Is It Hail Damage?

1. Understand Your Risk

• Hail can occur in any strong thunderstorm, which means hail is a threat everywhere.
• Hail can damage roof coverings, siding, windows, fences, lawn furniture, and more.
• Hail damage to your roof covering can shorten its life and may require repair or replacement.

 

2. Check for Collateral Evidence

• Look for spatter marks or impact dents on items like A/C units, gutters, metal flashing, downspouts, or even patio furniture.
• Collateral damage confirms a hail event occurred, which helps distinguish hail damage from normal wear and tear.

 

3. Know What’s NOT Hail Damage (Beware of Look-Alikes)

If you see that some granules have come off your shingles, this doesn’t mean there is hail damage. Here are some examples of non-hail related granule loss:

• Granule loss along the edge of shingles (normal natural weathering)
• Uniform wear or discoloration
• Manufacturer defects
• Marks caused by installation, tools, man-made damage
• Granules can be knocked off by heavy rain.

4. Identify Hail Damage

After you’ve identified collateral damage and ruled out non-hail imperfections, look for these indicators of hail damage.

• Random pattern of impact marks on shingles.
• Bruising – soft spots you can feel when pressing on the shingle.
• Cracks or breaks in shingles where hail has struck.
• Ridge caps are especially vulnerable on an asphalt shingle roof.

5. What To Do After Identifying Hail Damage

• Call your insurance agent first to report suspected hail damage. They will explain coverage and the next steps.
• Make temporary repairs (like tarping exposed areas) to prevent further water damage.
• Hire a reputable roofing contractor:
  • Choose a licensed, bonded, and insured professional with a local address.
  • Get multiple estimates, never give in to high-pressure sales tactics.
  • Check if the roofer is a National Roof Contractors Association (NRCA) member or manufacturer certified.
  • Ensure the roofer obtains proper permits before starting if required by your jurisdiction.
• Beware of scams: Avoid unsolicited offers to inspect or repair your roof. Learn more from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).

6. Prevention in the Future

• If you are replacing your roof, choose shingles rated “Good” or “Excellent” in the IBHS Shingle Performance Ratings . 
• These products have been tested to UL 2218 or FM 4473 standards for hail resistance.