After a hailstorm, it's tempting to glance up at your roof from the driveway and assume everything's fine if nothing looks obviously wrong. That's exactly how hail damage goes unnoticed until it turns into a leak, or until an insurance claim window closes.
On the roof itself
- Dark spots or bruising on asphalt shingles where granules have been knocked loose
- Cracked, split, or curling shingles
- Exposed felt paper or bare spots where granules are missing
- Dented or cracked vents, flashing, or pipe boots
- Soft spots when walking the roof (a sign of underlying damage)
Around your property
- Dented gutters, downspouts, or window screens — a strong indicator hail was large enough to also damage your roof
- Damaged or chipped exterior paint, siding, or trim
- Dented outdoor AC units or metal fixtures
- Bruised or damaged plants and dented mailboxes nearby
Inside your home
- New or worsening water stains on ceilings, especially after recent rain
- A musty smell in the attic
- Visible light coming through the roof deck in the attic
If you notice any of these signs — or even if your neighborhood was hit by a storm and you're not sure — the safest move is a professional inspection. Granule loss and cracked shingles in particular are very difficult to spot safely from the ground, and the difference between "fine" and "needs replacement soon" often comes down to damage only visible up close.