If you’re not sure how to spot hail damage on roof, this simple guide will help you know what to look for.
If you live in Minneapolis, you know how wild the weather can get—especially when hail storms roll through. One minute it’s calm, the next minute, you’re hearing hail bang against your roof. But after the storm passes, you might be left wondering:
Did that hail mess up my roof?
The tricky part is that hail damage isn’t always easy to see. Your roof might look fine from the ground, but even small damage can lead to big, expensive problems later on.
Let’s break it down so you can know what to look for—and what to do next.
Why Hail Damage Is a Big Deal
Even if your roof doesn’t start leaking right away, hail can still cause problems. It can:
- Knock off the little granules that protect your shingles
- Cause soft spots that turn into holes
- Crack shingles so water can sneak in later
If you ignore it, you could end up with:
- Leaks in your ceiling
- Mold in your attic
- Costly repairs down the road
So it’s always better to check things out sooner rather than later.
How to Spot Hail Damage on Roof
Step 1: Look Around Your Yard First
After a hailstorm, start by walking around your home. You don’t even need to get on a ladder.
Look for:
- Dents on your gutters or downspouts
- Chipped paint or siding
- Shredded plants or torn-up mulch
If hail was strong enough to damage those things, it probably hit your roof hard too.
Step 2: Look at Your Roof (From a Safe Distance)
If you can see your roof from the ground or with binoculars, take a look. Some signs of hail damage include:
- Dark spots or missing granules on shingles
- Dents or soft-looking areas
- Cracked or broken shingles
Don’t feel like climbing a ladder? That’s okay—most people call a pro for this part, and that’s usually the safer choice.
Step 3: Check the Other Roof Parts
Hail doesn’t just hit shingles. It can also damage:
- Vents
- Skylights
- Metal flashing
- Chimneys
Look for things like dents, cracks, or loose seals. These might not cause leaks right away, but they can over time.
Step 4: Look Inside Your House
Sometimes, you won’t even notice roof damage until it starts affecting the inside of your home. One of the ways how to spot hail damage on roof is to watch out for:
- Water stains on ceilings or walls
- Peeling paint or bubbling drywall
- Musty smells in the attic or upstairs rooms
These are signs that water is getting in—and it may be coming from hail damage.
Step 5: Know How Big the Hail Was
The size of the hail makes a difference:
- Pea-sized (¼”) – Not usually a big deal
- Marble-sized (½”–¾”) – Can hurt older roofs
- Quarter-sized (1″) or bigger – Very likely to cause roof damage
If the hail was big, don’t wait. Call a professional hail damage roofing company to check things out—even if everything looks fine to you.
What Should You Do Next?
It’s hard to tell how bad the damage is without training. And dealing with your insurance company can feel like a whole other storm. That’s where a local hail damage roofing company can really help.
Instead of climbing up on your roof or second-guessing the damage, you can call in someone who knows exactly what to look for—and how to handle it. A professional will give you a full inspection, explain any damage, and help you figure out the next steps.
Don’t Guess—Know For Sure. Contact Storm Group Roofing Today!
If you need professional help on how to spot hail damage on roof, contact us at Storm Group Roofing. Our hail damage roofers will check everything, explain what we find, and guide you through what comes next. Plus, we can also help with your insurance claims. Just call today to schedule your inspection!
