What Does Hail Damage Do to a Roof?

We Can Help!

200+ ★★★★★ Reviews on Google!

Request a Free Quote Now!

Hailstorms are not a new thing to you. When those ice pellets hit, they make a lot of noise, and when it stops, we may forget about them. But what does hail damage do to a roof?

Hail damage cracks or bruises asphalt shingles, strips away protective granules, creates holes, and dents or separates gutters and vents, letting water seep into your roof. This can lead to water damage, rot, or weakened roofing materials. Over time, it risks structural damage to your home.

How Big Does Hail Have to Be for Roof Damage?

A hail with a diameter of between 1″ and 1.25″ is large enough to cause damage to your asphalt shingle roofing. However, the amount of damage caused depends on the impact-resistant rating of your roofing material.

To damage asphalt shingles with a Class 4 or Class 3 impact resistance rating, the hail should be between 1.75″ and 2″. Large hailstones often cause noticeable dents that an experienced roofing contractor cannot miss. Smaller hail, such as pea-sized (1/4 inch), usually don’t cause trouble, unless the roof is old and overdue for replacement.

Granule Loss

Hail can knock off the protective granules that coat asphalt shingles. These granules serve as a barrier against harmful UV rays and moisture. Once they’re gone, exposure to the elements causes the asphalt to become brittle and accelerate its wear, increasing the risk of roof leaks. Granule loss also disrupts proper water shedding, making your roof more susceptible to pooling and leaks.

Bruising

The impact of hailstones on the roof can create soft spots or “bruises” on shingles, which occur when the granules and underlying asphalt layers are compressed or loosened. These areas are not immediately visible, but they compromise the shingle’s ability to protect against moisture and increase the material’s rate of deterioration. If left alone, these parts of your roof are more likely to crack, split, or break down under pressure from rain, strong winds, or further hail, leading to roof leaks or structural damage.

Cracks, Fractures, or Punctures

Larger hail or more forceful impacts can cause surface cracks, deeper fractures, or even full punctures in asphalt shingles, particularly on older or brittle roofs. While asphalt shingle roofs are more susceptible, other roofing materials like wood, metal, and single-ply membranes can also suffer similar damage. Any of these breaches compromise the roof’s protective barrier and allow water to penetrate the system. If unaddressed, it can lead to leaks, mold, and long-term structural deterioration.

Loose or Displaced Roofing Materials

Hail impact can weaken the adhesive bonds or fasteners securing roofing materials, causing them to lift or shift out of place. These vulnerabilities increase the risk of moisture infiltration during rain and wind damage in future storms. Even in moderately windy weather, loose roofing materials can be a problem year-round, especially if hail damage has already compromised the integrity of roof fasteners.

Compromised Underlayment

The underlayment is the protective barrier between your roofing material and roof decking that provides secondary protection against water damage. When hail punctures, fractures, or lifts roofing material, it exposes the underlayment, leading to the elements deteriorating its material or making it more susceptible to wear and damage. If the hail impact is severe enough, it can directly damage the underlayment itself. Once this barrier is compromised, water can infiltrate the roof deck, leading to leaks, mold, and costly structural repairs.

Gutter Dents and Separation

Hailstones can strike gutters with enough force to cause dents, bends, or even partial separation from where they are usually attached. Damaged gutters can’t properly channel water away from the roof and foundation, increasing the risk of water intrusion that can lead to rot or structural issues. Over time, the damage and dysfunctional drainage compromise the entire draining system and put surrounding building components at risk.

Can Hail Damage to a Roof Be Repaired?

Yes, most hail roof damage can be repaired. However, it’s the extent of the roof damage that determines whether a repair or replacement is needed. For minor damage, individual shingle replacement is enough.

Cracked shingles, small holes, or damaged flashing can be fixed by patching or replacing affected areas. But this only applies when the severe damage is caught early. If a roof leak reaches the roof deck, you may face more significant issues, such as rot, that require more extensive work.

What Are the Long-Term Effects of Ignoring Hail Damage?

Ignoring signs of hail damage can lead to minor leaks, roof rot, and mold growth, which can cause structural damage to your home and compromise its indoor air quality. This results in higher repair costs and a decline in property value.

Cracked shingles or granule loss lets water seep in, causing wood rot in the roof decking or ceiling spots. This can quickly lead to mildew growth, putting your health at risk. Over time, untreated damage weakens your roof, making it prone to further cracks or even collapse in severe cases.

