Can you see hail damage on a roof from the ground?
Usually not. Hail bruises shingles and knocks granules loose, and that damage is usually only visible up close on the roof. From the ground, look for dents in gutters, downspouts, vents and air conditioner fins, granules collecting under downspouts, and neighbors getting new roofs. If you see any of these after a storm, schedule a free roof inspection.
What Hail Does to a Shingle
An asphalt shingle is a fiberglass mat coated in asphalt and covered in granules. The granules protect the asphalt from the sun. Hail can knock granules loose and bruise the asphalt underneath without breaking through the shingle.
That damage may not cause a leak right away. Over the following months and years, the exposed asphalt breaks down in the sun, and the roof can begin to leak long after the storm. That is why a roof can have hail damage and still look fine from the driveway.
Signs You Can See From the Yard
Check the gutters, downspouts, roof vents, chimney flashing and the fins on your outdoor air conditioner unit. Dents in these soft metals are a sign that hail was large enough to damage the roof. Torn window screens and dents on cars or mailboxes are other signs.
Look under your downspouts after the next rain. A noticeable pile of shingle granules can be a sign of storm damage. A small amount of granules is normal on any roof.
If several homes on your street are getting new roofs after a storm, your roof may have been hit as well.
What Can Only Be Seen on the Roof
Bruised shingles, cracked or split shingles, lifted tabs and damaged ridge caps all need to be checked on the roof itself. Inspectors and adjusters often mark a test square on each slope and count the hail hits inside it.
The age of the roof also matters. A newer shingle can hold up to hail that would badly damage an older one.
What to Do if You See the Signs
Schedule a roof inspection before you contact your insurance company, so you know whether there is damage to report. GLC Roofing offers free roof inspections. Avoid waiting too long, since insurance policies have deadlines for filing a claim and older damage is harder to connect to a specific storm.
Related Questions
How big does hail have to be to damage a roof?
Hail about one inch across, the size of a quarter, can damage a roof in average condition. Smaller hail can damage an older roof, and wind-driven hail can do more damage at any size.
Can a drone find hail damage?
A drone can photograph a roof, but some damage, such as bruised shingles, is best checked in person on the roof.
My roof is new. Should I still get it inspected after a storm?
Yes, if you see dents in gutters or other soft metals. A newer roof will often be fine, and an inspection gives you a record of its condition.
