How to Tell Hail Damage From Normal Roof Wear and Tear

Hail bruises shingles in a random, scattered pattern. You may see round, dark indents where the impact knocked away the protective granules. On asphalt shingles, these spots often feel soft or spongy when pressed gently.

Look for cracks that radiate from the impact point, or for small holes in the shingle mat. In a mild marine climate with wet winters and dry summers, hail damage can be masked by algae or moss. Check after any storm that brings pea-sized or larger hail.

• Round dark dents with no pattern
• Granules missing in scattered spots
• Soft or spongy spots on shingles
• Cracks radiating from impact points
• Shingle edges that look bruised or torn

Start from the ground. Use binoculars to scan for any obvious damage. Look for granule piles in gutters or on the ground near downspouts. That can signal recent granule loss, but it does not prove hail.

If you go up on a ladder, wait for dry weather and wear slip-resistant shoes. Never walk on a wet or steep roof. Press gently on suspicious spots with your fingers. If they feel soft, mark the area with chalk from a distance and photograph it.

Act quickly, but safely. After a hail storm, check your roof from the ground and look for signs like missing shingles or dents. Also check your gutters and downspouts for an unusual amount of granules. This can indicate shingle damage.

If you see water stains on ceilings or walls, that suggests your roof may be leaking. In that case, address the leak first to prevent further water damage. A roof leak repair and water damage mitigation service can help. The pros can dry affected areas and assess the roof condition.