Signs of Hail Damage on Your Roof
How to tell if hail damaged your roof: what to look for from the ground, what needs a closer look, and when to call a roofer in Lincoln, AL.
Start on the ground
Don't climb on the roof. From the ground, look at gutters, downspouts, window screens, AC units, and mailboxes. Dents and dings on soft metal are a good sign hail was big enough to matter.
Granules in the gutters
Shingle granules look like coarse sand. A heavy wash of them in the gutters or at the bottom of downspouts after a storm is a warning sign.
Dents on vents and flashing
Roof vents, pipe flashing, and drip edge show hail marks clearly. If those are dented, the shingles took hits too.
What hail does to shingles
Hail leaves soft spots or bruises where granules are knocked loose, sometimes with cracks in the mat. They aren't always obvious from the ground, which is why we get on the roof.
Wind damage looks different
Wind lifts, creases, or tears off shingles, usually along edges and ridges. Creased shingles may lie flat again but have lost their seal.
When to call
If neighbors are getting roofs, if you see granules or dents, or if there's a new leak, get an inspection. Most policies want prompt notice. See how a roof insurance claim works.