How do I know if my roof has hail damage if it is not leaking?
Hail damage is often hard to see from the ground, and it may not cause a leak for months. On an asphalt shingle roof, hail can knock granules loose and weaken the shingle underneath. The best way to know for sure is to have your roof inspected after a storm.
How hail damages shingles
Asphalt shingles are covered in mineral granules that protect the shingle from the sun. When hail hits hard enough, it can knock the granules off and damage the mat underneath.
Damaged shingles wear out faster and can eventually leak. From the ground, this kind of damage is usually impossible to see.
Signs you can check from the ground
Gutters and downspouts. Dents in gutters and downspouts are a common sign that hail was large enough to damage the roof.
Granules. A large amount of shingle granules in the gutters or at the bottom of the downspouts after a storm can point to hail damage.
Other soft metal. Look for dents on air conditioning units, vent caps, window screens, mailboxes and cars.
Why you should not wait for a leak
Most insurance policies have a deadline for filing a claim, counted from the date of the storm. If a roof starts leaking long after the storm, the damage may no longer be covered.
A roof inspection after a major storm lets you know where you stand while there is still time to file a claim.
Related questions
How big does hail have to be to damage a roof?
It depends on the age and type of shingle and the wind during the storm. Older shingles can be damaged by smaller hail than a newer roof.
Can I check my roof for hail damage myself?
You can check gutters, screens and other items from the ground. Climbing onto a roof is dangerous and is best left to a roofing professional.
Why was my neighbor’s claim approved and mine denied?
Hail does not fall evenly, and roofs differ in age and material. Two homes on the same street can have different results.
