Did you ever hear weird banging sounds on your roof during a storm and wonder if those ice balls left any damage? Hail can hurt your roof, but the signs aren’t always easy to spot from the ground.
According to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, there were over 4,600 hailstorms in a recent year, and these storms can shred roof coverings and lead to costly water damage inside your home. Let’s uncover what does hail damage look like on a roof​ and how to spot these problems before they become leaks and bigger headaches.
The Telltale Signs of Hail Damage on Your Roof
Hail damage doesn’t look the same on every roof. The damage depends on how big the hail was, how fast it fell, which way the wind blew, and what your roof is made of. But there are some common signs to look for after a hailstorm hits your area.
Asphalt Shingle Damage
Most homes in the US have asphalt shingle roofs. When hail hits these shingles, it can cause:
- Dark spots or bruises where the hail hit and knocked off the protective granules.
- Dents or dimples that feel soft when you touch them (like a bruise on an apple).
- Exposed black substrate where the granules are completely knocked off.
- Cracks or tears running through the shingles.
- Shiny spots where the asphalt is freshly exposed.
The bigger the hail, the easier it is to spot the damage. Golf ball-sized hail (about 1 inch) or larger will leave clear dents. But even smaller hail can damage your roof by knocking off those important protective granules.
Metal Roof Damage
Metal roofs show hail damage differently:
- Visible dents or dings that look like someone hammered small dimples into the metal.
- Dented ridge caps (the parts covering the peaks of your roof).
- Scratched or damaged paint that could lead to rust later.
- Dislodged panels if the impacts were severe.
“Roof damage from hail, wind, and debris are inevitable. We will act fast to limit the damage and get your roof sealed tight,” states DLV Roofing, which serves areas prone to severe storms like Austin, TX, where hail as large as tennis balls has been reported.
Tile and Slate Roof Damage
Clay, concrete, or slate tiles can show these signs after hail:
- Cracks or chips in the tiles that look like broken pottery.
- Missing pieces or completely broken tiles.
- Star-shaped or spider cracks spreading from the impact point.
- Tiles that have shifted out of place.
Wood Shake Roof Damage
Wood shakes and shingles face unique problems from hail:
- Splits or cracks running along the grain of the wood.
- Dents or gouges on the surface.
- Missing chunks or corners broken off.
- Dark spots where the hail hit.
How to Check for Hail Damage on Different Parts of Your Roof
What does hail damage look like on a roof​ when you’re checking it thoroughly? Look beyond just the roofing material. A complete check includes examining the following:
Roof Accessories and Features
- Vents and Pipes: Metal vents and pipe boots often show dents or dings before shingles do.
- Flashing: Check metal flashing around chimneys and valleys for dents.
- Gutters and Downspouts: Look for dents or dings in the metal.
- Skylights: Examine for cracks or dents in the frames.
At DLV Roofing, our roof inspection checklist includes checking for “hail damage (dents, cracked shingles)” as part of a complete storm damage assessment. This careful approach helps catch problems before they lead to leaks.
Surrounding Areas
Before climbing up on your roof, look for these clues:
- Dents on air conditioners or outdoor units.
- Damage to siding, window screens, or window sills.
- Dents on metal patio furniture or mailboxes.
- Damaged plants, flowers, or trees.
Finding these signs might mean your roof took a hit, too.
Common Patterns of Hail Damage
When inspecting your roof for hail damage, keep these patterns in mind:
- Random damage spots with no clear pattern (unlike regular wear and tear).
- Concentrated damage on slopes facing the direction the storm came from.
- Clean, fresh-looking impacts rather than weathered damage.
- Multiple hits in a small area.
“Severe weather may cause unexpected damage to your roof. Whether it’s wind lifting roof shingles, hail puncturing the roof surface, or tree limbs falling and causing structural damage, DLV Roofing can repair and restore your roof to its original state,” our experts explain.
How to Tell Hail Damage from Other Roof Problems
Is what you’re seeing hail damage or something else? Here’s how to spot the difference:
Hail Damage vs. Regular Wear and Tear
- Hail damage: Random pattern of dents or bruises with sharp edges.
- Normal wear: Even pattern of deterioration across large areas.
Hail Damage vs. Manufacturing Defects
- Hail damage: Random spots with missing granules and bruising.
- Manufacturing defects: Problems that follow a pattern or appear in lines.
Hail Damage vs. Installation Issues
- Hail damage: Impacts visible on multiple roof elements (vents, shingles, gutters).
- Installation issues: Problems that follow straight lines or appear in specific patterns.
What to Do if You Spot Hail Damage on Your Roof
If you think your roof has hail damage, follow these steps:
- Document everything: Take clear photos of the damage right away.
- Check when the storm happened: Write down the date for your insurance claim.
- Look at your insurance policy: Understand what’s covered before you call.
- Contact a trusted roofer: Get a professional inspection from a company like DLV Roofing.
- File an insurance claim if needed: Use your photos and the roofer’s report.
“Regular inspections and maintenance are the best ways to ensure the longevity of your roof. DLV Roofing provides thorough inspections and preventative maintenance to keep your roof in top condition,” says our team.
Why Quick Action Matters with Hail Damage
Hail damage isn’t just about looks. Even small dents can cause big problems later:
- Water leaks: Damaged spots let water seep in slowly.
- Shortened roof life: Hail impacts weaken your roof even if they don’t cause immediate leaks.
- Worse damage over time: Small problems grow into big ones with more rain and sun.
For areas like Dallas-Fort Worth that see frequent severe weather, our 24-hour emergency services ensure that “roof emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours, and neither do we.” This quick response helps prevent small hail damage from turning into major problems.
When to Call the Professionals
While you can spot some hail damage yourself, a professional roofer has the training to find all the damage. Call the experts at DLV Roofing when:
- You see multiple signs of damage after a hailstorm.
- Your roof is more than 5 years old.
- You notice water stains on your ceiling after a storm.
- Your neighbors are getting their roofs checked or replaced.
- You want peace of mind that your home is protected.
After severe storms like those experienced in Austin, having a professional evaluation can help identify damage that might not be apparent to the untrained eye.
Making Your Roof More Resistant to Hail
Want to protect your roof better? Consider these options when it’s time for a roof replacement:
- Impact-resistant shingles: These special shingles can stand up to hail better.
- Metal roofing: This material can take hail hits without as much damage.
- Regular maintenance: Keeping your roof in good shape helps it weather storms.
“With over 200 years of combined experience,” DLV Roofing has the expertise to help you choose the right materials for your area’s weather patterns.
Know Your Roof and Watch for Damage
Now you know what hail damage looks like on a roof! Those small ice balls can leave lasting marks that might not leak immediately but can shorten your roof’s life. After any hailstorm, check your roof or call DLV Roofing for a free, professional inspection.
Our team serves communities across Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Indiana, and Tennessee with expert roofing services. We understand the local weather patterns and how they affect your roof. When hail strikes, don’t wait – act quickly to protect your biggest investment.
Need a professional to check for hail damage on your roof? Contact DLV Roofing today for a free, no-obligation inspection. Our experts will find any damage and help you understand your repair options. Your home deserves the best protection possible!
