After a hailstorm, it’s not always obvious whether your roof is fine or quietly ruined. From the ground, everything might look “okay” while hidden bruises and cracks slowly turn into leaks months later.

This guide shows what hail damage really looks like on different roofing materials, how to tell cosmetic damage from serious problems, and what repair options you actually have.

When you’re ready for a professional inspection or repair quote, you can connect with local roofers through RoofingDirect:
https://roofingdirect.net/locations/
https://roofingdirect.net/services/
https://roofingdirect.net/contact-2/

What Hail Damage Does to Your Roof (In Plain English)

Hail doesn’t just “dent” your roof. It hits with enough force to:

  • Knock protective granules off asphalt shingles
  • Bruise or crack the shingle mat underneath
  • Dent metal panels and soft metals (gutters, vents, flashing)
  • Puncture or tear flat roofing membranes
  • Break skylights or crack plastic roof vents

Some of this damage is mainly cosmetic. But when the shingle mat or membrane is compromised, water can find its way into your home long after the storm is over.

Hail Damage on Asphalt Shingle Roofs

Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material in Canada, and they show very specific signs after hail.

1. Granule loss (bald spots)

Look for:

  • Dark, circular “bruises” or bare spots where granules are missing
  • Exposed black or dark-grey underlayer (the shingle mat)
  • Granules piled up in gutters or at the bottom of downspouts

Granules protect shingles from UV rays and weather. Once they’re knocked off, shingles age much faster and become more brittle.

2. Bruising you can’t always see

Sometimes hail bruises a shingle without ripping it open.

If you could safely touch the shingle, you might feel:

  • A soft, spongy “bruise”
  • A slight depression or bump compared to surrounding shingles

These bruises weaken the mat under the granules. Over time, they often crack and let water in.

3. Cracks, splits, and tears

Larger hailstones or high winds can cause:

  • Short, radiating cracks from a central impact point
  • Tear lines where the shingle broke under stress
  • Lifted or creased shingles that were bent by wind + hail together

Any visible crack is a potential future leak.

If you suspect hail damage but aren’t sure what you’re seeing from the ground, it’s smart to book a professional inspection:
https://roofingdirect.net/contact-2/

Hail Damage on Metal Roofing

Metal roofs handle hail very well structurally, but they can still show damage.

1. Dents and dimples

You may notice:

  • Round dents in flat panel sections
  • Small dimples along ribs or seams
  • Dented areas on metal fascia, soffit, or siding

Many of these dents are cosmetic and don’t create active leaks. However, heavy impacts near seams or fasteners can eventually cause problems.

2. Coating or paint damage

Look for:

  • Chipped paint or cracked coatings
  • Areas where the finish looks scuffed or worn

Over time, damaged coatings can lead to rust or corrosion on steel roofs.

A metal roof with cosmetic dents can still last decades, but it may affect resale value or insurance. A local roofer can help you decide whether repairs are necessary:
https://roofingdirect.net/services/

Hail Damage on Flat Roofs (TPO, EPDM, Modified Bitumen)

Commercial and some residential flat roofs react differently to hail.

1. Membrane punctures and tears

Signs include:

  • Small round punctures where hailstones hit
  • Rips or tears at seams or around rooftop equipment
  • Blistered or lifted areas in the membrane

Even small punctures can allow water to spread under the membrane and leak far away from the actual impact point.

2. Damage around rooftop equipment

Check (or have a pro check):

  • Around HVAC units and curbs
  • At drains and scuppers
  • Around skylights and roof hatches

These areas are already vulnerable; hail just makes them weaker.

If you manage or own a building with a flat roof, it’s wise to schedule a post-storm inspection so small punctures don’t become big leaks:
https://roofingdirect.net/contact-2/

Other Places Hail Damage Shows Up (Clues for Homeowners)

You can often spot hail damage without setting foot on the roof by looking at:

  • Gutters and downspouts
    • Dents and dings in the metal
    • Lots of granules washed out after the storm
  • Metal flashing and vents
    • Dented or bent pieces
    • Cracked or broken plastic vent covers
  • Siding and windows
    • Cracked siding panels
    • Chipped paint or broken window screens

If these areas are visibly beaten up, your roof has probably taken a hit too—even if you can’t see every impact from the ground.

