10 Signs Your Roof Has Storm Damage

Your Roof. Protected.

After a major storm, your roof may have sustained damage that isn't visible from the ground — or damage that looks minor but will lead to major leaks and structural problems if left unaddressed. Here's what to look for.

1. Missing or Displaced Shingles

This one's obvious: if you can see bare roof decking or missing shingles from the ground, you have wind damage. High winds can lift and tear asphalt shingles, especially along ridges and edges. Even partially lifted shingles need immediate attention — water will find its way under them.

2. Granule Loss on Asphalt Shingles

Check your gutters and downspout splash areas after a hailstorm. If you see a heavy accumulation of dark, sand-like granules, your shingles took a hit. Granule loss exposes the asphalt layer to UV degradation and dramatically shortens shingle lifespan. This is one of the most common and least visible signs of hail damage.

3. Dents or Bruising on Shingles

Hail impacts leave circular dents on asphalt shingles. Run your hand over a shingle — if it feels soft or "bruised" in spots, hail knocked away the protective granule layer and compressed the underlying mat. This is called hail bruising and is covered by most homeowner's insurance policies.

4. Dented or Damaged Gutters

Aluminum gutters tell the story of a hailstorm clearly. Look for dents, dings, and divots along the gutter face and downspouts. If your gutters show hail impacts, your roof almost certainly does too — and this photographic evidence can strengthen your insurance claim.

5. Cracked, Lifted, or Missing Flashing

Flashing is the metal that seals transitions around chimneys, skylights, vents, and roof valleys. Wind damage often bends or tears flashing away from the roof, creating gaps where water can pour in. Check flashing during and after heavy rain for any signs of movement or leaking.

6. Water Stains on Interior Ceilings or Walls

Yellow or brown stains on your ceiling are a sign that water is getting through your roof. After a storm, check your attic with a flashlight — look for wet insulation, dark staining on rafters, or daylight coming through. Interior water damage means your roof needs immediate inspection.

7. Damaged Roof Vents and Pipe Boots

Rubber pipe boots (the seals around plumbing vents) crack and deteriorate over time and are often damaged by hail. Plastic or aluminum roof vents can crack, dent, or blow off entirely in severe storms. Damaged vents allow water infiltration and should be inspected after any significant storm event.

8. Chimney Damage

Check the mortar between chimney bricks after major storms. High winds and hail can crack chimney caps, dislodge bricks, and damage the flashing where the chimney meets the roof. Chimney damage is a common overlooked source of interior water damage.

9. Sagging or Deformed Roof Sections

A sagging roof deck or ridge line indicates structural damage — potentially from heavy snow loads, water saturation over time, or direct storm impact. This is an emergency situation requiring immediate professional assessment. Do not delay if you notice any sagging.

10. Debris Impact Points

High winds hurl branches, debris, and even other structures against your roof. Look for scrapes, gouges, punctures, or areas where debris has removed shingles or broken through the roof deck. Any penetration of the roof surface allows water inside.

What to Do If You See These Signs

Don't wait. Get a free professional roof inspection as soon as possible after storm damage. Licensed contractors can identify all damage — including what you can't see from the ground — and provide a written report for your insurance claim. There's no cost, no obligation, and no pressure.