Quick answer
Hail damage on a shingle roof shows up as round, dark spots where granules were knocked off, soft “bruises” that give under light pressure, cracked or broken shingles, and exposed fiberglass mat. From the ground, look for dents in gutters, downspouts, vents, and window screens, and fresh granules washing out of downspouts. A roofer should confirm damage on the roof before you file a claim.
Key takeaways
- Dents on gutters, vents, and screens are the easiest clue you can check from the ground.
- Hail damage often isn’t visible from the driveway but can still shorten a roof’s life or void its wind rating.
- Hail around 1 inch (quarter size) or larger can damage asphalt shingles.
- Document the date of the storm and get an inspection soon. Policies set deadlines for reporting damage.
North Alabama gets its share of hail, mostly in spring but sometimes through summer and fall storms. Hail damage is easy to miss because it rarely looks dramatic from the ground. Here’s how to spot the signs and what to do next.
What does hail damage look like on shingles?
On asphalt shingles, look for:
- Dark, round spots where the impact knocked granules off. They often look shiny or black compared to the rest of the shingle.
- Soft bruises. A hail hit can crush the shingle mat so it feels soft, like a bruise on an apple, when pressed lightly.
- Cracks and splits, especially on older, more brittle shingles.
- Exposed fiberglass mat showing through where the asphalt was broken.
- Random pattern. Hail damage is scattered across a slope. Worn spots from age tend to show up evenly or in lines.
Damage is usually worse on the side of the house that faced the storm.
What can you check safely from the ground?
You don’t need to get on the roof to find good clues. Walk around the house and check:
- Gutters and downspouts for dents and dings
- Roof vents, flashing, and other metal for dents
- Window screens and siding for holes, dents, or cracked vinyl
- Downspout outlets for a fresh pile of shingle granules
- Outdoor items like A/C units, mailboxes, grills, and car hoods for dents
- Soft wood like decks and fences for fresh dings
If you see damage on these softer items, there’s a good chance the roof was hit too.
Is hail damage different from normal wear?
Yes, and insurance adjusters look carefully at the difference. Normal aging includes general granule loss, curling, and cracking spread fairly evenly across the roof. Blistering from heat looks like small bubbles or pockmarks and can be confused with hail. Hail hits are typically random, roughly circular, and have fresh-looking edges. A trained inspector can tell them apart and document it with photos.
What should you do after a hailstorm?
- Write down the date and time of the storm. Your insurer will ask.
- Take photos of any dents and damage you can see from the ground.
- Check inside your attic and ceilings for new leaks or stains.
- Cover any active leaks. If water is getting in, a temporary tarp prevents further damage. See our emergency roofing and tarping service.
- Get a roof inspection before you file. A roofer can tell you whether the damage is likely to be covered, which helps you avoid filing a claim that gets denied.
- Contact your insurance company if damage is confirmed, and ask whether they’ll send an adjuster.
Watch out for storm chasers
After big hailstorms, out-of-town crews often go door to door. Be cautious of anyone who:
- Pressures you to sign a contract on the spot
- Offers to “cover” or waive your deductible
- Wants a large payment up front
- Doesn’t have a local address or can’t show an Alabama contractor license
A local roofer will still be around if a problem shows up after the work is done.
Get your roof checked after a storm
If you think your roof took hail, Boxwood offers free roof inspections and insurance claim help in Hartselle, Decatur, and across Morgan County. We document damage with photos, explain what we found, and if you file a claim, we can meet your adjuster on site. For what happens next, read does insurance cover roof damage?
Frequently asked questions
What size hail damages a roof?
Hail around 1 inch in diameter (about the size of a quarter) can damage asphalt shingles, especially older ones. Smaller hail can still damage brittle shingles, and wind-driven hail does more damage than hail falling straight down.
Does hail damage always cause a leak right away?
No. Hail often breaks the shingle’s granule layer or cracks the mat without causing an immediate leak. The exposed spots age faster, and leaks can show up months or years later. That’s why getting an inspection soon after the storm matters.
Should I climb on my roof to check for hail damage?
We don’t recommend it. Roofs are slippery, especially after a storm, and walking on damaged shingles can make the damage worse. Check what you can from the ground, then have a roofer inspect the roof itself.
How long do I have to file a hail damage claim?
It depends on your policy. Many insurers require you to report damage within a set time after the storm, often one year and sometimes less. Check your policy and don’t wait. It also gets harder to tie damage to a specific storm as time passes.
About the author
Jon Berry owns Boxwood Roofing & Restoration, a licensed, family-owned roofing contractor in Hartselle, AL, serving Morgan County homeowners since 2017.
