How to Spot Hail Damage on Your Roof

After a hailstorm, your roof might look fine from the driveway. But hail damage is often invisible from the ground — and if left unchecked, it can shorten your roof's life by years and lead to leaks, mold, and structural problems.

What Does Hail Damage Look Like?

Hail damage on asphalt shingles typically shows up as:

• Round dents or dimples on the shingle surface (they may look like bruises)
• Missing granules — look for dark, exposed spots on the shingle
• Soft spots when you press on the shingle (the underlayment is compromised)
• Cracked or fractured shingles, especially on ridgelines and edges
• Random pattern of impacts — hail hits unevenly across the roof

Don't Forget to Check These Areas

Hail doesn't just hit your roof. During an inspection, we also check:

• Gutters and downspouts — dents are a clear sign of hail impact
• Siding — cracked, chipped, or dented panels (especially vinyl and fiber cement)
• Window screens and frames — dings and tears
• AC units and outdoor equipment — dents on the top surface
• Fence posts, mailboxes, and deck railings

Why You Shouldn't Wait

Most Iowa insurance policies have a time limit to file a claim — often around 1 year from the date of loss. If you wait too long, you could lose your right to file entirely.

Even if the damage seems minor, compromised shingles let moisture in over time. What starts as a small bruise can turn into a leak, mold, or rotted decking within a year or two.

What to Do Next

If your neighborhood was hit by hail, the smartest move is a free professional inspection. We use drones, professional tools, and Xactimate estimating to document everything — and if there's no damage, we'll tell you honestly.