A visual guide to identifying hail damage on asphalt shingles, metal roofing, and gutters — including the damage you can't see from the ground.
Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material — and the most easily damaged by hail. Here's what to look for:
The asphalt granules on shingles serve as UV protection and give shingles their color and weather resistance. When hail hits, it knocks granules away, exposing the dark asphalt mat beneath.
What it looks like: circular or irregular dark spots on shingles where the granule surface has been removed. Fresh hail impacts often look shiny or "bruised." In gutters, you'll see a heavy accumulation of granules — small, sand-like pieces of the shingle surface.
Beyond surface granule loss, hail can damage the fiberglass mat beneath the shingle surface. This "bruising" weakens the shingle's structural integrity. To check for bruising, a contractor will press on suspected impact areas — bruised spots will feel soft or spongy compared to surrounding areas.
Larger hailstones (1.5"+) can crack or split shingles on impact. Cracks allow water to penetrate directly and represent immediate repair needs.
While often associated with wind, severe hail can also dislodge shingles. Missing shingles are visible from the ground and represent exposed, unprotected areas of your roof deck.
Metal roofing shows hail damage as circular dents or dimples in the metal surface. While metal roofs are generally more hail-resistant than asphalt, large hail can:
Note: Metal roof denting is often classified as cosmetic damage by insurance companies unless it compromises the roof's waterproofing function. A professional inspection can document whether the damage is structural or cosmetic.
Gutters, downspouts, AC units, and other soft metal surfaces near your home tell an important story about hail impact. Soft metals dent easily and show circular dimples that:
When an insurance adjuster visits, they'll check soft metals along with the roof. If your gutters and AC unit show hail dents, this corroborates the roof damage claim.
| Hail Size | Reference | Typical Roof Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 0.75" – 1" | Penny | Granule loss on asphalt shingles |
| 1.25" – 1.5" | Quarter – Half Dollar | Significant granule loss, possible bruising |
| 1.75" – 2" | Golf Ball | Shingle bruising, possible cracks, soft metal damage |
| 2.5"+ | Baseball+ | Significant structural damage, likely full replacement |
A licensed contractor can identify all hail damage — including the granule loss and bruising you can't see from the ground. Written report included. No cost, no obligation.
Get My Free Hail Damage Inspection →The most dangerous assumption a homeowner can make after a hail storm is "my roof looks fine." Here's why professional inspection matters:
Hail damage appears as dark circular spots where granules have been knocked off, exposing darker asphalt beneath. Shingles may also show bruising — soft spots where the hail impact damaged the fiberglass mat beneath the surface. In gutters, you'll find accumulated granules (small, sandy pieces).
No. Granule loss — the most common and consequential type of hail damage — is typically invisible from the ground. Dented gutters and missing shingles may be visible, but a professional inspection is the only reliable way to assess all damage.
As soon as possible — ideally within 1-2 weeks of the storm. Many insurance policies have filing deadlines, and documenting damage while it's fresh (before any weathering) makes for a stronger claim. Also, many contractors get booked quickly after major hail events.
Hail damage creates random circular patterns matching the hailstone size, often concentrated on one side of the roof (the side facing the storm direction). Normal wear shows uniform deterioration across the entire roof surface. A licensed contractor can differentiate between storm damage and pre-existing wear.