Roof Hail Damage

Introduction

If you’re a Denver homeowner, chances are you’ve been through at least one hailstorm that left you wondering: “Did my roof just take a beating?” You’re not alone. Here in Colorado, hail damage is one of the most common reasons homeowners call us. I’m Ernie, a third-generation roofing and gutter contractor, and I’ve been serving Denver families since 1978. My family has been patching, repairing, and replacing storm-damaged roofs long before hail damage became a buzzword in insurance ads.

Hail might look harmless when it’s bouncing around in your yard, but when it hammers down on shingles, siding, and gutters, it can leave behind problems that don’t always show up right away. Spotting hail damage early can mean the difference between a quick repair and a full-blown replacement.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly what to look for, how hail damage affects your roof and gutters, and when it’s time to call in a professional like Ernie’s Gutter.

Why Hail Damage Matters

Before we dive into spotting the signs, let’s talk about why hail damage is such a big deal.

• Compromised roof life: Even small dings in asphalt shingles break down the protective granules that keep out UV rays and water.

• Water infiltration: Once the outer layer is bruised or cracked, water can seep in slowly. Left unchecked, that turns into leaks, attic mold, or structural rot.

• Insurance coverage: Most homeowner insurance policies cover hail damage—but only if it’s documented properly and reported in time.

• Resale value: When you sell your home, inspectors will check for past hail damage. Having unrepaired damage could lower your property value.

Hail damage is more than just cosmetic. Think of it like a cavity in a tooth—it starts small but grows if you ignore it.

How Hail Affects Different Roofing Materials

Not all roofs take hail the same way. Here’s what to expect depending on what’s covering your home.

Asphalt Shingles

• Granule loss: Look for little bald spots where the rough, sand-like surface is missing.

• Soft spots: Press gently on a shingle. If it feels spongy, that’s a bruised shingle.

• Cracks: Larger hail can split shingles straight through.

Metal Roofs

• Dents: Similar to a car hood, hail can leave golf-ball-sized impressions.

• Coating damage: Hail can chip protective finishes, leading to rust.

Wood Shakes

• Splits: Wood shakes may split along the grain.

• Fresh exposure: A hail strike often shows lighter-colored wood beneath the surface.

Gutters and Downspouts

• Dings and dents: Metal gutters usually show obvious hail impact.

• Clogs from granules: If hail has knocked granules off shingles, you’ll find them washed into your gutters.

Step-by-Step: How to Spot Hail Damage on Your Roof

If this is your first time checking for hail damage, here’s how to do it safely and systematically:

1. Start with the ground:

   • Look around your yard. Are there shredded leaves, dented cars, or cracked windows? If hail damaged those, your roof probably took a hit too.

2. Check gutters and siding:

   • Dents in aluminum siding or gutters are telltale signs.

   • Run your hand along downspouts—if you feel pockmarks, hail was strong enough to cause roof damage.

3. Look for granules:

   • Check your gutters, driveway, or around the foundation for loose shingle granules.

4. Inspect the shingles:

   • From the ground, use binoculars if you don’t feel safe climbing.

   • Look for discoloration, dark circles, or shiny spots where granules are missing.

5. Test for bruises:

   • If you’re comfortable climbing up safely, lightly press on suspect shingles. A “soft spot” is a bruise.

6. Check flashing and vents:

   • Metal roof accessories often show dents even when shingles look fine.

Common Misconceptions About Hail Damage

Over the years, I’ve heard plenty of myths. Let me clear up a few:

• “If I don’t see leaks, I’m fine.”
  Wrong. Leaks can take months or years to show up after hail damage.

• “My shingles are new, so they’re hail-proof.”
  Nope. Even brand-new shingles can be damaged by large hailstones.

• “Only big hailstones cause damage.”
  False. Smaller hail, especially when driven by strong winds, can cause just as much harm.

DIY vs. Professional Inspection

You can do a basic check yourself, but a professional roofer brings experience and equipment that a homeowner simply can’t match.

• DIY: Good for spotting dents, bruises, or missing granules.

• Pro: We use chalk, drones, and years of storm repair experience to document damage properly for insurance claims.

If you’re not sure whether the damage is cosmetic or structural, that’s when you call someone like us. At Ernie’s Gutter, we’ve been helping Denver homeowners navigate storm repairs for over 45 years.

When to Call Your Insurance Company

Timing matters. Most insurance policies have a window (often 6–12 months) to file a hail claim. If you wait too long, you could be on the hook for the full repair bill.

Here’s the smart sequence:

1. Call a trusted local roofer for a free inspection.

2. Get photos and documentation of the damage.

3. File your claim with the evidence.

4. Have your roofer meet the insurance adjuster on-site.

We’ve walked countless homeowners through this process, making sure they don’t get shortchanged.

Why Choose Ernie’s Gutter

We’re not storm chasers who show up after a hailstorm and disappear. We’ve been roofing Denver since 1978. As a third-generation family-owned business, we take pride in protecting our neighbors’ homes with quality roofing, seamless gutters, and siding.

• Local, licensed, and insured

• Family-owned for over 45 years

• Free storm inspections

• Full-service roofing and gutter replacement

When hail hits, call someone who knows Denver roofs inside and out.

FAQs: How to Spot Hail Damage

1. What size hail causes roof damage?
Even hail as small as a quarter (about 1 inch) can damage asphalt shingles. Larger hail increases the chance of serious roof damage.

2. Can hail damage be invisible at first?
Yes. Sometimes the damage doesn’t show until months later when shingles start to curl or leak.

3. How do insurance adjusters check for hail damage?
They look for consistent impact marks, bruised shingles, and collateral damage on gutters, siding, and vents.

4. Should I climb on my roof to check for hail damage?
We don’t recommend it for safety reasons. Use binoculars from the ground or call a professional roofer.

5. How long do I have to file a hail damage claim in Colorado?
Most policies allow 6–12 months, but it varies. Check your policy for exact deadlines.

6. Can hail damage shorten my roof’s lifespan?
Absolutely. Even minor bruising reduces the shingle’s UV and water resistance, leading to premature aging.

7. Will insurance cover the full cost of replacement?
If the damage is documented correctly, yes—minus your deductible. That’s why inspections matter.

8. What if only part of my roof is damaged?
Sometimes insurers cover partial replacement, but often full replacement is recommended to maintain uniform wear.

9. Can I prevent hail damage?
You can’t stop hail, but impact-resistant shingles and regular maintenance help minimize future damage.

10. Why choose a local roofer over storm chasers?
Local roofers like Ernie’s Gutter stand by their work. Storm chasers often vanish before warranty issues come up.