A hailstorm blew through your neighborhood last night. The car has some dings, the patio furniture took a beating, but your roof looks fine from the driveway.
It probably is not fine.
We inspect hundreds of hail-damaged roofs every year across Oakland, Macomb, and St. Clair counties. The most dangerous hail damage is the kind you cannot see from the ground — damage that slowly degrades your roof’s waterproofing over the following months until a leak appears.
Here are the seven signs we check for on every post-hail inspection.
1. Granule Loss (The Most Common Sign)
Every asphalt shingle is coated with ceramic granules that protect the asphalt from UV rays and weather. Hail impact knocks these granules loose.
What to look for:
- Dark or bare patches on shingle surfaces
- Excessive granules in gutters and at the base of downspouts
- Inconsistent shingle color across the roof (some areas darker than others)
Why it matters: Without the granule coating, asphalt deteriorates rapidly. A shingle that looks intact but has lost granules may fail within 1-2 years.
2. Shingle Bruising (The Hidden Killer)
This is the damage that catches homeowners off guard. Hailstones can compress the fiberglass mat underneath the shingle surface without breaking through.
How to test: A roofing professional presses on the shingle. If it feels soft or spongy — like pressing on a bruised apple — the underlying structure is compromised.
Why it matters: Bruised shingles look normal from the ground but have lost their structural integrity and waterproofing ability.
3. Cracking and Fractures
Larger hailstones (1.5 inches and above) can crack shingles outright.
What to look for:
- Visible cracks or splits in the shingle surface
- Star-shaped or spiderweb fracture patterns
- Shingle fragments in the yard or gutters
4. Exposed Fiberglass Mat
In severe hail events, impact penetrates through granules and asphalt to expose the white or brown fiberglass mat underneath. This is the most obvious and urgent type of damage.
Action required: Immediate professional inspection. Exposed mat means the shingle has zero remaining waterproofing at that point.
5. Dented Flashing and Vents
Metal components on your roof reveal the severity of hail impact better than shingles:
- Roof vents: Dented or punctured metal caps
- Flashing: Dents along chimney, skylight, and wall flashings
- Ridge cap: Impact marks along the ridge
Metal dents do not always affect function, but they indicate the force of impact that your shingles also absorbed.
6. Damaged Gutters and Downspouts
Walk the perimeter of your house and examine:
- Gutter troughs: Dents along the top edge and inside surfaces
- Downspouts: Dings and dents
- Splatter marks: Small impact marks on fascia boards below the roofline
If your aluminum gutters have visible dents, your shingles took the same hits.
7. Ground-Level Impact Evidence
Before you even look at the roof, check these ground-level indicators:
- Dented outdoor AC units or covers
- Marks on deck railings or fence posts
- Damaged patio furniture
- Tears or holes in window screens
- Dings on car surfaces (especially horizontal panels)
Rule of thumb: If horizontal surfaces at ground level show impact damage, your roof — the most exposed horizontal surface on your property — sustained equal or greater damage.
When to Call a Professional
Schedule a professional hail inspection if:
- Hail was 1 inch or larger (quarter-sized or bigger)
- You see any of the 7 signs above
- Neighbors are getting roof work done after the same storm
- Your roof is over 10 years old (older shingles are more vulnerable)
- Your area received a severe thunderstorm warning with hail
What Happens During a Professional Hail Inspection
Our inspectors follow a systematic protocol:
- Ground survey: Check all exterior surfaces for impact evidence
- Roof access: Walk every slope, checking shingles by hand
- Bruise testing: Press-test shingles in a grid pattern across each slope
- Flashing inspection: Examine every penetration and junction
- Attic check: Look for water stains, daylight penetration, or moisture
- Photo documentation: Professional-quality images formatted for insurance
The entire process takes 30-60 minutes. We provide a written report whether we find damage or not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check for hail damage myself?
You can check ground-level indicators (gutters, AC units, siding). But roof-level assessment requires professional training and equipment. We strongly advise against walking on a potentially damaged roof.
How soon after a hailstorm should I get an inspection?
Within 1-2 weeks is ideal. Damage does not worsen dramatically in the short term, but earlier documentation strengthens insurance claims.
What size hail causes roof damage?
Hail 1 inch (quarter-sized) and larger consistently damages asphalt shingles. Smaller hail can damage older or budget-grade shingles.
Is hail damage covered by homeowners insurance?
Yes, in nearly all standard Michigan homeowners policies. Hail is classified as a peril under most HO-3 policies. Your deductible applies.
My roof is CertainTeed Landmark / Owens Corning Duration. Is it hail-resistant?
These are high-quality architectural shingles but are not impact-rated unless specifically Class 4. They resist hail better than 3-tab shingles but can still sustain damage from large hailstones.
Free Hail Damage Inspection
Reasonable Roofing provides free hail damage inspections across Michigan. Our GAF Master Elite and Owens Corning Platinum Preferred certifications mean we follow the manufacturers’ own damage assessment standards.
For the complete storm damage process, read our storm damage repair guide. If you already know you have damage, learn how to file your insurance claim.
Call (810) 984-3420 to schedule your free estimate.