How do I know if my roof has hail damage?
Hail damage is often hard to see from the ground. Hail can crack the shingle underneath the surface and knock off the protective granules, and the roof may look normal for a while before it starts to leak. From the ground, you can check gutters, vents and other metal around your home for dents, which are a sign the roof was hit too.
What hail does to an asphalt shingle
An asphalt shingle has a fiberglass mat coated in asphalt and covered with granules. The granules protect the asphalt from the sun.
When hail hits hard enough, it can crack the mat and knock the granules loose. The shingle stays in place, so the damage is easy to miss. Over time, the exposed asphalt breaks down and the roof can start to leak.
Signs of hail damage you can check from the ground
Look for dents in your gutters, downspouts, roof vents and drip edge. Soft metal dents more easily than shingles, so dents are a good sign the roof was hit too.
You can also check your air conditioning unit, window screens, mailbox and fence for dents or marks.
After a rain, look at the bottom of your downspouts. A large amount of granules after a storm can be a sign of hail damage.
How big does hail have to be?
Hail about one inch across is often considered large enough to damage asphalt shingles. Older shingles can be damaged by smaller hail, and wind can make any hail more damaging.
If hail fell in your neighborhood, it is worth having your roof inspected.
Why you should not wait
Insurance policies have time limits for reporting damage, and the longer you wait, the harder it can be to show which storm caused it. Having your roof inspected soon after a storm gives you a record of the damage, even if you decide not to file a claim.
Related questions
Can I check the roof myself?
It is safest to stay off the roof. Walking on a hail-damaged roof can cause more damage and is a fall risk. A professional inspection is the better choice.
What does hail damage look like up close?
Usually a dark spot where the granules are missing, sometimes with a soft area you can feel when you press on it.
My neighbor got a new roof and I did not. Why?
Hail often hits at an angle, so one side of a home can take more damage than another. The age and condition of each roof also make a difference.
