What to Do
Hail Damage Visible on Shingles: What to Do Next
If you can see hail damage on your shingles -- random black impact marks, soft bruise-like indentations, or bare spots where granules are missing -- photograph it from the ground, avoid climbing up for a closer look yourself, and contact your insurance agent or a roofing provider to confirm the damage before deciding on repair or a claim.
Direct Answer
If you can see hail damage on your shingles -- random black impact marks, soft bruise-like indentations, or bare spots where granules are missing -- photograph it from the ground, avoid climbing up for a closer look yourself, and contact your insurance agent or a roofing provider to confirm the damage before deciding on repair or a claim.
What to Do Now
- Step 1
Photograph the visible damage from the ground or from a safe vantage point -- avoid climbing onto the roof.
- Step 2
Look for a random, scattered pattern rather than damage confined to one small area, which is typical of hail impact.
- Step 3
Note that normal wear -- brittleness, cracking, algae, or general granule loss from age -- can look similar to hail damage, so avoid assuming based on appearance alone.
- Step 4
Check gutters and soft metals (vents, AC unit) for related dent patterns as a secondary indicator.
- Step 5
Contact your insurance agent or request a professional inspection to confirm before filing a claim or starting repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell hail damage from normal roof wear?
Hail damage typically shows a random, scattered pattern of black impact marks or soft, bruise-like indentations with granule loss, while normal wear tends to show more uniform brittleness, cracking, or algae growth across the roof. A professional inspection is the reliable way to tell the two apart when it's unclear.
What size hail causes visible shingle damage?
Hailstones can range from pea-sized to softball-sized, and damage potential depends on size, wind, shingle age, and material -- there's no single size threshold that guarantees damage, which is part of why a close inspection matters more than guessing from stone size alone.
Should I climb up to look closer at the damage myself?
This isn't recommended given the fall risk, especially on a roof that may already be compromised. Ground-level photos plus a professional inspection are the safer way to document and confirm hail damage.