How can I tell if my roof has hail damage?
Hail damage is often hard to see from the ground. Signs to look for include granules collecting in gutters or at the bottom of downspouts, dents in gutters, vents and window screens, and missing or damaged shingles. The most reliable way to find hail damage is a roof inspection.
What hail damage looks like
When hail hits a shingle, it can knock off the protective granules and leave a soft, bruised spot. From the ground the roof may look fine, but the damaged shingles can wear out faster and begin to leak later.
Hail often falls in narrow paths, so one home can have damage while a nearby home does not.
What you can check from the ground
Look at the bottom of your downspouts for granules that look like coarse black sand. A large amount after a storm can be a sign of hail damage.
Check the metal around your home, including gutters, vents, window screens and the top of your air conditioning unit. Dents in metal are a common sign that hail hit your property.
From an upstairs window or with binoculars, look for missing, lifted or creased shingles.
Wind damage
Strong wind can lift shingles and break the seal that holds them in place. A lifted shingle may lie back down and look normal, but it is more likely to blow off in the next storm.
Check along the edges and ridge of your roof, where wind damage is most common.
When to schedule an inspection
Schedule a roof inspection after any storm with hail or high winds, even if you do not see damage.
Most insurance policies have a deadline for filing a claim, so it is best not to wait.
Century Roofing and Construction offers free roof inspections at your convenience.
Related Questions
How big does hail have to be to damage a roof?
Hail about one inch across or larger commonly damages composition shingles. Older shingles can be damaged by smaller hail, and gutters and vents can dent from hail well under an inch.
Can hail damage a roof without damaging anything else?
Yes. The roof takes the most direct hits during a storm, so it is common for a roof to be damaged while walls and windows are not.
Should I get on the roof and look myself?
We do not recommend it. Walking on a roof can be dangerous and can damage shingles. Look from the ground or an upstairs window, and schedule a free roof inspection.
