How to Identify Hail Damage on Your Roof
Professional contractors look for several hail damage indicators that aren't visible from a ladder, let alone the ground. A trained eye on the roof surface itself — along with assessment of metal components like gutters, downspout caps, and AC condenser fins — can establish both the presence and severity of hail impact.
- Circular or randomly shaped impact marks on asphalt shingles, often with a dark center where granules were displaced
- Soft spots or bruising on the shingle surface that feel spongy under thumb pressure
- Cracked or split shingles on older, more brittle roof systems
- Dented gutters, downspouts, and drip edge — reliable proof of hail size and impact energy
- Dented or cracked ridge caps and hip shingles
- Damaged or displaced pipe boot covers and roof vents
