What Does Hail Damage Actually Look Like on a Roof? Photos + Guide

Hey there, I'm Brian, owner of Proof Construction here in Broken Arrow, OK. If you're reading this, chances are you've just been through a hailstorm, or you're preparing for one (it is Oklahoma, after all!). One of the most common questions I get is, "Brian, what does hail damage on a roof look like?" It's a great question, because often, what you see from the ground isn't the full story.

My team and I inspect storm-damaged roofs across the Tulsa metro area daily. We've seen it all – from subtle dimples that hint at significant issues to obvious impacts that scream "new roof!" This visual guide is designed to help you understand the difference between normal wear and tear and actual hail damage, so you know when it's time to call in the pros.

Why Hail Damage Can Be So Tricky to Spot

Unlike a tree falling on your roof, hail damage isn't always immediately obvious. Here’s why it often goes unnoticed by the untrained eye:

• It's Up High: Most people don't have a safe way to get on their roof, and from the ground, minor damage is practically invisible.
• Color and Texture: Darker or highly textured shingles can camouflage damage better than lighter, smoother ones.
• Angle of Impact: Hail rarely falls perfectly straight down. Angled impacts can cause damage on specific slopes of your roof, leaving others untouched.
• Size Matters (but not always how you think): Even small hail, especially if accompanied by high winds, can cause significant damage, not just the golf-ball sized stuff.

The Tell-Tale Signs: What Does Hail Damage on Asphalt Shingles Look Like?

Most homes in Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas have asphalt shingle roofs. This is where we see the majority of hail damage. Here's what my crew looks for:

1. Granule Loss (Bruising or Dimples)

This is the most common sign. When hail strikes an asphalt shingle, it displaces the protective granules, exposing the underlying asphalt or fiberglass mat. This looks like:

• Circular or Random Dark Spots: These are areas where the granules have been knocked off, revealing the darker asphalt beneath. They often have a circular or "bruised" appearance.
• Soft Spots: If you were to gently press on a hail-damaged area (which you shouldn't do without proper safety gear and training!), it might feel softer than the surrounding shingle. The impact crushes the shingle's core.

Example: Notice the distinct circular patterns where granules have been dislodged, exposing the black asphalt underneath.

2. Fractures or Cracks

With larger hail or high-velocity impacts, the shingle's fiberglass mat can actually fracture or crack. These aren't always visible from the ground, but up close, you might see:

• "Starburst" Cracks: Small cracks radiating outwards from a central impact point, resembling a star.
• Random Cracks: Unlike age-related cracks which are often linear and follow the shingle's pattern, hail cracks can appear anywhere on the shingle surface.