Hail is one of the most common causes of roof damage across the country — and one of the most commonly misunderstood. Most people assume that if their roof isn’t visibly destroyed, hail didn’t cause meaningful damage. That’s usually wrong, and that assumption can cost you a significant insurance claim if you wait too long to act.
Here’s what actually happens when hail hits your roof, how to know if your property was affected, and what your next steps should be.
What Hail Does to Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are covered in granules — small mineral particles embedded in the surface that protect the asphalt layer underneath from UV exposure and physical wear. When hail strikes a shingle, it dislodges granules at the point of impact. The result is a circular area where the granule layer is thin or absent, leaving the underlying asphalt exposed.
This is called a hail strike, and it’s the primary form of hail damage on residential shingle roofs. The damaged area becomes vulnerable to UV degradation, accelerated aging, and eventual cracking. Left unaddressed, hail strikes significantly shorten the remaining lifespan of the roof and create areas where leaks are more likely to develop.
Hail damage to shingles often isn’t visible from the ground, especially early on. It requires a close inspection from the roof surface to identify properly.
What Hail Does to Metal Roofing
Metal roofing responds to hail differently than shingles. The primary concern is denting — especially on softer metals or thinner gauges. Cosmetic denting doesn’t always affect performance, but on some metal roofing systems, hail impacts can compromise coatings, damage seams, or cause micro-fractures that allow moisture intrusion over time.
Heavier hail can also damage flashing, gutters, downspouts, and any exposed fasteners on metal roofing systems. These secondary components are often where post-hail problems actually show up first.
What Hail Does to Commercial Roofs
On TPO and EPDM membrane roofs, significant hail can puncture or crack the membrane, particularly at seams and areas where the membrane is under tension. On built-up and modified bitumen systems, hail can fracture the surface coating and expose the underlying layers. Metal commercial roofing faces the same denting and fastener concerns as residential metal systems.
Commercial roof drainage components — scuppers, drains, and gutters — are also commonly damaged by hail and should be inspected along with the membrane.
How to Know If Your Property Was Affected
The most reliable indicator that your property experienced a hail event is checking weather data for your address. Many roofing contractors — including Roof Experts — can pull hail history for a specific address going back years. This data shows the date, size, and density of hail events at your location.
A free inspection after a confirmed hail event is the only way to know whether your specific roof sustained damage. Not every hail event causes damage — it depends on hail size, density, wind direction, and your roof’s age and condition. But hail events with stones one inch in diameter or larger are typically significant enough to warrant a professional inspection.
The Insurance Claim Timeline Matters
Most homeowner and commercial property insurance policies require that claims be filed within a certain period of the damage event — often one to two years, though this varies by policy and state. Waiting too long can result in a denied claim even if the damage is real and documentable.
If you’ve had a hail event in the past year or two and haven’t had your roof inspected, it’s worth doing before your window closes. A professional inspection documents the damage with photos and a written report, which is exactly what you need to support an insurance claim.
What to Do After a Hail Event
The sequence is straightforward. First, check whether your area experienced a significant hail event — your contractor can pull this data for your address. Second, schedule a free roof inspection. Third, if damage is found, your inspector will document it in a written report with photos. Fourth, file your claim with that documentation and request that your contractor be present at the insurance adjuster’s inspection to make sure nothing is missed.
Roof Experts has extensive experience with hail damage documentation and insurance claims. If you’ve had a recent storm, contact us for a free inspection before your claim window closes. Schedule here.
