🌨️ How Hail Damage Affects Your Roof and What to Do Immediately

paolacastro96
1 day ago
3 min read

Updated: 14 minutes ago

Hailstorms can strike fast—and your roof often takes the hardest hit. Even if the damage isn’t obvious from the ground, hail can weaken shingles, expose your home to leaks, and lead to costly repairs if ignored. Understanding how hail affects your roof and what steps to take right away can help you protect your home and save thousands.

Let’s break it down.

🌧️ How Hail Damages Your Roof

Hail impacts roofs differently depending on the size of the stones, wind speed, roof age, and roofing material. Here’s what typically happens:

1. Shingle Bruising and Granule Loss

Hailstones often knock off the protective granules that cover asphalt shingles.These granules protect your roof from:

UV rays
Heat exposure
Water intrusion

When granules are missing, shingles age much faster, and leaks may follow.

2. Cracked, Split, or Broken Shingles

Larger hailstones can crack shingles completely.This kind of damage leads to:

Exposed underlayment
Water penetration
Weak spots where new leaks form

These cracks may not be visible from the ground—making a professional inspection essential.

3. Damage to Flashing, Gutters, and Vents

Hail doesn’t just hit shingles. It can dent:

Metal vents
Flashing
Gutters
Skylights

If the components directing water off your roof are damaged, you can end up with unexpected water pooling and long-term structural issues.

4. Roof Deck Impact

Severe hail can cause deeper dents that affect the wood decking beneath your shingles.This can lead to:

Soft spots
Hidden leaks
Sagging roof areas

Even if shingles look fine, the underlying structure may not be.

⚠️ Why Ignoring Hail Damage Is Dangerous

Hail damage doesn’t always cause immediate leaks. But over time, weakened shingles allow water to penetrate slowly, causing:

Mold growth
Rotting wood
Interior water stains
Expensive structural repairs

Insurance claims may also be denied if damage isn’t reported promptly.

📌 What to Do Immediately After a Hailstorm

Acting fast can prevent bigger issues later.

1. Check for Obvious Exterior Damage

From the ground (never climb up if unsure), look for:

Missing shingles
Roof debris in the yard
Dented gutters or downspouts
Damaged siding or window screens

Visible exterior damage usually means the roof has been hit as well.

2. Take Clear Photos & Document the Storm

Take pictures of:

Hailstones (next to a coin for size reference)
Damage to gutters, siding, or deck
Any visible roof damage

This helps support insurance claims.

3. Avoid Fixing Anything Yourself

DIY repairs can:

Make damage worse
Void warranties
Compromise your insurance claim

Always wait for a professional inspection.

4. Contact Our Professional Roofing Team ASAP

Even if the damage isn’t obvious, you should always schedule a hail damage inspection with our roofing experts. Hail damage is often subtle but serious, and our team knows exactly what to look for—from hidden bruising to structural issues that homeowners and even adjusters often miss.

Reach out to us right away, and we’ll inspect your roof, document any damage, and guide you through the next steps to protect your home.

5. File an Insurance Claim (If Applicable)

If the storm caused significant damage, filing an insurance claim may help cover repairs—or even a full roof replacement. Working with a roofing contractor who understands the insurance process can make a big difference.

As insurance claim experts, our team can:

Assist with all documentation, including photos, measurements, and written reports
Identify damage that insurance typically covers, even the hard-to-spot issues
Meet with your insurance adjuster on-site to make sure nothing is missed or overlooked

Partnering with professionals who understand the claims process can greatly increase the accuracy of your assessment and help you receive the coverage you deserve.

🛠️ Why Professional Inspection Is Crucial

Hail damage can be almost invisible to the untrained eye—especially on:

Dark shingles
Steep roofs
Architectural shingles

A roofing expert knows how to identify:

Soft spots
Bruised shingles
Underlayment exposure
Hidden leaks
Impact dents the adjuster might miss

📞 What You Should Do Next

If your area recently had a hailstorm, don’t wait for a leak to appear.

Schedule a free, professional roof inspection with our team.We’ll check every section of your roof, document damage, and guide you through the insurance process if needed.

Our experts provide: