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Hail Damage Roof Inspection – Key Signs to Look For in 2025

Hailstorms may last only a few minutes, but the damage they leave behind, especially to your roof, can be extensive and expensive. Many homeowners overlook hail damage at first glance, but even small dents or cracks can lead to serious issues like leaks, mold, or structural wear over time. That’s why it’s important to know what to look for after a storm. Spotting hail damage early lets you act quickly, whether it’s filing an insurance claim or scheduling repairs. 

In this guide, we’ll cover the key signs of hail damage and what to do during a hail damage roof inspection if your roof has been hit.

Signs of Roof Hail Damage

After a hailstorm, your roof might look fine at a glance—but hidden damage can lead to serious issues if left unaddressed. Knowing what to look for helps you act quickly and avoid expensive repairs later. Here are the key signs of hail damage to check for on your roof.

Shingle Dents

Small to medium-sized hailstones can leave visible dents or pockmarks on your shingles. These marks may appear as circular depressions and are often scattered across the roof surface. The dents usually dislodge the granules that protect the shingle, weakening its ability to resist sunlight and water. This damages the shingles’ protective layer, allowing elements to penetrate more easily.

Even if the damage seems minor, these dents compromise the integrity of the shingle. Over time, exposure to the elements will speed up wear and tear, potentially causing leaks and reducing the roof’s overall lifespan. If you see multiple dents across different areas, it’s best to have the roof professionally inspected to prevent further damage.

Cracked or Missing Shingles

Larger or wind-driven hail can break through shingles, creating cracks or full tears. Sometimes, the shingles may even be torn off entirely, exposing the underlayment or roof deck beneath. This kind of visible damage makes your home especially vulnerable to leaks, as water can seep through the gaps left by the missing or damaged shingles.

Cracked or missing shingles reduce the waterproof barrier of your roof. Even a small opening can allow water to infiltrate, causing rot, mold growth, or structural damage. The compromised shingles can also lead to more widespread damage if not addressed quickly. If you notice sections of your roof that are bare or look split, don’t delay a repair—it can quickly escalate into more serious problems if left untreated.

Granule Loss

Hailstones can knock off the protective granules that coat asphalt shingles. You may notice these granules collecting in your gutters or on the ground around your home. Affected shingles may appear darker or shinier in the damaged spots due to the exposed asphalt. This visible change in texture indicates that the granules, which protect the shingles from UV rays and other harsh weather conditions, are gone.

Granules aren’t just cosmetic—they’re essential for shielding shingles from UV rays and weathering. Once they’re gone, shingles degrade faster and become more susceptible to leaks and further damage from the elements. Widespread granule loss across your roof typically indicates it’s time for either repairs or a replacement, depending on the extent of the damage. Even minor granule loss should be addressed promptly to avoid further damage over time.

Flashing Damage

Flashing is used around chimneys, vents, skylights, and roof edges to seal out water. Hail can dent, crack, or warp the flashing, especially if it’s made of soft metal like aluminum. These damages might not be immediately visible but can quickly lead to leaks around joints, causing long-term water infiltration.

Since flashing protects some of the most vulnerable areas of your roof, even minor damage here can result in water infiltration, making the roof more susceptible to leaks. Damaged flashing should be resealed or replaced as soon as possible to maintain the roof’s watertight barrier, especially before the next rainstorm hits. Ignoring small flashing damage can quickly escalate into a major problem, leading to costly repairs later.

Damaged Roof Vents

Roof vents, which allow airflow into the attic, are often made from plastic or lightweight metal and can easily be damaged by hail. Large hailstones can cause these components to crack or break entirely, creating entry points for water. This can lead to moisture buildup in your attic, further damaging insulation and reducing overall energy efficiency.

A broken roof vent can lead to increased moisture in your attic, which may affect insulation, encourage mold growth, and reduce energy efficiency. Additionally, water can enter the attic and cause structural damage if left unattended. If you notice any broken plastic or warped metal around your roof vents after a hailstorm, they should be replaced promptly to prevent water damage from worsening.

Gutter Damage

Your gutters and downspouts often take the brunt of hail impact. Dents, cracks, or separation at the joints are all signs that your drainage system has been compromised. Hail can also cause clogs if debris or granules collect inside during the storm. When gutters don’t drain properly, they can cause water to pool on the roof or overflow near the foundation, which can lead to additional damage.

When gutters don’t drain properly, water can pool on the roof or overflow near the foundation, leading to rot, leaks, or basement flooding. Damaged gutters can also cause excessive moisture buildup around your home, which can lead to mold or mildew growth. Inspect your gutters closely for dents and blockages after a hailstorm—it could be an early warning sign of roof damage as well.

Interior Water Stains

Sometimes the most telling sign of hail damage isn’t outside—it’s inside your home. Check your attic and ceilings for water stains or damp spots, which may indicate that hail has punctured your roof and allowed water to seep through. These stains often appear as brownish rings or patches on the ceiling and walls, growing over time if left untreated.

Water stains may appear as brownish rings or patches on the ceiling and walls, often growing over time if left untreated. If you spot any signs of water intrusion following a hailstorm, it’s likely the damage has already occurred, and a professional inspection is urgently needed to prevent further issues like mold or structural weakening. These stains can indicate that the roofing materials have already been compromised.

Bruised Shingles

When hail hits a shingle, it can cause internal damage that’s not visible from the ground. These “bruises” feel soft or spongy when pressed and indicate that the shingle’s structure is compromised, even if it looks fine from a distance. Over time, bruised shingles can crack or split, especially during temperature fluctuations in hot or cold weather.

Over time, bruised shingles can crack or split, particularly in hot or cold weather. This delayed deterioration is why it’s essential to perform a physical inspection after hail storms—not just a visual one. A roofing professional can detect these soft spots and recommend the appropriate action. If not addressed early, these bruises can lead to more serious roof damage and the need for expensive repairs.

Shingle Discoloration

Hail damage often appears in irregular patterns, which sets it apart from normal wear. You may see random patches of discoloration where granules have been knocked off, creating lighter or shinier areas on the roof. These changes in color can be a clear indicator of hail impact, especially when combined with other visible damage.

This inconsistency in color is a strong indicator of hail impact, especially when combined with other signs like dents or missing granules. Discolored areas may not leak immediately but suggest the shingle’s lifespan has been shortened. Monitoring these spots or having them replaced can prevent future issues, as these shingles will likely need repair or replacement to restore full functionality and protect your home.

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What to Do After Spotting Hail Damage on Your Roof

After identifying signs of hail damage, it’s crucial to take prompt and informed action. By staying calm and following these steps, you can mitigate further damage, save on repair costs, and ensure your roof is fully restored.

Assess the Damage

After you’ve spotted signs of hail damage, you need to thoroughly assess the extent of the damage. While you may have already seen obvious signs like cracked shingles or dents from the ground, it’s essential to inspect the roof more carefully to identify any hidden damage.

You can use binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens to check for signs of damage that might not be immediately obvious. Look for granule loss, cracks, or punctures in the shingles, as well as damaged flashing or gutters. This detailed inspection will give you a clearer picture of the damage and help you decide whether it’s time to call in a professional.

Document with Photos

Once you’ve spotted the damage, start documenting it. Take clear, detailed photos from multiple angles, focusing on areas where the damage is most prominent. Include close-up shots of dented shingles, damaged gutters, or cracked flashing. Don’t forget to capture any signs of damage inside your home, like water stains on ceilings or walls.

Having clear photographic evidence is essential for your insurance claim (if applicable) and can also help roofing contractors assess the situation more effectively. Record any dates and conditions of the storm to back up your claim and make sure you don’t miss any hidden damage that might emerge later.

Check for Leaks

While exterior damage is often visible, don’t overlook the possibility of water infiltration. Check your attic, upper floors, and ceilings for signs of moisture, such as discoloration, water spots, or mold. Water leaks can be subtle at first but can worsen over time, leading to serious structural damage if left unaddressed.

A small drip today could become a major issue in a week. Keep an eye on any visible leaks and address them immediately to prevent further damage to drywall, insulation, and electrical systems. If you see signs of a leak but can’t locate the source, it’s best to call a professional roofer to inspect the attic and roof more thoroughly.

Call a Roofer

Even if you’ve assessed the damage from the ground, it’s always a good idea to contact a professional roofing contractor in Westchester to perform a thorough inspection. Roofing experts have the proper tools and safety equipment to safely inspect areas of the roof that are hard to reach and can spot underlying damage you may have missed.

A professional inspection will give you a clear understanding of whether the damage is cosmetic or structural, and they can also help you determine the right course of action — repair or replacement. It’s important to have an expert evaluate your roof, especially if you’re considering filing an insurance claim, as the roofer’s report will be critical for the process.

Make Temporary Fixes

If the damage involves leaks or exposed areas, make temporary repairs to stop water from entering your home. Use a heavy-duty tarp or roofing tape to cover the affected spots, ensuring that water is directed away from the roof. You can find temporary roofing repair supplies at most hardware stores.

Temporary measures, such as applying a tarp or sealing off gaps with roofing tape, are important for minimizing water damage until professionals can make permanent repairs. Keep in mind that these are short-term solutions, and permanent repairs should be scheduled as soon as possible.

Get Repair Estimates

Getting multiple repair estimates is crucial to ensure you’re getting a fair price. Contact two or three local roofing companies for written estimates on the repair work needed. Each contractor will evaluate the damage and give you a price estimate based on the materials, labor, and time required to fix the roof.

Be sure to ask the contractors about their experience with hail damage repairs and whether they can match the materials on your existing roof. A roofing company with extensive experience in storm damage repair will be better equipped to handle the specifics of hail damage.

Review Insurance Coverage

If the damage is significant and you have homeowners insurance, it’s time to review your policy. Check your coverage to determine if hail damage is included and if your deductible is within an acceptable range to make a claim. Keep in mind that filing a claim may not always be worth it if the repair costs are close to or below your deductible.

If you’re unsure, your roofing contractor may help guide you. They can assess the damage, estimate repair costs, and help you understand whether your insurance will cover it. If you do decide to file a claim, contact your insurer as soon as possible to begin the process.

Schedule Repairs Fast

Once you’ve received your estimates and made a decision, it’s essential to schedule repairs promptly. Hail damage can leave your roof vulnerable to further deterioration, especially during the next rainstorm or wind event. A delay in getting repairs can also result in further interior damage, which may lead to higher repair costs.


Ensure that the roofer you choose can start as soon as possible and ask for an estimated timeline for the work to be completed. Prioritize getting your roof fully restored to avoid any lasting issues with leaks, water damage, or mold.

Read More: Top Roofing Issues Westchester Homeowners Face and How to Solve Them

Need a Hail Damage Roof Inspection?

If you’ve spotted signs of hail damage on your roof, getting a professional inspection is crucial to assess the full extent of the damage. Delta Roofing Westchester specializes in thorough hail damage roof inspections to help identify hidden issues that may not be visible from the ground. Our team uses advanced tools to give your roof a comprehensive inspection, ensuring nothing is overlooked. We also work with your insurance provider to make sure you get the coverage you deserve.

Don’t wait until more damage occurs—contact us today and get the peace of mind you need.

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