How to Check for Hail Damage

Colorado's Front Range averages more damaging hail events per year than almost any region in the country. The corridor from Colorado Springs through Denver to Fort Collins sits in what insurers call Hail Alley, and most residential roofs in the metro area will sustain hail damage at least once during their service life.

Knowing how to check for hail damage after a storm helps you act quickly, document what happened, and make informed decisions about repairs and insurance claims.

Start from the Ground

Never climb onto your roof after a storm. Damaged shingles can be slippery, and structural damage may not be visible from above. Instead, start your inspection from ground level.

Look for these ground-level indicators:

Dented gutters and downspouts. Aluminum gutters show hail impacts clearly. If your gutters have fresh dents, the shingles above them likely took hits too.
Damaged siding and window trim. Dents, cracks, or chipped paint on vinyl or aluminum siding indicate hailstones large enough to damage roofing materials.
Dented outdoor equipment. Air conditioning condensers, mailboxes, and car hoods all show hail impacts. The size of the dents tells you the approximate hail diameter.
Granules in gutters and at downspout discharge points. After a hailstorm, check your gutter outlets for accumulated granules. Some granule loss is normal over time, but a sudden large deposit after a storm indicates shingle damage.

What Hail Damage Looks Like on Shingles

Hail damage on asphalt shingles is not always obvious from a distance. It often requires a close-up inspection by a trained professional. The key signs include:

Random dents or bruises. Hail damage creates impacts that are randomly spaced, unlike the uniform pattern of foot traffic or manufacturing defects. Each impact displaces granules and may crack the fiberglass mat beneath the surface.
Missing granules with exposed asphalt. The impact knocks protective granules off the shingle surface, exposing the underlying asphalt to UV degradation. This accelerates aging and leads to premature failure.
Soft spots. Pressing on a hail-damaged area may reveal a soft, spongy feel where the fiberglass mat has been fractured beneath the granule surface. This damage is invisible from a visual inspection alone.
Cracked shingles. Larger hailstones can crack shingles outright, especially on older roofs where the shingles have lost flexibility.

Hail Damage on Other Roof Types

### Metal Roofing Hail creates visible dents on metal panels but rarely causes functional failure unless the dents are severe enough to compromise panel seams or fastener seals. Cosmetic damage to standing seam metal roofing is common in Colorado hail events.

### Flat Membranes (TPO, PVC, EPDM) Hail damage on single-ply membranes is harder to detect because it may not be visible on the membrane surface. Damage often occurs beneath the membrane, in the form of fractured insulation board or cover board. This damage compromises the membrane's support and can lead to premature failure at the impact points. Infrared scanning or core cuts may be needed to assess the full extent of damage.

### Tile and Slate Clay tile and natural slate crack or shatter on impact. Hail damage to these materials is usually visible as broken or displaced tiles.

What to Do After You Suspect Damage

1. Document everything. Photograph damage to gutters, siding, vehicles, and any visible roof damage from the ground. Note the date and approximate time of the storm. Save weather reports or hail-size data from local news or weather services.

2. Contact your insurance company. Report the storm and request a claim number. Do not wait to see if leaks develop. Hail damage is a covered peril under most homeowner policies, and delayed reporting can complicate claims.

3. Schedule a professional roof inspection. A qualified roofing contractor can safely access the roof and identify damage that is not visible from the ground. An RRO-certified inspector provides documentation that carries weight with insurance adjusters.

4. Do not sign contracts under pressure. After major hail events, door-to-door solicitors often canvass affected neighborhoods. Take your time, verify contractor licensing and insurance, and get multiple opinions before committing to repairs.

5. Understand your insurance coverage. Know whether your policy pays Replacement Cost Value (RCV) or Actual Cash Value (ACV) for roof claims. This distinction can affect your out-of-pocket costs by thousands of dollars, particularly for roofs over 10 years old.

When to Call a Professional

Any hailstorm that produces stones 1 inch in diameter or larger should prompt a professional inspection. Even smaller hail can cause cumulative damage to aging roofs. If you see fresh granules in your gutters, dents on soft metals around your home, or any visible shingle damage, schedule an inspection promptly.

At Rhino Roofing LLC, our inspections are free, and our reports include photographs and damage assessments that support your insurance claim. Contact us at (303) 223-0866 or schedule an inspection.