Hail damage
Hail damage roof repair: signs and next steps
After a hailstorm, it’s hard to know from the ground whether the roof was actually damaged. Some clues are visible; many questions can only be answered by an inspection.
No number is listed yet. Once the phone line is active, you’ll be able to call from this page to be connected with an independent roofer who serves your area.
Roof Repair Line is a free referral service, not a roofing contractor. Calls are connected to independent roofing companies. Roof Repair Line doesn’t inspect or repair roofs, and provider availability varies by location and time of day.
Urgency
Is hail damage an emergency?
Usually not, unless water is getting in. The National Weather Service notes that large hail “can damage property such as plants, roofs and vehicles,” [1] but whether your roof needs attention, and how soon, depends on what the storm did to it.
Treat as urgent
Active leaks, broken skylights, or holes in the roof.
Schedule soon
Visible dents, granules washing out, or damaged shingles but no leak.
Unsure
A hailstorm passed through and you can’t tell. An inspection can answer that.
From the ground
Clues you can check without climbing
Wait until the storm is over. NWS advises waiting 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder before going back outside. [2]
- Dents in gutters, downspouts, metal vents, or flashing
- Dings on outdoor AC units, mailboxes, or a grill
- Shingle granules collected at downspout outlets
- Damaged window screens, siding, or painted surfaces
- Cracked skylights
- Hail damage on cars or neighbors’ homes from the same storm
Reality check
What these clues can and can’t tell you
Ground-level clues show that hail hit your property. They don’t prove the roof was damaged in a way that affects how it performs. Whether shingles were harmed depends on things you can’t judge from below, which is why a close inspection matters.
The reverse is also true: damage can exist without obvious signs from the ground. If you’re unsure, an inspection gives you an answer either way. It doesn’t have to end in a repair.
What a roofer may look for
- Impact marks or cracks on shingles and roof accessories
- Areas where granules have been knocked loose
- Dents in soft metals such as vents, flashing, and gutters
- Whether any damage could let water in now or later
- Roof age and condition, which affect repair options
Ask the roofer to explain what they found, show you photos, and put any recommended work in writing.
Document the storm and what you see
- Note the date and time of the hailstorm
- If it’s safe, photograph hailstones next to a coin or ruler soon after the storm
- Photograph dents on gutters, vents, and other items from the ground
- Take photos of any interior stains or leaks
- Stay off the roof and ladders. Leave close-up roof photos to the roofer. [4]
Decisions
Repair or replacement?
It depends on how much of the roof is affected, its age and material, and whether replacement shingles match. A roofer can explain the options. Get the recommendation and price in writing before deciding.
A short note about insurance
Homeowners policies differ. The NAIC explains that each policy package covers “a specified number of events that cause damage to property,” [3] and deductibles and exclusions vary. Roof Repair Line can’t tell you what your policy covers. See the insurance guide.
FAQ
Hail damage questions
What size hail damages a roof?
There’s no single answer. Whether hail damages a roof depends on the storm and the roof, and only an inspection can tell.
Can hail cause roof leaks?
It can if it damages shingles, flashing, or skylights enough to let water in. If you see a leak after a hailstorm, see roof leak repair.
Should I get my roof inspected even if I don’t see damage?
If a significant hailstorm hit your area, an inspection can tell you whether there’s damage you can’t see from the ground. It’s your call.
Do I need a new roof after hail?
Not necessarily. Depending on what an inspection finds, a roof may need a repair, a replacement, or no work at all.
Will insurance pay for hail damage?
That depends on your policy and what the inspection finds. Roof Repair Line can’t determine coverage. Contact your insurer or agent.
Hail just passed through?
Once the phone line is active, you’ll be able to call from this page. Until then, check the safe ground-level clues above.
Sources
- National Weather Service — Severe Thunderstorm Safety
- National Weather Service — Lightning Safety Outdoors
- NAIC — Homeowners Insurance consumer guide
- OSHA — Fall Prevention Campaign
Links open official or public sources in a new tab. Rules and guidance can change; check the source for the latest version.