Hail Damage on Your Roof: What It Really Looks Like

shieldandshelterro
Dec 6, 2025
3 min read

Texas hailstorms hit fast, loud, and without warning — and even if your roof seems okay afterwards, hidden hail damage can cost you thousands down the road. The tricky part? Real hail damage isn’t always obvious to the untrained eye. In fact, many homeowners don’t notice a problem until leaks start showing up weeks or months later.

This guide breaks down what true hail damage actually looks like, what’s not hail damage, and when it’s time to bring in a professional like Shield & Shelter Roofing to take a closer look.

1. Bruising on Shingles

One of the most common signs of hail damage is bruising — small, soft spots on the shingle where the granules have been knocked loose. You might not see it clearly, but if you gently press with your fingers, it’ll feel spongy or soft, almost like a bruise on your skin.

These bruised spots weaken your shingles, shorten their lifespan, and make your roof more prone to leaks.

2. Circular “Impact Marks”

Hailstones typically leave behind round or semi-round marks where they hit. These

spots may show:

Granule loss
Exposed black asphalt
A dented texture
Darkened or slightly shiny areas

These impact marks are key indicators for insurance adjusters when approving roof replacements.

3. Cracked or Fractured Shingles

Larger hailstones (1”+ in diameter) can actually crack shingles, especially on older roofs. These cracks may look like:

Straight-line splits
Spiderweb-shaped fractures
Creases from hail impact combined with wind

Cracked shingles mean water can now reach your decking — and that leads to interior damage.

4. Missing Granules

Your shingles are coated in protective granules that shield your roof from UV rays and weather exposure. Hail knocks these granules loose, causing:

Bald patches
Dark spots
Heavy granule buildup in gutters and at the base of downspouts

Losing too many granules accelerates shingle deterioration.

5. Dented Gutters, Downspouts, and Metal Trim

Metal is often the first place hail damage shows. Look for:

Dings or dimples in your gutters
Small dents across fascia metal or drip edge
Soft spots or bends in aluminum trim

If the metal is dented, the shingles almost always took damage too.

6. Damaged Ridge Caps

Ridge caps take the most direct hits during a hailstorm because they sit at the highest point of your roof. Signs of damage include:

Cracking
Denting
Chipped or missing granules
Shiny or dark impact spots

Insurance adjusters pay special attention to ridge caps, so damage here is a strong indicator.

7. Siding, Windowsills, and Outdoor AC Units Hit Too

Hail damage isn’t limited to the roof. Your property may show signs like:

Dings on metal window frames
Chipped paint on siding
Holes in window screens
Bent or smashed AC condenser fins

If anything else on your property is damaged, your roof likely is too — even if it’s not visibly bad from the ground.

What Isn’t Hail Damage?

Homeowners often confuse normal roof wear with storm damage. Here are things insurance won’t count as hail impact:

Algae streaks
UV fading
Granule loss from age
Foot-traffic scuffs
Manufacturing defects
Nail pops

This is why you need an expert who knows how to tell the difference — and how to properly document real hail damage for insurance.

Why Hidden Hail Damage Matters

Even minor hail impacts start a chain reaction:

Granules fall off
Shingles weaken
Water penetrates the roofing system
Decking absorbs moisture
Leaks and interior repairs follow

A simple inspection today can prevent a multi-thousand-dollar interior restoration later.

When Should You Call A Pro?

Call a professional roofing contractor like Shield & Shelter Roofing if:

Your home was hit by hail ¾” or larger
Neighbors are getting roof inspections
You see dents on gutters or metal
You notice any dark spots or missing granules
You haven’t had your roof inspected in over a year

At Shield & Shelter Roofing, we combine 10+ years of insurance adjusting experience with expert roofing knowledge — meaning we know exactly how to spot hail damage and properly document it so your insurance pays what it should.