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Hail Damage and Roof Repair: Answers to Your Frequently Asked Questions

March 14, 2025

The spring season has finally arrived. While spring brings many beauties, it’s also a common time for hailstorms, which can cause significant damage to your roof.

Determining whether or not a roof repair is necessary after hail damage may take a trained eye. The effects of the storm may not be obvious from the ground, and trying to inspect the roof on your own could be dangerous. Instead, contact a qualified contractor to inspect your roof safely and more thoroughly.

As you are communicating with your contractor, you may have many questions. Following are several questions and answers about how hail can damage a roof, how to recognize damage and whether or not repairs are urgent.

What are some signs of the damage?
Common signs of hail damage on the roof of a house or commercial building include leaks, water stains, cracked tiles or slates, small punctures and dented shingles, gutters or vents.

What does hail damage look like on a roof?
It depends on the roofing material, but it most commonly appears as a series of small, circular punctures. It can also present itself through:

  • Soft, dark spots that look like bruises
  • Granule loss, exposing the underlying material
  • Cracks, tears or breaks
  • Sharp splits or depressions in wood
  • Dents and dings on metal that look like small divots or circular marks
  • Chipped paint
Closeup of hail damage on roof
Hail can leave small punctures and dents on residential or commercial roofs.

What is considered “significant” hail damage on a roof? How would I determine if repairs are necessary?
If your roof can no longer do its job or if water is leaking into your home, it’s certainly time to do something about it.

Additionally, what looks like cosmetic, surface damage could actually be deeper, and a contractor will help you determine if that’s the case. If you have widespread damage on shingles, cracked or missing shingles or exposed underlayment, you may need your roof repaired as soon as possible.

What will the repairs entail?
Asphalt shingles may need to be removed, and new ones would be installed. For metal roofs, dents can sometimes be reshaped, but may need full replacement. Flashing, vents and gutters would be inspected and repaired as necessary to prevent leaks. Any modifications would be secured and sealed.

How long will it take? Do we need to leave the house?
The duration depends on the extent of the damage, but most minor to moderate repairs, such as in the case of hail damage, can be completed in about a day. Larger repairs or partial roof replacements will take longer.

In most cases, homeowners do not need to leave the house during the repair process, though it can be noisy and disruptive. If extensive structural damage is discovered, if interior repairs are required or if there are potential dangers, you may be advised to leave the home temporarily for your comfort and safety.

Does insurance cover roof damage from hail?
Most insurance policies typically cover roof damage caused by hail, as it's considered a natural disaster. The extent of coverage can vary based on your policy, roof age and the severity of the damage.

It’s important to promptly report the incident, document it with photos and work with your insurance adjuster and a qualified roofing contractor to ensure a fair assessment and proper repairs.

If you need your roof repaired after hail damage, Hays + Sons is here to help. Hays + Sons is an Owens Corning Preferred Roofing Contractor, which means we are part of an exclusive network of roofing professionals who meet high standards and strict requirements for professionalism and reliability. We are also recognized by most major insurance companies and will help coordinate with your insurance provider.

Do you have additional questions? Contact us for more information or send us a message through our website. If you need emergency roof repair, call our 24-hour emergency hotline at 800-536-4056.