Hailstorms don’t last long, but the damage they leave behind can stick around for a while. If your roof took the brunt of a recent storm, you might be dealing with marks or dents that aren’t easy to see from the ground. Hail can chip, crack, or even punch holes in roofing materials without warning. And sometimes, the signs of damage aren’t obvious until water starts to sneak into your home.
The most important step you can take after a storm is to spot the issues early. That way, small damage doesn’t have a chance to become a much bigger and more expensive problem. Roofs are built to handle a lot, but hail, especially medium to large-sized stones, can shorten a roof’s life if left untreated. A proper inspection after a storm can help catch the damage before you end up with a leak or worse.
Identifying Hail Damage
It’s not always easy to know what hail did to your roof just by looking up. Hail damage doesn’t always mean a gaping hole or missing shingles. A lot of times, it’s more subtle.
Here’s what to look for when it comes to hail marks:
– Dents or pockmarks in shingles or metal panels
– Cracks or splits along the edges of shingles
– Bare spots on asphalt shingles where granules have been knocked off
– Signs of bruising, which feel soft or spongy to the touch
– Circular or irregular-shaped markings that differ from normal wear
There’s also a difference between cosmetic and real structural damage. Small surface marks might not seem like a big deal, but even minor cracks can lead to leaks over time. A hail strike might cause a dent that looks harmless, but the impact could break the seal under a shingle and open a path for water.
The type of roofing you have also affects how hail damage looks. For example:
– Asphalt shingles might show dark spots, bruising, or granule loss
– Wood shakes can split, especially if the hail hits along the grain
– Metal roofs tend to dent or ripple, though they usually won’t crack
– Tile roofs, like clay or slate, can break or chip depending on the force of the hail
One example we’ve seen is a home that had no visible roof problems from the ground after a hailstorm. But once the roof was checked up close, nearly a dozen shingles were split down the middle, and the attic already had signs of water getting in. That kind of damage can easily go unnoticed until deeper issues show up.
If you suspect anything unusual after a storm, it’s smart to keep a detailed visual record. Take clear photos of anything that looks off, but don’t climb the roof yourself. Leave that to professionals who know what they’re doing.
Areas Prone To Hail Marks
Hail doesn’t hit every part of your roof the same way. Some sections are more exposed and, over time, can show more wear. Knowing where hail tends to leave its mark makes it easier to catch damage early.
Common areas where hail damage occurs include:
1. Roof shingles
– The uppermost layer of your roof takes the biggest hit
– Hail often shows damage on the slopes facing the direction the storm came from
– Look for soft spots, loss of granules, or jagged edges in these areas
2. Roof vents and metal flashings
– These can dent or bend under direct impact
– Chips of paint or dents around flashing can signal hail damage nearby
3. Skylights and roof windows
– Cracks in the glass, fogging between windowpanes, or chipped frames are signs to watch
4. Gutters and downspouts
– Damage here usually means hail was big enough to do harm higher up too
– Look for dings, bent spikes, or loose sections of gutter
If your roof has multiple valleys or sections with different pitches, those areas can act as collection points for hail impact. Keep in mind that even areas that didn’t get direct hits might have some kind of damage from the way hail bounces or slides.
Spotting which areas got hit the hardest helps guide a more thorough inspection. It also saves time and helps focus repairs on the spots that actually need attention.
Why Prompt Action Is Important
When hail damage is left unchecked, it doesn’t take long for small issues to turn into bigger, more expensive ones. Even something as minor as a dent or granule loss can allow moisture to seep through over time. That moisture doesn’t just stay on the roof either. It can drip into attics, insulation, and walls, leading to stains, warped wood, or mold growth.
Another thing to remember is that your roof’s lifespan can take a hit. What could’ve been a twenty-year roof might start failing within a few years if the damage weakens the materials. And that can mean more frequent repairs or even full replacement sooner than expected.
Insurance can also be tricky when it comes to hail. Some providers need you to file a claim within a certain time frame after a storm. Waiting too long could lead to a denial, especially if it looks like the damage was allowed to get worse because no action was taken. A prompt inspection helps create a clear timeline, which makes claims easier to process.
We’ve seen situations where homeowners didn’t act because there was no leak right away, only to deal with major water damage during the next storm. One homeowner in Northern Ohio thought everything looked fine after a summer hailstorm. A few months later, they noticed ceiling stains, and by then, the decking had started to rot underneath. That’s the kind of headache that can usually be avoided with early steps.
Professional Inspection And Repair Matter
After a storm, the safest way to make sure your roof is in good shape is by hiring a trained professional. Roofers have the eye to catch things that aren’t obvious and the tools to safely inspect damage up close. What looks fine from the ground might reveal cracks, weak points, or dented components once someone’s actually up there.
Inspectors typically look at the whole system, not just the top shingles. That includes flashing, valleys, chimney bases, and vents. All of these connect to the roof and can impact how storm damage spreads. A strong initial impact might weaken one part, but water finds its way into nearby sections too if the damage isn’t fixed right.
Once the damage is mapped out, repair work can be targeted where it’s actually needed. That could mean replacing individual shingles, sealing up underlayment, or adjusting flashing that’s been knocked out of place. A proper repair job helps restore water protection and keeps the structure sound moving forward.
It’s also safer to let professionals handle hail-related work. Climbing up on a steep, possibly damaged roof puts you at risk. Every storm leaves its own pattern, and it’s not always predictable. Someone without the right know-how might miss key signs of damage or unintentionally make things worse.
Keep Hail From Catching You Off Guard Again
Once you’ve been through one hailstorm, the next isn’t far off, especially in places like Northern Ohio, where seasonal storms come quickly. That’s why staying ahead of the damage is so important. A quick checkup after each major storm builds a good habit of roof care and lets you catch problems before they grow.
Hail marks often show up long before a leak does. If you catch them early and act quickly, you won’t be left scrambling when bigger weather rolls in. Small fixes now can help your roof last longer and hold up better during the next wave of wind and rain.
Preparing your home doesn’t always mean waiting for something to go wrong. Preventative steps like regular inspections, fast repairs, and careful watching of wear-and-tear areas give you more control and peace of mind. A quiet roof during the next thunderstorm starts with small, smart moves after the last one.
Don’t let hail damage compromise your home’s safety and comfort. Trust the experts at All American Roof Pros to conduct a thorough roof inspection and ensure every issue is addressed promptly, protecting your investment from further harm. Our dedicated team is ready to safeguard your roof and restore its resilience before the next storm hits. Reach out today and let us provide peace of mind by keeping your home secure and weather-ready!