How to Spot Hail Damage on Your Roof Before It Turns Into a Leak
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.
By V. Sanchez · Updated November 5, 2026 · 3 min read
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
A sudden pile of sand-like granules in the gutters or at the bottom of downspouts 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.
How big was the hail?
The National Weather Service calls a thunderstorm severe when it brings hail at least 1 inch across, about the size of a quarter. That is the size that triggers severe thunderstorm warnings.
Whether your roof was actually damaged depends on more than size, including the wind and the age and condition of your shingles. That is why an up-close inspection matters. Source: National Weather Service, Peachtree City office.
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.
Photos from our own hail inspections.
Bruises and missing granules
Dark spots where the granules were knocked off, circled in chalk.
Each hit marked
Roofers circle each hit so it is easy to photograph and show your adjuster.
Random, not in a pattern
Hail hits are scattered across a slope. A marked test square shows how many there are.
Around roof features
Hits are often marked near skylights, vents and other spots that need a close look.
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
Write down the date
Note the date of the storm and take photos of any dents or damage you can see from the ground.
Get a professional inspection
Schedule a professional roof inspection. Ask for photos of anything they find.
Contact your insurer if there is damage
If there is damage, contact your insurance company to start a claim. Policies set their own deadlines, so do not wait.
Tarp any leaks right away
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.
Hail damage FAQs
Does hail damage always cause a leak right away?
No. A bruised shingle may not leak at first, but the damaged spot breaks down faster and can start leaking months after the storm.
Can I tell from the ground if my roof has hail damage?
You can look for clues like dented gutters and vents, granules in the gutters or chipped siding. Damage on the shingles themselves usually takes an up-close inspection to see.
Does homeowners insurance cover hail damage?
Hail is usually a covered event on homeowners policies, minus your deductible, but every policy is different. See our roof insurance claim guide.
Schedule Your Free Hail Damage Inspection
Emergency Roofing Solutions serves homeowners across Metro Atlanta and North Georgia. Prefer to talk? Call 404-474-4222. A live person answers 24/7.