What Does Hail Damage Look Like on a Roof & What Should You Do?

Hail damage to your roof is never fun.

What seems like some innocent ice balls raining down on your home can quickly become problematic for your roof’s shingles if the hail is over a specific size (usually 1/2 an inch or larger).

Large hail storms lead to dents on your roof, which might seem innocent, but these dents can require a roof repair or, in some cases, a new roof. However, don’t worry if you are unsure if you have hail damage to a roof! Today, we will help you understand when and when not to get help!

The Signs – Here is What Hail Damage Looks Like on a Roof:

The dark, ominous clouds and whipping wind can lead to roof damage in itself. When you through in hail storms to the mixture, your roof might need some TLC after the storm passes.

Hail damage can damage shingles to the point where the point of impact marks are soft to the touch, and you can feel the underlayment (felt) underneath. A certified roofing contractor can help you know, but how can you tell before calling someone?

Hail Damage to Asphalt Shingles:

The signs of roof hail damage are as follows:

• Dark black dots/holes scattered around your roof. Note this can be harder to see on black shingles but still is noticeable.
• Siding holes/damage. If you have siding damage from hail, you most likely have damage to your roof.
• Shiny spots or dark spots with no discernable pattern. Hail damage fails to follow a pattern. The spots are often noticeable on roof shingles up close, but you can sometimes see them from the ground. Pro tip – use binoculars!
• Roof granule loss. If you notice at the end of your gutters and downspouts granules, this can mean you have a hail-damaged roof or an older roof.
• Other roof issues. If you don’t have hail damage, a hail storm usually means another storm damage is possible. When the hail hits and leaves a mark, it is accompanied by strong wind gusts. Roof vents and other roofing materials can be damaged by inclement weather. Hail impacts the entire home, and because of hail, it is why so many homes will use vinyl siding instead of aluminum.

Hail damage to your metal roof or wood shingles can look similar but with more splits for wood shingles and more dents for metal roofs (though rare). Hail roof damage can impact all types of roof materials!

What to do if you have hail damage on your roof:

Now that you know what hail damage to your roof looks like, the next step is to determine if you truly have roof damage from a hail storm.

1. Get a roof inspection.

If a hail storm moves through your area and the hail balls are 1/2 inch in size or greater, AND you suspect damage, you can contact a roofing contractor for a free roof inspection. Roof hail damage can lead to other issues, so you want to handle it quickly.

2. Contact insurance

Your insurance company should cover hail damage to your roof. You can call your insurance company or review your homeowner’s documents if unsure. A professional roofing contractor can also help you navigate your insurance company. Each insurance company is different, so depending on the severity of your roof damage, you could get some repairs to a replacement.

If the roofing company you have suspected the roof damage is severe enough to either get a significant roofing repair or a new roof, you will need to file an insurance claim. Also, at any point, if you are unsure of the damage, don’t hesitate to get a second opinion. The insurance company should send out a claims adjuster to help with the final say. They will determine what the ultimate course of action is.

Note: If your roof only needs repairs, you might not want to submit a claim. If your deductible is $500 or $1,000 and the repair is right around the same price point, the repair costs are sometimes better to come out of pocket. A new roof replacement cost can go over $10,000, so most people will submit a claim if they need a new roof.

How insurance claims work:

Insurance will give you either the Actual Cash Value of your roof or the Replacement Cost Value. Here is what this means:

• Actual Cash Value (ACV) is the depreciated value of your roof. If your roof is valued at “$3,000,” you would receive $3,000 and cover the rest of the roof costs on your own. Essentially, your insurance company would only send you a check for the prorated value.
• Replacement Cost Value (RCV) is the best, so hopefully, you have this, but after your deductible, your insurance will pay for the cost of your roof replacement.

3. Get your roof replaced or repaired:

Roof repairs are usually quick and simple, but so is a replacement. Once roofing materials are ordered, and they arrive, your roof can be fixed in hours. How much hail damage will determine the scope of the repairs/full roof replacement.

Believe it or not, replacing an entire roof only takes a few hours!

6 Frequently Asked Hail & Roof Questions:

Below are some of the frequently asked questions we get regarding hail damage to your roof!

1. How big does hail have to be to damage your roof?

Half an inch hail or bigger (.05 inch hail) can cause damage to your roofing system, requiring insurance claims or repairs.

2. Does the homeowner’s insurance cover hail damage?

While each policy varies from homeowner to homeowner, most homeowner’s insurance companies will cover hail damage to your roof. How much hail damage determines the best way to fix your shingles and you will get an actual cash value check or a replacement cost value check.

3. How do I know if my roof has been damaged by hail?

Signs of hail damage are apparent when you are on top of your roof, but we don’t recommend getting on top of your roof! Dents and dark marks are the main culprits for hail damage.

4. How does the insurance claim process work?

The insurance company you use will ultimately determine how your claim process goes, but generally, when it comes to damage from hail, the process is simple.

You first have your roof inspected for cosmetic damage and potentially unseen damage. After determining you have hail damage, you can submit a claim with your insurance. Insurance will send out an adjuster to determine whether you need an entire roof replacement or a repair.

In most cases, you will get a check for your insurance claim, and then you use that to pay for your repair/replacement. The check will be either an ACV Actual Cash Value or Replacement Cost Value – your insurer determines this.

5. Can hail damage be repaired?

Yes, property owners can fix minor damage with simple repairs. Call a roofing contractor to see if it is better to fix your issues or replace your shingles. Instances of severe damage will lead to numerous issues, so don’t wait around!

6. Is roof hail damage covered by insurance?

If you must replace your whole roof because of hail damage, it is best to see if your insurance will cover the costs. Your homeowner’s policy will send out an insurance adjuster to assess the damage and determine what is the best course of action. Ultimately, it will come down to your budget but also the shingle damage.