A quick roof inspection for signs of damage after a hailstorm from Charlotte’s Best Roofing and Gutters can prevent these costly repairs and preserve your roof’s warranty.

Can Hail Damage to a Roof Be Repaired?

Inspecting your roof after a storm or hail is important for catching damage early and avoiding costly repairs later. Even if the damage isn’t immediately obvious, there are several telltale signs that your asphalt shingles— and other parts of your roofing system—may have been compromised.

Granules in gutters or downspouts

Look for coarse, sand-like particles resembling coffee grounds or fine gravel in your gutters, at the base of downspouts, or scattered on the ground near your roofline. These are granules that have worn off your shingles, leaving bald or smooth spots that reduce the roof’s UV protection and water-shedding ability.

Dents, dark marks, or small impact craters

Shingles with dark circular marks, visible dents, or small crater-like impressions may be bruised beneath the surface. Pressing gently on these areas may reveal a soft or spongy texture, indicating underlying damage to the asphalt layer that weakens the shingle over time.

Fine lines, splits, or edge tears

Fine cracks or splits—especially near the edges of shingles—signal structural stress from hail impact. These may start as hairline fractures but often worsen with wind, rain, or further impact, eventually leading to loose or missing shingle sections.

Lifting, curled, or missing shingles

Water stains or mold on ceilings, attic, or upper walls

Stains on ceilings, walls, or attic spaces—and especially the presence of mold—suggest that hail damage has already progressed to water intrusion. This requires immediate attention, as unchecked moisture can lead to structural decay and health risks for occupants.

Dented flashing, vents, or gutters

Inspect metal roofing components such as flashing, vent covers, and gutters for round indentations or deformation. Aluminum gutters are especially vulnerable to visible denting from hail. Even if your shingles appear intact, dents in metal components often indicate broader roof damage that warrants a professional inspection.

Inspecting your roof yourself is not enough. You can easily miss signs of damage, risking costly repairs and structural damage in the future. A professional roof inspection can uncover hidden or minor damage and identify it before it gets worse. Don’t wait for leaks to appear—schedule regular inspections with Charlotte’s Best Roofing & Gutters. Contact us for an appointment.

Why Do You Need a Professional Roof Inspection After Hail?

A roofing professional has the experience to identify hail damage that may not be immediately visible to the untrained eye. Subtle damage, such as small punctures and bruised shingles, is not always visible and can lead to hidden leaks.

Working with a professional, you’re also guaranteed the following:

Does a Roof Need to Be Replaced After Hail Damage?

The decision to replace your roof after a hailstorm depends on the severity and type of damage sustained. A professional inspection should determine if a repair is enough or not.

Additionally, the size of the hail, the age of your roof, and your insurance policy all play a role in this decision. But generally, if 50% of your roof is damaged, a roof replacement is needed.

Will Your Insurance Policy Pay for a Full Roof Replacement from Hail Damage?

Yes, many insurance policies cover the full replacement of a roof due to hail damage. However, the extent of coverage depends on the policy you have and the damage your roof sustained.

If you have an ACV (Actual Cash Value) policy, your payout will be the depreciated value after hail damage to your roof. This may not be enough, especially if there is extensive damage, but it’s still something. If you have an RCV (Replacement Cost Value Policy), your payout will be calculated based on the cost of a new roof.

However, some plans don’t cover cosmetic issues, wear and tear, or age, such as granule loss. Check with your insurance provider to understand the details of your policy before filing.

Is It Worth Filing a Claim for Hail Damage to Roof?

Filing a claim for hail damage is worthwhile if the damage is significant; however, minor issues may not justify the cost. When deciding whether to file a claim or not, weigh the potential benefits and costs, including the chance of getting higher

Work with Charlotte's Best Roofing And Gutters

Hail damage can turn a strong roof into a costly problem if you don’t act fast. From water leaks to mold growth, the risks add up in Charlotte’s stormy climate. Charlotte’s Best Roofing and Gutters provides professional roof inspections, repairs, and replacements to ensure your home’s safety.

Call professional roofing contractors from Charlotte’s Best Roofing and Gutters today to schedule an inspection and protect your home from hail damage.

What Does Hail Damage Do to a Roof?