts. Hailstorms often knock off granules from asphalt shingles, which can build up in the gutters.
  3. Check the Roof Surface: If you can get to a safe vantage point, look for visible damage on your roof. This can appear as dented shingles, cracked roofing tiles, or even signs of missing roof materials.
  4. Check for Leaks Indoors: It’s also important to check inside your home for water stains or moisture on the ceiling, especially in the attic. This could be a sign that the hail damage has caused a roof leak.

If you think there’s hail damage on your roof, you’ll want to act quickly to avoid further problems. Here’s what to do:

  • Document the Damage: Take photos of all visible damage, including close-ups of affected areas like shingles, gutters, or skylights to help when filing insurance claims.
  • Contact Your Insurance Company: Once you’ve documented the damage, contact your insurance company to start the claims process. Insurance companies will often send an adjuster to inspect the roof and assess the damage. Be sure to provide them with your photos and any notes from your inspection.
  • Hire a Roofing Contractor: After you’ve filed a claim, you’ll want to call in a professional roofing contractor with experience in handling storm damage and insurance claims for quality roof repairs or replacement.

Filing an insurance claim for hail damage can be stressful, but it’s an important step if your roof has been damaged. Most insurance companies have a time limit on when you can file a claim after storm damage occurs, which is why it’s important to file your claim as soon as possible to get proper coverage. After the insurance adjuster assesses your roof, you’ll get an estimate from a roofing contractor. They can give you a detailed breakdown of the cost of repairs or replacements and help guide you through the process. Once the claim is approved, schedule the necessary repairs or replacement with your roofing contractor.

While it’s helpful to inspect the roof for hail damage on your own, hiring a professional is essential to make sure that you don’t miss any hidden issues. Professional roofing contractors have the tools and experience to spot even the most subtle damage that could lead to bigger problems down the road. ProShield Roofing is your trusted partner in storm damage recovery for quality workmanship and dependable service for all your roofing needs.

At ProShield Roofing, we specialize in identifying and repairing all types of storm damage to your roof. Our expert team offers comprehensive roof inspections to help you assess the severity of the damage and support you through the insurance claims process. Whether your roof needs minor repairs or a full replacement, we’re here to make sure your home stays protected. Contact ProShield today for a professional roof inspection, and let us take the worry out of your roof repairs!