How to identify hail damage on a roof
Hail damage on a roof shows up as random dark bruises or dimples on the shingles where granules are knocked off, often exposing the asphalt mat and feeling soft to the touch. The random pattern is what separates real hail from foot traffic or normal wear. Here’s how to check, step by step.
Check whether hail actually hit the address and how big it was. Roof-damaging hail is generally 1 inch or larger; NOAA hail reports give the date and size, which also corroborates an insurance claim.
Look for dents on soft metal first — gutters, downspouts, the mailbox, and AC condenser fins. Metal dents are the easiest hail evidence to spot and a strong tell that the roof was hit.
Inspect from a ladder, on the roof with fall protection, or with a drone. A drone is safest and lets you capture high-resolution photos of every slope.
Genuine hail hits are random (not in lines), show a dark bruise or dimple where granules are knocked off, may expose the black asphalt mat, and often feel soft like a bruise on fruit. Random pattern is key — straight lines usually mean foot traffic or wear.
Adjusters mark off a 10 ft x 10 ft 'test square' on each slope and count hail hits inside it. Enough hits per square across multiple slopes is what supports a full roof approval.
Photograph each impact with something for scale, note which slope it's on, and pair it with the storm date. That evidence is what turns an inspection into an approved claim.
FAQ
What does hail damage look like on a roof?
It looks like random dark bruises or dimples on the shingles where the protective granules have been knocked off, sometimes exposing the black asphalt mat. The spots feel soft, like a bruise, and appear in a random pattern rather than straight lines.
What size hail damages a roof?
Hail around 1 inch or larger can damage asphalt shingles; 1.5 inches and up commonly causes claimable damage. Softer or older roofs can bruise at smaller sizes.
How do adjusters measure hail damage?
They mark a 10 ft by 10 ft test square on each roof slope and count the number of hail impacts inside it. Enough hits per square across multiple slopes supports a full roof replacement.
How soon should I check for hail damage after a storm?
Check as soon as it's safe. Insurers often have deadlines to file, and documenting the damage with the storm date strengthens the claim, so don't wait.
Can I detect hail damage from photos?
Yes — clear drone or phone photos of each slope can reveal hail bruising, and AI tools like RoofWorks' free detector can flag likely impacts to review before a full inspection.