Weather · Hail damage

Hail damage — track it, spot it, claim it

Hail is the #1 cause of insurance-covered roof replacements in the U.S. Even 1-inch hail can bruise asphalt shingles and shorten roof life by 5–10 years.

Signs of hail damage on shingles

• • Round black bruises where granules are knocked off (asphalt mat exposed).
• • Soft spots that dent under thumb pressure — like a bruised apple.
• • Cracked or fractured shingles, especially on the storm-facing slope.
• • Dents on metal vents, flashing, gutters, and the AC condenser fins.

Do this within 48 hours

1. 1. Photograph collateral damage from the ground (gutters, vents, AC).
2. 2. Check the live radar for the storm date & size.
3. 3. Call your insurance carrier — file before your policy's deadline (usually 1 year).
4. 4. Get 2–3 written inspections from local, licensed roofers.