Roof Hail Damage: Signs, Impacts, and How to Fix

What Is Hail Damage Roof?

Hail damage on a residential roof is the physical harm caused by the direct impact of hailstones during a storm, which strike the roof surface with enough force to dislodge granules, crack tiles, dent metal panels, or puncture roofing membranes. The average size of the ice ball in hail is between 0.2 inches (5 mm) and 2 inches (50 mm). Among them, hailstones larger than 1 inch (25 mm) mostly cause significant damage to residential roofs. The most damaged roof type from hail impact is asphalt shingle roofing due to its layered granule coating and flexible structure.

Hail damage causes shingles to lose their protective layers, making the roof vulnerable to UV degradation and water intrusion. Over time, hail-damaged roofs lead to roof leaks, insulation saturation, ceiling stains, structural wood rot, and mold growth inside attic spaces. To prevent these problems, the roof should be routinely inspected after hail events, promptly repaired where compromised, and protected with durable waterproofing systems such as liquid-applied membranes or reinforced underlayments that resist future impact and water impact.

Read More About: What to Know About Roof Waterproofing?

How To Identify a Hail Damaged Roof?

A hail damaged residential roof can be identified by below 5 pieces of evidence, including bruised or soft shingles, granule loss, cracks or splits, dented flashing or vents, and loose or displaced shingles.

1. Bruised or soft shingles: Pressing on the shingle surface reveals spongy or bruised spots. These areas prove the hailstone struck with enough force to break the shingle’s mat layer beneath the surface.
2. Granule loss: Look for bare black patches where granules have been knocked off. This shows the protective layer is compromised, leaving the shingle vulnerable to UV and moisture.
3. Cracks or splits: Inspect shingles for sharp cracks or clean splits. These breaks form from direct hail impact, especially on brittle or sun-aged shingles.
4. Dented flashing or vents: Check metal flashings, pipe boots, and ridge caps for small circular dents. These dents act as physical evidence of hail strike locations.
5. Loose or displaced shingles: Look for shifted, curled, or missing shingles. Their displacement proves that hail combined with wind pressure disrupted the shingle fastening and seal strip.

What Size Hail Damage to the Roof?

Hailstones larger than 1 inch (25 mm) damage roofs the most. These hailstones often bruise shingles, crack tiles, and dent metal components. When hail reaches 1.75 inches (44 mm) or more, it can puncture underlayment and tear through older roof systems. Smaller hail under 0.75 inch (19 mm) rarely causes roof damage unless wind speed increases the impact or the roof shows signs of age and wear.

Hailstones usually range from 0.2 inches (5 mm) to over 4 inches (100 mm) in diameter. Not all hail sizes affect the roof equally. The larger the hailstone, the greater the impact force and the higher the risk to roofing materials.

In Which Season Does Hail Damage Occur?

Hail damage occurs mostly in spring and early summer, when the atmosphere experiences rapid temperature changes, strong updrafts, and high moisture content. These environmental factors cause thunderstorm cells to build vertically, allowing hailstones to form and grow large before falling with force.

In the United States, hailstorms commonly strike states located in the central and southern regions, where these weather patterns are most active. The states that experience the highest frequency of roof hail damage include Texas, Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, and Oklahoma. These areas, known as “Hail Alley,” often see damaging hail events between March and June, making it essential for homeowners to inspect and maintain their roofing systems before the peak storm season.

What Type of Roof is Damaged By The Hail Mostly?

Asphalt shingle roofs get damaged mostly by hail due to their layered granule surface and flexible asphalt base, which absorb impact and bruise easily when struck by large hailstones. From our experience in storm-hit areas, we’ve found six roofing types that consistently show high vulnerability to hail impact.

1. Asphalt shingle roofs: Asphalt shingle roofs get damaged by hail due to granule displacement and bruising, which exposes the asphalt mat to UV rays and moisture infiltration.
2. Wood shake roofs: Wood shake roofs get damaged by hail due to their rigid, natural grain structure that splits, cracks, or dents under sudden impact, especially when aged or sun-dried.
3. Clay tile roofs: Clay tile roofs get damaged by hail due to their brittle composition, which causes them to crack or break into fragments when hit by large or dense hailstones.
4. Slate roofs: Slate roofs get damaged by hail due to their natural stone makeup, which chips or shatters on contact, leaving exposed gaps and sharp broken edges.
5. Metal roofs: Metal roofs get damaged by hail due to denting in softer metals like aluminum or copper, which affects both appearance and joint seams over time.
6. Flat membrane roofs (EPDM or TPO): Flat membrane roofs get damaged by hail due to puncturing or membrane stretching that weakens the seal at seams and drains, leading to pooling and leaks.

