7 Signs of Hail Damage on Your Roof

Meta Title: 7 Signs of Hail Damage on Your Roof: What to Look For

Meta Description: Discover the top 7 signs of hail damage on your roof. Learn what to check for and when to get a professional inspection. 

When hailstorms hit, it’s always a nervous moment for homeowners wondering if it’s causing damage to their property. That’s especially true when it comes to your roof, which takes the brunt of the damage caused by hail. 

But what do you look for when checking to see if your roof has experienced minor or major hail damage? Below, we’ll discuss seven of the most common signs of hail damage and when you should get an inspection. 

Types of Minor & Major Hail Damage on Roof 

Let’s go over the seven types of minor and major hail damage that can occur on your roof and what to specifically look for after a storm. 

1. Granule Loss 

Type: Minor Hail Damage

This sounds technical, but it’s actually pretty simple. Granules are small black particles that cover asphalt shingles. When hail or other elements hit, it can knock these granules off the shingles, making them less protected. 

If you see these black granules on the ground after a hailstorm, it’s a sign that your roof has suffered some hail damage and might need some attention. 

2. Discoloration 

Type: Minor Hail Damage

This is another product of granule loss, as mentioned above. When hail hits, it can knock granules off the shingles (you can see it on the ground sometimes) and leave them discolored. Sometimes, they even look patchy or faded. 

So, if parts of your roof are looking darker than the rest after a storm, then there’s a chance that you have encountered some hail damage. This is especially true in combination with observed granule loss. 

3. Soft Spots & Bruises 

Type: Minor Hail Damage

These soft spots and bruises show up on your shingles like bruises on an apple. When hail hits, it can leave soft spots in the asphalt and cause discoloring. You can usually feel these soft spots, as they have a bit of give compared to the surrounding areas. 

These bruises indicate that your roof has some hail damage and should be inspected ASAP. 

4. Shiny Marks 

Type: Minor Hail Damage

This goes hand-in-hand with the discoloration sign we talked about earlier. However, shingles can be discolored so that they look shiny. That’s because when the hail hits, it knocks off the protective coating, exposing the asphalt or matting underneath the granules. 

These surfaces are often shiny, so look for glossy parts on your roof after a storm to see if the protective layer has been compromised. 

5. Cracked Shingles

Type: Major Hail Damage

Finding cracked shingles is a more straightforward sign that your roof has experienced major hail damage. When hailstorms strike with enough force, they can break down the shingles to the point where they crack or split. 

These cracks can sometimes be subtle and, at other times, very evident. Either way, when they occur, your roof is susceptible to leaks and water damage, so it’s important to address this issue immediately. 

6. Exposed Underlayment

Type: Major Hail Damage

This is essentially a more severe version of the “shiny marks” sign mentioned earlier in the article. As noted in that section, hail can cause the protective coating and granules of the shingles to fall off, exposing the asphalt or matte underlayer. You can observe this by looking for shiny or discolored patches on your roof. However, taking that one step further, if you can physically see the underlayment (not just some patches), your roof has major hail damage that should be tended to as soon as possible. 

7. Visible Dents 

Type: Major Hail Damage

The visible dents don’t always show up on the shingles themselves, depending on your roof type. Sometimes, they can be identified by the significance of discoloration when looking for soft spots. However, if the flashing and gutters next to your roof have experienced visible dents, there’s a good chance your roof has also encountered significant hail damage. 

When You Need Hail Damage Repairs 

Minor hail damage can sometimes be a quick fix without an entire replacement. If the damage is localized to an area or two, sometimes the repairs can take place in those sections without a full overhaul. This includes small dents, slight granule loss, and minor bruising. 

However, it’s important to understand that minor hail damage must still be inspected and repaired. If left unchecked, it can lead to more problems in the future and become major hail damage that compromises the integrity of your roof. It’s best to address even these smaller issues before they become big, expensive ones. 

Major hail damage is more serious and includes visibly cracked shingles and large dents that can cause leaks and water damage in the house. Large hailstones can even puncture the shingles altogether for total damage. 

Professional Hail Damage Inspection 

Whether you have minor or major hail damage, it’s important to get a professional roof inspection by a trusted contractor. If you live in the Westfield, NJ area, Above & Beyond Exterior Remodelers is your trusted roofing contractor. 

We are equipped with years of experience, including in-depth knowledge, the finest roofing materials, and cutting-edge, innovative tools. Plus, we offer a 50-year warranty on every roof!

We are family-owned and operated, and we take extreme pride in delivering great work at a fair and honest price. That’s why we have a 100% satisfaction guarantee, an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and hundreds of glowing reviews. 

To contact us, call (908) 588-9575 or request a free estimate on our website.