Spring storms in Metro Atlanta and North Georgia often bring hail, and hail damage is one of the easiest roof problems to miss. A roof can look fine from the driveway while the shingles have been bruised badly enough to shorten their life and let water in months later. Here is how to tell if hail has damaged your roof and what to do about it.
Why hail damage matters even when there is no leak
Asphalt shingles are covered in granules that protect them from the sun. When hail hits, it can knock those granules loose or crack the mat underneath. The shingle may not leak right away, but the damaged spot breaks down faster and can start leaking long after the storm is forgotten. That delay is why it pays to check your roof soon after a hail storm.
Signs of hail damage you can check from the ground
- Dents on soft metal: look at gutters, downspouts, roof vents, window wraps and even your mailbox. If they are dented, the roof took hits too.
- Granules in the gutters or at the bottom of downspouts: a sudden pile of sand-like granules after a storm is a common sign.
- Damage to siding, screens or outdoor furniture: chipped paint and torn screens point to hail large enough to matter.
- Neighbors getting inspections or new roofs: if roofers are working on your street after the same storm, your roof deserves a look.
What hail damage looks like up close
On the roof itself, hail damage usually shows up as dark spots where granules are missing, soft or bruised areas in the shingle, or small cracks and splits. Damage tends to be random rather than in a pattern. Roofers often mark each hit with chalk during an inspection so the damage is easy to photograph and show your adjuster.
Do not climb up there yourself
Walking a roof is dangerous, especially after a storm when surfaces may be wet or damaged. Leave the up-close inspection to a professional with the right safety gear.
What to do after a hail storm
- Note the date of the storm and take photos of any dents or damage you can see from the ground.
- Schedule a professional roof inspection. Ask for photos of anything they find.
- If there is damage, contact your insurance company to start a claim. Policies set their own deadlines, so do not wait.
- If water is already coming in, get the area tarped right away to prevent more damage. See our emergency roof tarping page.
For more on what happens next, see our storm damage page and our roof insurance claim guide.
Need a roof inspection?
Emergency Roofing Solutions serves homeowners across Metro Atlanta and North Georgia. Call 404-474-4222 (a live person answers 24/7) or schedule a free roof assessment.