Crack. Ping. Boom.
The sky opens, the hail comes crashing down — and just like that, your roof becomes the frontline defense against nature’s version of a dodgeball tournament.

After the storm clears, the sun peeks out, and you step outside to assess the aftermath. Your siding? Fine. Your car? Maybe a few dings. But your roof?

That’s where things get tricky.

Hail damage to a roof isn’t always obvious. In fact, many homeowners only discover problems weeks (or even months) later — when a tiny leak turns into a major headache.

In this blog post, we’ll show you:

• How hail actually damages a roof
• What size hail can cause serious issues
• The key signs of damage (even if your shingles look okay)
• How to inspect your roof like a pro
• What to do next (especially if you’re thinking “Insurance?”)

Let’s dive in and help you stay ahead of costly repairs and unexpected drips.

How Does Hail Damage a Roof?

You might assume only softball-sized hail can hurt your home, but in reality, much smaller stones can wreak havoc depending on several factors.

Here’s how hail causes damage:

• Impact Force: Hailstones can strike shingles hard enough to bruise or crack them.
• Granule Loss: Shingles are coated with granules that protect the asphalt underneath. Hail knocks these loose.
• Cracking and Splitting: Especially on older or brittle shingles, hail can create cracks that let water in.
• Weakened Seal Tabs: Even if you don’t lose shingles immediately, loosened adhesive can cause them to fly off in the next storm.

Fun Fact: A single hailstorm can reduce your roof’s life expectancy by 5–10 years — even if you don’t see immediate damage.

What Size Hail Damages Roofs?

Not all hail is created equal. The bigger it is, the more likely it is to cause problems — but even small stones can do damage under the right conditions.

Hail Size Damage Chart:

Other Factors That Affect Damage:

• Wind speed and direction
  
• Roof age and material
  
• Roof pitch (flatter roofs get hit harder)
  
• Hailstone hardness (some are icy missiles)
  

Internal Tip: Considering a roof upgrade? Check out our [Malarkey Shingles Review] to learn about hail-resistant options.

What Does Hail Damage Look Like on a Roof?

Hail damage doesn’t always look like giant holes or missing shingles. Often, it’s sneaky.

Signs of Hail Damage to Asphalt Shingles:

• Bruising: Press on a spot and feel a soft dent, like an apple with a bruise.
• Granule Loss: Exposed black asphalt, especially in circular spots.
• Cracks: Shingles may look fine but have hairline fractures.
• Edges Lifted: Especially on three-tab shingles after hail hits the seal strip.

Other Materials:

• Metal Roofs: Look for small dents — they’re usually visible but hard to feel.
• Wood Shakes: Splits or fractures, especially along the grain.
• Tile/Slate: Cracked or broken pieces are more obvious but no less dangerous.

Pro Tip: Damage is often random and spread out, but usually concentrated on one side of the roof — wherever the wind pushed the hail hardest.

How to Spot Roof Hail Damage From the Ground (And When to Climb)

You can spot hail damage without getting on your roof — and in most cases, you probably should stay grounded (unless you’re experienced or extremely confident).

Signs You Can See Without Climbing:

• Dents in gutters or downspouts
• Dings on your mailbox, AC unit, or car
• Shingle granules in your downspout or gutter runoff
• Torn window screens

If these are present, your roof may have taken some hits too.

When to Get on the Roof (Or Call a Pro):

• After a major storm with golf ball–sized hail
• When you see daylight in the attic
• If you’re preparing to file a roof insurance claim

Internal Link: Learn how to file a claim with our [Roof Damage Insurance Claim Process Guide].

Minor Hail Damage Roof – Still Worth Worrying About?

Short answer? Yes.

Even small hail damage can lead to:

• Slow leaks that cause mold or rot
• Insulation breakdown
  
• Energy inefficiency
  
• Roof warranty voids
  

Don’t fall for the “it’s just cosmetic” myth. Insurance adjusters know better — and so should you.

How to Identify Roof Hail Damage Like a Pro

DIY Inspection Tips:

• Look for uniformity: If one slope is worse than the others, hail might be the cause.
• Press gently on shingles: Feeling for “soft spots” is better than just looking.
• Use chalk on vents or metal flashing: It helps make dents visible.

Document everything — you’ll want photos from multiple angles if you file a claim.

What Professionals Look For:

• Repetitive impact patterns
• Exposed matting
• Flashing and ventilation system damage
• Moisture beneath surface layers using infrared or moisture meters

Pro Move: Have a roofing contractor inspect it before the insurance adjuster. It gives you leverage.

Why Is Hail Damage Bad for a Roof?

Let’s break this down:

• Moisture Intrusion: Tiny cracks become big leaks after enough rain or snow.
• Accelerated Aging: Damaged shingles lose their protective granules, meaning your roof deteriorates faster.
• Compromised Protection: A single weakened shingle can fail during the next windstorm.
• Cost Creep: Today’s “minor” damage can turn into tomorrow’s “full roof replacement.”

Choosing the Right Hail Damage Roofers

The aftermath of a storm brings out the roofing cowboys — out-of-town crews chasing insurance payouts.

What to Look For:

• Local presence and physical address
• Certified, insured, and bonded
• Great online reviews and Better Business Bureau rating
• Warranty on work performed
• Willingness to help with insurance claims

Avoid These Red Flags:

• High-pressure sales tactics
• Demands for full payment upfront
• No written estimate
• No license or proof of insurance

Internal Link Opportunity: Link to [Wind Damage Roof Shingles] — often co-occurs with hail issues.

FAQs About Hail Storm Roof Damage

How do I know if my roof has hail damage?

Look for bruises, granule loss, and soft spots on shingles. Can’t tell? Schedule an inspection.

Can small hail really damage a roof?

Yes. Especially on older shingles or low-slope roofs.

Will my insurance cover hail damage?

Usually, yes — if it’s reported promptly and properly documented.

Should I replace or repair my roof after hail damage?

It depends on the extent of damage. A pro inspection will tell you what makes sense financially.

How long do I have to file a hail damage claim?

Typically 1 year, but some policies require 6 months or less. Check your provider.

Final Thoughts: Hail Happens — Don’t Ignore It

Hail storms are part of life — especially in high-risk regions. But you don’t have to let them quietly wreck your roof.

Even if your shingles look fine, that doesn’t mean your roof escaped unharmed.

Check for signs. Schedule an inspection. Document everything.

You may be eligible for an insurance-funded repair — or a full roof replacement — with little or no out-of-pocket cost.

Don’t wait for the drip.

Book a professional hail damage roof inspection today and stay one step ahead of costly repairs.