For more visual checklists and roof health guides, you can browse:
https://roofingdirect.net/blog/

Inside Your Home: Signs of Hidden Hail Damage

Sometimes, hail damage doesn’t show up until weeks or months later, when leaks finally reach the interior.

Watch for:

  • New water stains on ceilings or upper walls
  • Bubbling or peeling paint
  • Musty smells in top floors or attic spaces
  • Soft drywall or plaster around light fixtures

If you see any of these after a hailstorm, it’s time to get a roofer involved right away:
https://roofingdirect.net/contact-2/

Cosmetic vs Functional Hail Damage

Insurance companies and roofers often talk about “cosmetic” vs “functional” damage.

Cosmetic hail damage

Examples:

  • Dents on metal panels that don’t affect seams or fasteners
  • Light granule loss in small scattered areas
  • Minor scuffing that doesn’t compromise the shingle or membrane

Cosmetic damage might not cause immediate leaks, but it can still bother some homeowners or affect resale.

Functional hail damage

Examples:

  • Cracked or split shingle mats
  • Punctured flat roof membranes
  • Broken seals around vents, chimneys, or skylights
  • Heavy granule loss with exposed mat in many areas

Functional damage affects the roof’s ability to keep water out. This is usually what leads to leaks and is often what insurance policies care about most.

A professional inspection is the best way to document which type of damage you have and what repairs are needed. You can connect with local roofers who provide hail inspections here:
https://roofingdirect.net/locations/

Repair Options After Hail Damage

Your options depend on how bad the damage is, how old the roof is, and what your insurance says.

1. Spot repairs

Best when:

  • Damage is limited to a small area
  • Most of the roof is still in good shape
  • The roof is not near the end of its lifespan

Typical repairs may include:

  • Replacing damaged shingles in specific sections
  • Resealing or replacing cracked flashing and vents
  • Patching small punctures on flat roofs

2. Partial replacement

Useful when:

  • One slope or section is badly damaged, others are relatively okay
  • Damage is concentrated on the storm-facing side of the home

A roofer may recommend re-roofing the worst sections while monitoring the rest.

3. Full roof replacement

Often recommended when:

  • Hail damage is widespread across the roof
  • The roof is already near the end of its life
  • Multiple past storms have weakened the system

While more expensive upfront, a full replacement can reset the clock on your roof and often comes with better materials and updated installation standards.

You can learn more about roof repair vs replacement and other services at:
https://roofingdirect.net/services/

And when you’re ready to get quotes for repair or full replacement, use:
https://roofingdirect.net/contact-2/

Hail Damage and Home Insurance: What to Do First

If you think hail has damaged your roof:

  1. Take photos
    • Ground-level pictures of siding, gutters, vents, and visible roof areas
    • Interior photos of any new stains or leaks
  2. Get a professional roof inspection
    • Ask for a written report and photos from a local roofer
    • This can help you decide whether to contact your insurer
  3. Review your policy
    • Check your deductible and what types of roof damage are covered
  4. Talk to a roofer before or shortly after you call insurance
    • They can explain whether the damage looks cosmetic or functional
    • They can sometimes meet the adjuster on-site to walk the roof together

RoofingDirect can help you connect with roofers experienced in hail inspections and insurance documentation:
https://roofingdirect.net/locations/

Simple Post-Hailstorm Checklist for Homeowners

Right after a hailstorm:

  • Walk around your home and look for dents in gutters, siding, and window screens
  • Look for shingles on the ground or any obvious roof debris
  • Check inside for new water stains on ceilings or top-floor walls
  • Take photos of anything that looks damaged
  • Schedule a professional roof inspection if you see or suspect damage

For ongoing education and more detailed roof care guides (including costs, repair vs replacement, and seasonal checklists), visit the RoofingDirect blog:
https://roofingdirect.net/blog/

And when you’re ready for help from a local roofer:

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