Signs of Hail Damage on Your Roof (and What to Do Next)

How to spot hail damage from the ground after a North Texas storm, and when to call for a free inspection.

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Key takeaways

• Check gutters, vents and outdoor items first. They show hail impacts most clearly.

• Hail damage to shingles often looks like dark, soft spots where granules are missing.

• Don't climb on your roof. A free professional inspection is safer and documents the damage.

In this article

1. Check around your home first

2. Signs of hail damage on shingles

3. Wind damage often comes with hail

4. Why you shouldn't ignore minor damage

5. What to do after a hail storm

North Texas sees some of the most frequent hail in the country, and a single storm can damage a roof without leaving obvious signs from the street. Small hail damage can grow into leaks months later, so it pays to know what to look for, and when to call for an inspection.

Check around your home first

Before looking at the roof, walk around the house. Dents in gutters, downspouts, window screens, AC units and outdoor furniture are the easiest signs that hail was big enough to damage your roof. Look for piles of shingle granules at the bottom of downspouts too.

Signs of hail damage on shingles

From the ground or a window, look for:

✓ Dark spots or bruises: round marks where hail knocked off the protective granules.

✓ Cracked or split shingles: large hail can crack shingles straight through.

✓ Missing granules: bald patches that expose the black asphalt underneath.

✓ Dented vents and flashing: metal parts on the roof show impacts clearly.

Wind damage often comes with hail

Strong storm winds can lift, crease or tear off shingles. Look for shingles lying in the yard, lifted edges or areas where the pattern looks uneven.

Why you shouldn't ignore minor damage

Hail-bruised shingles lose granules faster and can crack over time, letting water reach the decking. Many insurance policies also have deadlines for reporting storm damage, so waiting can make a claim harder.