What Does Hail Damage Actually Look Like?

Hail damage isn’t always obvious. In many cases, the impact marks are subtle enough that homeowners don’t notice them until a leak shows up inside the home. Here are the most common signs to watch for:

Dents on Gutters & Downspouts If your gutters have visible dents or dings after a storm, there’s a strong chance your roof took hits too. Gutters are one of the first places hail damage shows up clearly.

Bruised or Cracked Shingles Hail strikes leave soft spots on asphalt shingles — similar to bruising on fruit. These spots weaken the shingle’s surface and accelerate wear over time.

Granule Loss Check your gutters and downspouts for an unusual buildup of granules — the small, sand-like particles that coat asphalt shingles. Heavy granule loss after a storm is a strong indicator of hail impact.

Damaged Roof Vents & Flashing Metal components like vents, flashing, and pipe boots are very susceptible to hail damage. Dents and cracks in these areas can allow water to enter your home even if the shingles look fine.