Think Your Roof Took a Hit? Here’s What Hail Damage Looks Like.
If you’re reading this, a Texas hailstorm probably just swept through your area—and now you’re wondering if your roof was affected. You’re not alone. After a storm, most damage isn’t obvious from the ground. In fact, many people assume their roof’s fine simply because they don’t see any missing shingles or leaks.
But hail damage can be subtle. Small cracks or bruises can weaken your roof’s structure, and the real problems often show up weeks—or months—later. That’s why spotting early signs matters. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what hail damage looks like, what to check for, and what to do next if you suspect your roof took a hit.
Start Here: What Hail Damage Actually Looks Like
Let’s get right to it. If your roof took a beating, here’s what you might notice:
1. Dents or Bruises in Shingles
These often look like dark spots or slightly sunken areas. If you can safely get up close, you might feel a spongy spot where the granules have been knocked off and the underlying material is exposed. That soft spot? It’s a weak point where water can get in later.
2. Granule Loss
You might see what looks like patchy, bald spots on your shingles—or find a surprising amount of gritty granules in your gutters and downspouts. Missing granules expose your shingles to UV rays and weather, which shortens their lifespan.
3. Cracks or Splits
Sharp temperature swings paired with hail impact can crack shingles, especially wood or brittle asphalt. These can look like hairline fractures or deeper breaks. Either way, they let water in.
4. Metal That’s Dented or Warped
Check vents, flashing, roof caps, and gutters. Hail tends to leave dents in softer metals, and those marks are usually a giveaway that your roof took some impact too.
5. Shingles That Feel “Off”
If you feel soft, squishy spots underfoot or notice shingles that look lifted or buckled, those could be signs of deeper structural issues caused by hail. Don’t ignore them—they’re early warnings.
Can You Spot Damage from the Ground? Yes—Kind Of.
Climbing on your roof isn’t for everyone (and really shouldn’t be). But there are things you can check safely from the ground:
- Shingle pieces in the yard or around the property
- Granules collecting in gutters or near downspouts
- Dented metal, like on your gutter edges or mailbox
- Dark spots on the roof that weren’t there before
- Loose flashing or visible damage around roof features like chimneys and skylights
- Leaky spots inside—water stains in the attic or on ceilings can signal roof trouble
Even if it all looks okay from below, don’t assume everything’s fine. Some of the worst damage is the stuff you can’t see—until water starts making its way inside.
Your Roof Type Matters—Here’s What to Look For
Not all roofs show damage the same way. Here’s how hail impacts different materials:
- Asphalt Shingles: Look for bruises, bare spots, cracks, or shingles that are curled up or missing.
- Wood Shakes/Shingles: These can split, especially along the grain. Watch for sharp cracks or exposed raw wood.
- Metal Roofs: Dents are the biggest giveaway. Check panels, flashing, and ridges.
- Slate or Tile: You might find cracked or displaced tiles—sometimes just a corner breaks off. One cracked tile can lead to bigger issues later.
Need Repairs? Here’s What to Do
If you’ve spotted damage—or even if you’re just unsure—don’t wait for a ceiling leak to confirm it. Here’s how to move forward:
- Take photos of anything that looks questionable. Focus on damaged shingles, dented metal, or signs of water intrusion.
- Avoid temporary fixes unless you’re dealing with an active leak. If you do use a tarp or sealant, document everything first.
- Don’t assume a full replacement is required. Some roofs only need targeted repairs—but that depends on how widespread the damage is.
- Get multiple quotes from licensed contractors or inspectors, especially if you’re paying out of pocket.
- Talk to a public adjuster early. They can help you figure out if you should file a claim—and how to present it if you do.
Step-by-Step: How to Check Your Roof After a Texas Hailstorm
Hailstorms in Texas can do serious damage—even if the hail doesn’t look that big. Use this checklist to spot damage the smart way:
- Wait until it’s safe. Make sure storms have fully passed and the roof is dry.
- Walk the property. Look for shingle debris, tree limbs, and signs of impact on gutters or fences.
- Use binoculars. Scan the roof from the ground for unusual dark patches or broken tiles.
- Inspect the siding and AC unit. If those have hail marks or dents, your roof likely took a hit too.
- Check your attic and ceilings. Water stains, damp insulation, or musty smells = red flag.
- Document everything. Photos, videos, even storm reports from the news help.
- Get a professional inspection. Don’t rely on guesswork—get eyes on it from someone who knows what to look for.
Why You Should Call a Roofing Pro or Public Adjuster
Even if you’re great at DIY or maintenance, there’s only so much you can spot with the naked eye. Hail damage isn’t always dramatic—it’s often subtle, layered, and hard to prove unless you know exactly what to check.
Here’s what sets public adjusters and roofing pros apart:
- They go where you can’t. Safely inspecting ridge caps, flashing, valleys, and vulnerable seams takes training and equipment.