What Are The 8 Negative Impacts of Hail Damaged Roof?

The negative impacts of hail damaged roofs are the chain of structural failures and interior problems that develop when hail compromises the roofing system. Each impact allows water to penetrate deeper into the home, leading to serious damage if not addressed quickly.

1. Roof leaks: Roof leaks occur due to hail punctures or weakened roof layers that cause water to seep into ceilings, damage drywall, and create wet spots in attic spaces.
2. Ceiling stains: Ceiling stains occur when water enters through damaged shingles due to hail damage and saturates the ceiling material, leading to brown discoloration, sagging, and peeling finishes.
3. Insulation damage: Insulation damage happens when water seeps through the roof due to hail damage and saturates attic insulation, reducing its R-value and allowing mold to grow in the insulation fibers.
4. Mold and mildew growth: Mold and mildew growth occur as constant moisture from hail-damaged roofs creates damp, dark spaces ideal for fungal colonies that spread across wood, drywall, and insulation.
5. Structural wood rotting: Structural wood rot results from prolonged water exposure, causing rafters, sheathing, and trusses to soften, lose strength, and decay over time due to unrepaired hail damage over time.
6. Electrical hazards: Electrical hazards develop when roof leaks due to hail damage reach light fixtures or wiring systems, increasing the risk of short circuits, fire hazards, or electrical shock.
7. Paint and plaster peeling: Paint and plaster peeling starts when dampness from leaking roofs weakens adhesion, causing finishes to bubble, crack, and fall away from ceilings and walls.
8. Increased energy bills: Increased energy bills occur when wet insulation and compromised ventilation from water exposure reduce energy efficiency, forcing HVAC systems to run longer to maintain comfort.

How To Fix Hail Damaged Roof?

The best way to fix hail hail-damaged roof is by following a structured repair process that addresses both visible and hidden damage. We always recommend starting with inspection and ending with preventive measures to ensure long-term roof protection. Here’s a 7-step guide to fix a hail-damaged roof effectively.

1. Inspect the roof thoroughly: You should start to fix a hail-damaged roof by inspecting the entire roof, gutters, vents, and flashing for dents, granule loss, cracks, and displaced shingles. You can use chalk to mark damaged areas for reference.
2. Document all damage: Then, take clear photos and notes of each damaged section. This serves as proof for insurance claims and helps prioritize repair tasks based on severity.
3. File an insurance claim: Next, contact your insurance provider and submit the documented evidence. Arrange a joint inspection with your adjuster to verify the damage and begin the claim process.
4. Remove damaged materials: Then, carefully strip off broken shingles, cracked tiles, or punctured membranes. You should make sure to remove all loose debris to avoid future leaks.
5. Repair or replace roofing components: Then, you should replace damaged shingles, flashing, underlayment, and any broken seals. You should use compatible materials to maintain the roof’s performance and warranty.
6. Reinforce with waterproofing: Apply waterproofing solutions like liquid-applied membranes, bitumen-based sealants, or synthetic underlayment to protect vulnerable areas from future water infiltration.
7. Final inspection and cleanup: Finally, you should re-inspect all repaired areas to ensure proper sealing and alignment. Clean the worksite and check interior spaces for remaining water stains or leaks.

Read More About Other Water Problems on the Roof

• Roof Mold
• Roof Gutter Overflows
• Chimney Flashing Leak
• Roof Ice Dams

How To Avoid Roof Hail Damage?

The best way to avoid roof hail damage is by combining strong material selection, proactive maintenance, and preventive design features.

1. Install impact-resistant roofing materials: Use Class 4-rated shingles or durable materials like metal, synthetic slate, or rubber shingles that can withstand hail impact.
2. Strengthen roof decking: Reinforce the roof deck with plywood rated at least 5/8 inch thick to prevent cracking or puncturing under impact.
3. Secure flashing and roof edges: Anchor flashing, drip edges, and ridge caps tightly to prevent uplift or displacement during storms.
4. Keep trees trimmed: Trim overhanging branches to reduce the risk of falling limbs that can worsen hail damage or penetrate weakened roofing.
5. Schedule regular roof inspections: Inspect the roof every spring and fall to catch vulnerabilities before storm season begins.