Storm & Insurance
Hail damage roof inspection and repair
Hail damages asphalt shingles by bruising the mat and knocking off granules, which shortens the roof's life even when nothing leaks. A roofer checks test squares on each slope, the soft metals and the ridge to judge whether damage is isolated or widespread enough for replacement.
- Same-day inspections when a roofer is available
- All 50 states + D.C.
- Quote before work
Hail is most frequent in the central United States: Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, South Dakota and Minnesota see the most hail claims, but damaging hail reaches nearly every state. The damage is easy to miss from the ground and often turns into leaks a year or two later.
Insurance adjusters look for functional damage: fractured mats, exposed asphalt and punctures, typically counted within a 10-by-10-foot test square on each slope. Dented gutters, vent caps and AC fins help confirm hail size and direction.
Hail damage at a glance
- Damage type
- Bruised mats and granule loss
- Measured by
- Hits in a test square on each slope
- Confirm with
- Dents in gutters, vents and AC fins
- Highest risk
- Central Plains, Front Range and Upper Midwest
Hail Damage Roof Repair is part of storm damage roof repair. Related: hurricane & wind damage repair, roof insurance claim inspections.
Signs you need hail damage
- Dark spots where granules were knocked off
- Dents in gutters, downspouts, AC fins or metal vents
- Granules piling at downspout outlets
- Cracked or split shingles on the windward side
- Damaged patio furniture, cars or window screens
How the roofer handles it
- 1
Check collateral damage
Gutters, vents, screens and AC units show hail size and direction before anyone goes up.
- 2
Test squares
The roofer marks and counts hits within a test square on each slope and photographs them with chalk circles.
- 3
Assess
They judge whether the damage is cosmetic or functional, and whether repair or replacement fits.
- 4
Repair or replace
Isolated hits can be repaired; widespread damage usually means replacing the roof under the claim.
What affects the cost
Prices depend on what the roofer finds, so the contractor quotes after inspecting. These are the main factors:
- Number of damaged slopes
- Shingle availability and matching
- Upgrading to Class 4 impact-resistant shingles
- Soft metal replacement (vents, gutters, flashing)
- Your wind and hail deductible
Frequently asked questions
What size hail damages a roof?
Hail around one inch and larger can bruise standard asphalt shingles, especially older ones. Wind-driven hail does more damage than hail falling straight down.
Does filing a hail claim raise my premium?
Rules vary by state and insurer. Many treat weather claims differently from other claims; ask your agent before filing if you're unsure.
Should I upgrade to impact-resistant shingles?
Often, in hail-prone states. Many insurers in states such as Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado and Minnesota offer premium discounts for Class 4 roofs.
Where hail damage matters most
States where hail drive the most demand. The service is available across our network in all 50 states and D.C.
Related services
Guides
Need hail damage?
Same-day inspections when a roofer is available. One call connects you with an independent roofer who serves your ZIP.