When you hear hailstones crashing into your roof, the sound can feel unsettling. On the surface, roof hail damage may look like simple divots in your shingles. But if left unchecked, these dents can worsen and turn into water leaks, invite mold growth, or create expensive structural damage down the road. Even a short burst of hail can leave behind damage you may not notice right away, so it’s important to know what to look for following a storm.
Hail Storms and how They Damage Roofs
When rain is carried up into freezing air during a strong thunderstorm, balls of ice form. These balls eventually come back down to earth, often landing on rooftops and reaching speeds up to 100 mph. The force can crack asphalt shingles, knock off the shingles’ protective granules, and weaken the structure of older roofs. Hail can also dent vents, gutters, and metal flashing.
If any of these issues occur, roofing materials begin to age faster than normal. UV rays and additional storms can further damage shingles, shortening their lifespan. Even if your roof doesn’t begin to leak immediately following a hail storm, the damage can have long-term effects.
Does My Hail-Damaged Roof Need Repair or Replacement?
If your roof’s hail damage is isolated to a few areas or the hail was small in size, repairs are usually all you need. This is especially true if your roof is fairly new and in good shape. Repairing a roof after a hail storm usually includes:
- Replacing any cracked shingles
- Repairing flashing
- Sealing minor impact points
If the hail damage covered a large portion of your roof, it may need to be replaced. Older roofs are especially vulnerable to hail damage and are often replaced; however, we won’t know which route to take until we perform a free roof inspection.
Does Insurance Cover Roof Hail Damage?
Your insurance should cover storm-related damage, but every policy is different. Typically, hail damage is covered by homeowners’ insurance since it falls under the category of a sudden weather event.
When you file an insurance claim for roof hail damage, coverage typically depends on:
- The age of your roof
- Your deductible
- The specific language in your policy
At Restorations by Highmark, we’ll help you navigate the insurance claims process, which is often quite frustrating for homeowners. Members of our team are former insurance adjusters, so we know how to accurately document the damage to ensure nothing gets overlooked. We can also meet with your insurance adjuster and review the damage together to ensure accuracy.
The Hail Damage Repair Process
If you suspect hail damage to your roof, the first step is a free roof inspection. A member of our team will climb onto your roof and look for:
- Impact marks
- Granule loss
- Soft spots or bruising
- Damaged flashing, vents, or gutters
While on your roof, we’ll take photos and share with you our findings. This helps us determine if the roofing materials can simply be repaired or the entire roof needs to be replaced. Either way, once the insurance claim is approved, we’ll schedule the work and explain the timeline to eliminate surprises. During the repair or replacement process, we’ll install high-quality materials to make sure your roof stands up to future storms.
The Time to Act is Right After a Storm
If you notice dents on your mailbox, car, or outdoor furniture following a storm, there’s a good chance your roof took a hit too. Even if everything seems fine, schedule a free roof inspection with Restorations by Highmark. Since storm damage doesn’t always show immediate signs, a quick inspection could prevent major repairs later. Waiting only invites more damage.
FAQ: Roof Hail Damage
How can I tell if my roof has hail damage?
From the ground, hail damage isn’t always visible. A professional roof inspection from Restorations by Highmark can identify bruised or cracked shingles, granule loss, dents in flashing or vents, and soft spots on asphalt shingles.
How soon should I have my roof inspected after a hailstorm?
As soon as the hailstorm passes, contact Restorations by Highmark. Prompt inspections help prevent further deterioration and make the insurance claims process smoother.
How long does a hail damage roof inspection take?
Most inspections take 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on roof size and complexity. You’ll receive a detailed assessment and recommendations for next steps.
Can hail damage cause roof leaks right away?
Since hail can weaken shingles, you might not experience water leaks right away, but over time damaged areas can crack, lift, or deteriorate, eventually allowing water intrusion.
What does hail damage look like on asphalt shingles?
Hail damage on asphalt shingles often appears as:
- Dark spots where granules have been knocked off
- Soft “bruised” areas that feel spongy
- Cracks or splits in shingles
- Circular impact marks
Should I file an insurance claim for minor hail damage?
Start with a professional roof inspection to determine the extent of the damage. Our team will determine whether repairs or replacement are required and if a claim is advisable.
Can small hail damage my roof?
Even smaller hailstones can cause granule loss and weaken shingles, especially during high winds. Repeated storms compound the damage, shortening your roof’s lifespan.
How long does a hail-damaged roof last if not repaired?
A roof with untreated hail damage can deteriorate much faster than expected. What might have lasted 10–15 more years could fail significantly sooner due to water intrusion, UV exposure, and structural weakening.
What should I do immediately after a hailstorm?
Avoid climbing onto your roof yourself, as it can be dangerous and may cause further damage. After a hailstorm:
- Check your property for visible exterior damage.
- Take photos of any noticeable impacts.
- Look for interior signs of leaks, such as wet marks or visible stains on ceilings or around windows.
- Schedule a professional roof inspection.
Request a Free Inspection
If you suspect roof hail damage after a severe storm, call our team for a free roof inspection.