- They use chalk testing. By rubbing chalk on shingles or metal, they can reveal dents or damage that blends into the surface.
- They use moisture meters. These detect water buildup below the surface—before it becomes visible inside.
- They scan with thermal imaging. Infrared tools help spot hidden moisture and insulation gaps.
- They use drones. In cases where the roof is too steep or brittle, drones give a full aerial view without risking further damage.
- They know your policy. A public adjuster isn’t just documenting damage—they’re making sure it’s covered and recorded in a way your insurer will accept.
Bottom line: YPA Public Adjusters know how to build a case for your claim—and protect your investment.
How to Document Damage for an Insurance Claim
Don’t wait for your insurance company to send someone out. Start your own documentation as soon as it’s safe:
- Take clear, wide-angle shots of the roof, siding, and yard
- Snap close-ups of any damage you find—shingles, vents, flashing, gutters
- Photograph interior signs of water, like ceiling stains or peeling paint
- Write down the storm date, time, and any weather alerts you received
- Save your inspection notes, repair estimates, and receipts
And before making any permanent fixes, talk to your insurance company—or your public adjuster—so you don’t accidentally weaken your claim.
YPA Public Adjusters can help organize this step-by-step. We work for you, not your insurer, and we know how to get your damage accurately recognized and fairly compensated.
Hail Damage & Roof Insurance FAQ: Real Questions from Real Homeowners
“My roofer says I have damage, but my insurance adjuster says I don’t. Now what?”
You’re not the only one in this boat. It happens more than you’d think. Roofing contractors are trained to spot physical damage—especially things like bruised shingles, soft spots, or cracked tiles. Insurance adjusters, on the other hand, are looking for what they define as covered damage under your policy.
That’s where a public adjuster comes in. We bridge that gap. We know what your policy covers, how to document the damage properly, and how to push back if your claim was dismissed unfairly. Don’t settle for “no” if your roof is compromised.
“The insurance company said it’s just cosmetic damage. Does that mean I’m out of luck?”
Not necessarily. Some policies exclude cosmetic-only damage—but here’s the kicker: what’s called “cosmetic” today might lead to functional damage later. For example, dents in metal panels could hide seam issues or allow moisture in over time.
Have an independent inspection done. A public adjuster can help determine whether the damage truly is only cosmetic or if there’s more going on beneath the surface.
“The adjuster was only here for 10 minutes. How thorough could that inspection really be?”
That’s a red flag. A full hail damage inspection—especially on a larger roof—takes more time than that. If it felt rushed or if they didn’t get on the roof at all, their assessment may not be accurate.
You can request a re-inspection, and you have the right to involve your own representation (like a public adjuster) during that process. Don’t be afraid to speak up.
“What if my roof is leaking now, but the insurance adjuster still denied the claim?”
That leak might be proof that hail caused more damage than they initially saw. Document the leak, take photos, and contact a public adjuster. We can often reopen claims or file a supplemental claim with stronger evidence. Timing matters here—don’t wait too long to act.
“My neighbor got their roof replaced from the same storm—why was my claim denied?”
This happens a lot. Every insurance policy is a little different, and every adjuster’s opinion can vary. But if homes around you were approved and yours wasn’t, it’s worth a second look. You may have had the same or even worse damage—it just wasn’t fully documented or was incorrectly evaluated.
A second inspection by an independent expert can level the playing field.
“Can I still file a claim if it’s been a few months since the storm?”
Usually, yes—but it depends on your policy. Many insurance companies allow claims within 6–12 months of the event, sometimes longer. The key is whether you can still document the damage and tie it to a specific storm date. That’s something we help with all the time.
“Do I have to use the insurance company’s contractor?”
Nope. You’re allowed to choose your own roofer or contractor. Don’t feel pressured to go with whoever they suggest. The person doing the repair should be someone you trust—not just someone on a preferred list.
“Is it worth calling a public adjuster, or is it going to cost me more?”
Calling us for an initial consultation doesn’t cost anything. If we move forward representing you, we typically work on a contingency—meaning we only get paid a percentage of what we help recover. We’re on your side, not your insurer’s. And often, the amount we help recover far outweighs the fee.
“What if I already settled the claim but the damage is worse than we thought?”
That’s where supplemental claims come in. If new damage is discovered—or if repair costs are higher than expected—you can often reopen the claim or file an additional one. Documentation is key. The sooner you reach out, the better your chances.
Final Thoughts
Hail damage doesn’t always scream for attention—but it rarely fixes itself. Small issues now can become major headaches later if they’re ignored or missed.
If you think your roof might’ve been damaged in a recent storm, don’t wait. Document what you can, stay safe, and reach out to the experts. YPA Public Adjusters can help you get a full inspection, understand your coverage, and handle the insurance process so you’re not left holding the bag.
Got questions? Want to book a no-obligation inspection? Contact us here or give us a call at (682) 267-0336, and we’ll walk you through it—start to finish.