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Circular granule loss and soft bruising (marked with chalk) on asphalt shingles – classic hail impact signs.
Dents on a standing-seam metal roof from hail-cosmetic damage only, but still affecting protective coatings.
Chipped and cracked concrete tiles from recent hail-microfractures are invisible from the ground
Splits and punctures in cedar shakes – fresh, bright wood indicates hail impact rather than age-related wear.
Has a recent hailstorm left you wondering if your roof was damaged? Knowing what to look for—and what to do next—can save you thousands in repairs and ensure your insurance claim gets approved. In this guide, you’ll learn how to spot hail damage on different roof types, tell the difference between hail damage and normal wear, and what to do in the first 24 hours after a storm.
If you’re unsure where to start, reaching out to experienced hail damage roofing contractors in Austin can make all the difference. These professionals can assess the extent of the damage, help you document it for insurance purposes, and recommend the best course of action to protect your home.
Most homeowners don’t realize their roof has been damaged by hail until they notice visible problems—like ceiling stains, attic leaks, or missing shingles. By that time, the damage is often extensive, repairs are costly, and worse, your window for filing an insurance claim may have already closed.
Many insurance companies require hail damage claims to be filed within 6 to 12 months of the storm. If you miss that window, you could be left paying out-of-pocket for repairs or even a full roof replacement.
Wondering if your roof has taken a hit after a storm? Hail damage varies depending on your roofing material. Below is a practical guide to help you recognize common signs of impact. For a more detailed evaluation process, don’t miss our Roof Damage Inspection Checklist.
The most common roofing type in the U.S., asphalt shingles are made of a fiberglass mat coated with asphalt and mineral granules. Hailstones—especially those over 1 inch in diameter—can crush or bruise the mat beneath, even if surface damage looks minor.
What to Look For:
Metal roofs are known for durability, but they’re not immune to hail—especially soft metals like aluminum or thinner gauge steel. Dents can compromise aesthetics and protective coatings.
What to Look For:
Tile roofs are resilient but brittle. Large hailstones—typically 2 inches or more—can crack, chip, or dislodge tiles. Damage is often subtle but can lead to leaks if ignored.
What to Look For:
Natural wood shakes have a beautiful, rustic appearance—but hail impacts can split the grain, compromising both aesthetics and performance. This type of damage can also increase fire risk in dry climates.
What to Look For:
Aging and hail damage often look similar—but insurers won’t cover general wear and tear. Here’s how to tell the difference:
| Feature | Hail Damage | Normal Wear |
|---|---|---|
| Granule Loss | In circular patterns or bruises | Even thinning over time |
| Cracks | Random and sharp-edged | Parallel, linear (from sun/traffic) |
| Soft Spots | Present (feels like a bruise) | Rare |
| Shingle Corners | Cracked from impact | Curled from UV exposure |
Many homeowners are surprised to learn that even small hail can cause real damage. Here’s a detailed table showing how different hail sizes can affect your roof:
| Hail Size | Potential Roof Damage | Commonly Affected Materials | Example Region & Event |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pea (< 0.5") | Minor, mostly cosmetic | Metal, plastic vents | Light Texas spring storms |
| Marble (0.75") | Small bruising, minor granule loss | Asphalt shingles | Midwestern May storms |
| Quarter (1") | Moderate shingle bruising, cracks in tiles | Asphalt, clay, concrete | Colorado Front Range storms |
| Golf Ball (1.75") | Significant shingle loss, dented metals, broken tiles | All roof types | Dallas-Fort Worth hailstorm |
| Baseball (2.5"+) | Severe structural damage, possible roof failure | All materials, especially tile | Denver Superstorm 2023 |
After a hailstorm, time is critical. Acting quickly helps prevent further damage, strengthens your insurance claim, and keeps repair costs under control. Here’s a simple, hour-by-hour plan to protect your home and take the right steps toward recovery.
Call Now or Book Online for a Hail Damage Roof Inspection with Capital City Roofing. Whether you see damage or just want peace of mind, we’re here to help—fast, local, and trusted.
The most common signs are bruising and granule loss. These typically appear as dark, soft spots scattered in a random pattern. Over time, these weakened areas can crack and allow moisture to seep in.
Yes. Many types of hail damage are not immediately visible, especially from the ground. Hidden bruises beneath shingles may not leak right away, but they weaken the roof structure and lead to premature failure if not addressed.
Most policies allow 1 to 2 years to file a claim—but don’t wait. Insurance adjusters typically expect homeowners to act promptly after a storm. Document everything now and start the claim process as soon as possible.
Absolutely. Even minor hail damage can lead to slow leaks, wood rot, mold growth, insulation damage, and eventually major structural issues. Timely repair prevents costly long-term damage.
Yes! We handle everything from detailed documentation to meeting with your insurance adjuster. Our goal is to make the claims process easy and help you get the maximum coverage you’re entitled to—with zero pressure and full transparency.
Still have questions? Contact Capital City Roofing for a free inspection and expert guidance on hail damage repair and insurance claims. We’re here to help.
Hail damage isn’t always obvious—but that doesn’t mean it’s harmless. Even small hailstones can bruise shingles, loosen granules, or weaken roof seals, leading to leaks weeks or months later.
You don’t need visible dents to have real damage.
What looks fine from the ground could be hiding costly issues only a professional can spot.
Schedule a free roof inspection or submit a photo for expert review. It could be the difference between a quick repair and a major replacement later.
This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute professional roofing advice. Please consult a licensed contractor, like Capital City Roofing, for personalized recommendations and project guidance.
Phone: (512) 844 – 9598
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