Indicators of Hail Damage to a Roof

Dents and Holes

• Small dents on roof shingles are a major indicator of hail damage. Sometimes, in severe hailstorms, holes may result. The dents are most likely deeper on flat roofs than on pitched roofs, and more prominent on tin than wood or asphalt shingles.

Pockmarked Paint

• Roofs are sometimes painted for aesthetic reasons. Hail hitting a painted roof may chip the paint, resulting in pockmarks in the paint. The marks cause the roof to appear freckled.

Damaged Wood Shingles

• Large hail can severely scratch wood shingles and cause them to shred. If the shingles are weak or already damaged, they may suffer fractures or completely split in two.

Chipped Tile Shingles

• Hail damage can include chipped, scratched or split tile shingles. Weak and worn tiles may break into multiple pieces when hit by hail. Concrete tiles are fairly durable and resist hail damage more than clay tiles.

Granular Loss on Asphalt Shingles

• Asphalt shingles sometimes suffer granular loss following a hailstorm. The missing granules reveal the black asphalt beneath. Uniform granular loss may be a result of normal wear and tear, but when the granular loss is circular in shape and localized, it is an indicator of hail damage.