Midwest homeowners have likely wondered, What does hail damage on a roof look like?, at one point or another. With some simple tips and common signs to watch for, you’ll have the knowledge and peace of mind to answer that question and face storm season with confidence.
Understanding the effects of hail damage and knowing when to call a professional are key to keeping your home protected and avoiding costly repairs. We’ll walk you through what to look for based on your roof type, so you can spot issues early and leave the rest to the experts.
Are you noticing damage to your home after a storm? Minnesota Exteriors offers storm damage restoration services to Minnesota homeowners.
What Does Roof Hail Damage Look Like?
So exactly what does hail damage look like on shingles? There are a few common signs to look for, although roof damage from hail will look different depending on the type of roof you have. Hail damage to asphalt roof shingles looks like dark, soft spots with loss of granules. With wood shingles, hail damage presents as splits or cracks in the wood, while metal shingles show dents or dings.
No roof is invincible to hail damage, but the way the damage presents will vary greatly by material and some hail damage to shingles can be pretty hard to spot. Regardless of which type of roof you have, early detection of hail damage is key so the appropriate repairs can be made. Even seemingly small, minor issues can lead to water leaks and costly repairs if left unaddressed.
Signs of Asphalt Shingle Hail Damage
An asphalt roof with hail damage most commonly appears pockmarked or bruised. The bruised spots are shiny and spongy to the touch due to the hail loosening up the granules. Strong winds may also loosen, warp, or pull off shingles entirely, exposing the roof layer beneath.
- Bruising/soft spots: random bruised markings that are soft to the touch are the result of hail impact that was strong enough to loosen the granules and create a dent
- Loose or missing shingles: hail and strong winds will loosen up the shingles and can sometimes even dislodge shingles entirely
- Shiny spots: hail marks often appear shiny due to the loss of protective granules at the surface, exposing the bare asphalt underneath
- Curling or warped shingles: with enough force, hail can cause cracking, curling, or warping of individual asphalt shingles
Signs of Hail Damage to Metal Roofing
Metal roofs damaged by hail usually have small, round dimples. Another less noticeable sign of hail damage is bending or loosening of the fasteners that hold the roof together. Scratches on the surface of the roof or panel buckling may also occur if strong winds were present.
- Dents: direct hail impact will leave round, shallow dents on your metal roof that can affect roof performance over time
- Scratches: strong winds can cause hail to scrape the roof, wearing down the protective coating and leaving the metal exposed and prone to rust
- Fastener Damage: hail can loosen the screws, rivets, or other hardware on a metal roof, weakening the structural integrity
- Panel warping or buckling: in severe cases, the metal panels can start to warp or bend, especially around the edges
If the signs of hail damage look familiar to what you see on your roof, contact the professionals at MEI for a free roofing estimate.
Signs of Hail Damage on Wood Roofing
Hail damage to wood roofing generally presents as splits in the wood, leaving sharp edges or small dents on the surface. Splits and dents from hail are even more likely if your wood roof is older and more brittle. Another sign that you may have fresh hail damage is a darkening of the wood splits.
- Splits: hail impact can cause wood shingles to crack or split, resulting in sharp edges and corners
- Dents: like other roof types, pitting can occur with wood shingles, but the dents are generally smaller and more shallow
- Discoloration: hail damage can cause discoloration to wood shingles, usually to a darker brown or orange color that turns to grey over time
Other Signs of Hail Damage on Your Home
A storm-damaged roof will almost always have accompanying damage around the rest of the home as well. Gutters and downspouts, windows and doors, siding, chimneys, and more are all susceptible to hail damage.
Although there are some common signs to look out for, like dents, cracks, and chips, spotting hail damage on siding can sometimes be tricky and will depend on the type of siding on your home. A thorough inspection of both the roof and all other exterior elements will give you the full extent of the damage and help you determine next steps for your home.
What Size Hail Can Damage a Roof?
Hail comes in many shapes and sizes, and both will affect the level of damage along with the intensity of the storm. Hail is often categorized by size as either pea-sized, nickel-sized, or golf ball-sized.
Pea-sized hail can wear down shingles over time, but generally doesn’t cause immediate damage on its own. Hail that is in the nickel-sized range is where damage starts becoming more of a concern, causing dents, cracks, and loss of granules. In extreme cases, hail can reach golf ball size and result in serious damage to the roof and even shatter windows.
How Much Hail Damage is Enough to Replace a Roof?
How much hail damage is needed to replace a roof depends on your unique situation. Some roofing materials hold up better in storms, while others may show minor signs of damage that are easily missed without a trained eye.
Even if you check for the 10 most common signs of roof storm damage, less visible issues can go undetected, leaving your home vulnerable to leaks or other problems down the line. The best way to know if your roof needs repairs or a replacement is to schedule a hail damage roof inspection with your local roofing professional.
What Happens if You Ignore Roof Storm Damage?
Ignoring roof hail damage can have major consequences down the road. Even small issues like missing granules, soft spots, and splits can expose the underlayer of the roof and allow water in. Leaks can lead to mold growth, warping, and structural damage to the home if not addressed. What might be a simple and quick repair today could turn into an extensive repair or full roof replacement in a few years. Act early with a roof inspection for hail damage to save yourself time, energy, and money.
Don’t ignore storm damage on your roof. Repair hail damage with a roof replacement from contracted professionals like MEI.
Contact the Professionals at MEI for Hail Damage Inspections and Roof Replacements
No matter the type of roof you have, any storm involving hail or strong winds can cause major damage and should be taken seriously to avoid costly repairs and headaches in the future. The signs of hail damage aren’t always easy to spot, and even the smallest of issues can lead to further damage if left unchecked.
At MEI, our expert roofing professionals know just what to look for after a storm. Whether you need residential or commercial storm damage services, our team is ready to keep your home protected for years to come. Not sure how to choose the right roofing contractor? Check out our guide on vetting your roofing professional so you can feel confident in the job.