Identifying Hail Damage on Your Roof

Minnesota experiences some of the most severe hailstorms in the country, with the Twin Cities metro area averaging 3–5 significant hail events per year. Knowing how to spot hail damage early can save you thousands in future repair costs and help you file a successful insurance claim.

What Does Hail Damage Look Like on Asphalt Shingles?

Hail damage on asphalt shingles is not always obvious from the ground. Here's what a trained inspector looks for:

  • Random Pattern of Hits: Hail strikes randomly, unlike foot traffic or wear patterns that follow lines
  • Loss of Granules: Dark spots where protective granules have been knocked loose, exposing the black asphalt mat beneath
  • Soft Spots: Press on a shingle — if it feels spongy like a bruised apple, the fiberglass mat underneath is fractured
  • Cracked or Split Shingles: Larger hailstones (1" or bigger) can crack shingles on impact
  • Dents in Metal Components: Check roof vents, valleys, and flashing for dents — these confirm hail hit your roof

Checking Your Gutters and Downspouts

Gutters are one of the easiest places to confirm hail damage:

  • Look for dents along the top edge of gutters
  • Check downspouts for dings and dimples
  • Examine splash blocks at ground level for strike marks
  • Heavy granule accumulation in gutters after a storm indicates shingle damage above

Inspecting Your Siding for Hail Damage

Don't forget to check your siding, which is often damaged in the same storm:

  • Vinyl Siding: Look for cracks, chips, and holes — vinyl becomes brittle in cold weather and is especially vulnerable
  • LP SmartSide: Check for dents and chips in the engineered wood surface
  • Fiber Cement: Look for chips and cracks at impact points

When Should You File a Hail Damage Insurance Claim?

File a claim if:

  • Hailstones were 1 inch (quarter-size) or larger
  • You can see visible damage on shingles, gutters, or siding from the ground
  • Neighbors on your street are getting new roofs after the same storm
  • Your roof is more than 10 years old and was in the storm's path

Important: Most insurance policies have a 1-year deadline to file hail damage claims. Don't wait — get a free inspection as soon as possible after a storm.

The Insurance Claims Process

Here's how the process works when you work with Weatherguard:

  1. Free Inspection: Our certified inspector examines your entire exterior and documents all damage with photos
  2. Damage Report: We provide you with a detailed written report of all findings
  3. Claim Filing: We help you file the claim with your insurance company
  4. Adjuster Meeting: We meet your insurance adjuster on-site to ensure all damage is documented
  5. Repair/Replacement: Once approved, we complete all work to your satisfaction

Common Myths About Hail Damage

  • Myth: "If my roof isn't leaking, there's no damage." Reality: Hail damage is cumulative — it weakens shingles long before leaks appear.
  • Myth: "Filing a claim will raise my rates." Reality: Hail is an act of nature — most insurers cannot raise your rate for weather-related claims.
  • Myth: "I can see my roof is fine from the ground." Reality: Most hail damage is invisible from ground level and requires a close-up inspection.

Get Your Free Hail Damage Inspection

Weatherguard Construction has helped thousands of Minnesota homeowners navigate hail damage claims. Our inspections are always free, and we handle the entire insurance process. Call (651) 439-4320 or schedule your inspection online.