The most common signs of hail damage on a roof include dents or dimples in shingles, missing granules exposing dark asphalt underneath, cracked or split shingles, dented gutters and downspouts, and damage to roof vents and flashing. In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, hail ranging from marble to softball size regularly impacts homes, and damage isn’t always visible from the ground—professional inspection is recommended after any significant hail event.
What Does Hail Damage Look Like on Asphalt Shingles?
Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material in North Texas homes, and hail affects them in specific ways:
Granule Loss: Look for dark spots or patches where the protective granules have been knocked off, exposing the black asphalt mat beneath. Check your gutters and downspouts for accumulated granules after storms—this is often the first visible sign of damage.
Bruising or Soft Spots: Hail impacts can create soft spots that feel spongy when pressed. These “bruises” damage the shingle’s underlying structure even when surface damage isn’t obvious. This is why professional hands-on inspection is essential.
Cracks and Fractures: Large hailstones can crack shingles, creating entry points for water. These cracks may be random or form circular patterns around impact points.
Dents and Dimples: Visible circular depressions indicate direct hail strikes. The size and pattern correspond to hailstone diameter and wind direction during the storm.
Exposed Fiberglass Mat: Severe impacts can tear through the asphalt layer entirely, exposing the white fiberglass reinforcement underneath.
How Can I Check for Hail Damage on My Roof Safely?
From the Ground (Recommended Starting Point):
- Walk around your property looking for debris, fallen shingles, or granules in landscaping
- Inspect gutters, downspouts, and gutter screens for dents
- Check outdoor AC units, patio furniture, and car surfaces for impact marks
- Look at window screens, siding, and painted surfaces for damage
- Examine any soft metal surfaces like mailboxes or outdoor lighting
Pro Tip-: If you see damage on these ground-level items, there’s a high probability your roof sustained damage too—even if you can’t see it from below.
What Ranger Roofing & Construction Recommends: Avoid climbing on your roof after storms. Wet or damaged roofing is dangerous, and walking on damaged shingles can worsen the problem. Instead, schedule a FREE professional inspection with our 4K drone technology, which provides detailed imagery without risk.
What Are the Signs of Hail Damage Beyond the Roof?
A comprehensive damage assessment includes checking all exterior surfaces:
Gutters and Downspouts
- Dents along the horizontal surfaces
- Dings on downspout fronts
- Damage to gutter guards or screens
- Accumulated granules inside gutters
Siding and Paint
- Chipped or cracked vinyl siding
- Dents in aluminum or steel siding
- Paint chips or circular marks
- Damaged trim and fascia boards
Windows and Screens
- Torn or punctured window screens
- Chipped window frames
- Cracked glass (from severe hail)
Outdoor Equipment
- Dented AC unit covers
- Damaged outdoor furniture
- Dings on vehicles, especially horizontal surfaces
Fencing and Decking
- Splatter marks on wooden surfaces
- Dents in metal fencing
- Damaged fence caps
How Big Does Hail Need to Be to Damage a Roof?
Hail damage potential depends on size, wind speed, and roofing materials:
| Hail Size | Approximate Diameter | Typical Damage Level |
|---|---|---|
| Pea | 1/4 inch | Minimal – mostly cosmetic |
| Marble | 1/2 inch | Minor granule loss |
| Dime | 3/4 inch | Moderate granule loss, possible bruising |
| Quarter | 1 inch | Significant damage likely |
| Golf Ball | 1.75 inches | Severe damage, possible cracks |
| Tennis Ball | 2.5 inches | Major structural damage |
| Baseball | 2.75 inches | Extreme damage, penetration possible |
Important: In DFW, even smaller hail (dime to quarter size) can cause damage when driven by high winds—a common occurrence during Texas storms. The March 2024 DFW hailstorm brought winds over 90 mph with hail up to 3.25 inches, affecting over 1 million homes.
Why Can’t I Always See Hail Damage from the Ground?
Several factors make roof hail damage difficult to spot without professional inspection:
- Distance and Angle – Subtle granule loss and bruising aren’t visible from ground level
- Shingle Color – Damage on dark shingles is harder to detect visually
- Roof Slope – Steeper pitches hide damage from view
- Damage Type – Bruising and soft spots require physical inspection to detect
- Weathering – Damaged areas may look similar to normal wear initially
This is why we use 4K drone technology for inspections—it captures detailed imagery of every roof section, documenting damage that ground-level observation misses.
How Long After a Hailstorm Should I Get My Roof Inspected?
Immediately to 1 Week: Schedule your inspection as soon as possible after the storm. Early documentation is critical for insurance claims and prevents further damage from going unaddressed.
Why Timing Matters in Texas: Texas is unique—homeowners bear the burden of proving which storm caused which damage. If another storm hits before you’ve documented the first one’s damage, isolating claims becomes extremely difficult. Additionally:
- Some policies have specific filing deadlines
- Unrepaired damage can worsen with subsequent weather
- Early inspection means faster repair scheduling
Pro Tip: Even if damage seems minor, get it documented. What appears to be cosmetic damage can lead to leaks months or years later as weakened materials deteriorate.
What Should I Do If I Find Hail Damage on My Roof?
Follow these steps after discovering or suspecting hail damage:
- Document What You Can See Take photos and videos of all visible damage, including ground-level items like gutters and AC units.
- Schedule a Professional Inspection Contact Ranger Roofing & Construction for a FREE comprehensive roof inspection with drone technology.
- Check Your Insurance Policy Review your coverage, deductible, and claim deadlines before filing.
- File Your Insurance Claim Promptly Report the damage to your insurer within 24-48 hours of the storm.
- Avoid Permanent Repairs Make temporary fixes (tarps, etc.) to prevent further damage, but wait for adjuster inspection before permanent repairs.
- Keep All Documentation Save weather reports, inspection reports, photos, and all communication with your insurance company.
Can Hail Damage Lead to Roof Leaks?
Yes, but often not immediately. Hail damage compromises your roof’s protective layers in ways that worsen over time:
- Granule loss accelerates shingle deterioration from UV exposure
- Cracks and fractures allow water infiltration during subsequent rains
- Bruised underlayment may fail months after initial impact
- Damaged flashing around vents and chimneys creates leak points
Many homeowners don’t experience leaks until 1-3 years after hail damage occurs. By then, the statute of limitations on insurance claims may have passed. This is why immediate inspection and documentation—even without visible leaks—is crucial.
Why Choose Ranger Roofing & Construction for Hail Damage Inspection in DFW?
After a hailstorm hits the Dallas-Fort Worth area, you need a local team that understands North Texas weather and insurance processes:
- FREE 4K Drone Inspections – Detailed documentation of all damage without walking on your roof
- Over a Decade of DFW Experience – We know local weather patterns and common damage types
- Insurance Claim Expertise – We work directly with adjusters to ensure nothing is missed
- A+ BBB Rating – Trusted by DFW homeowners
- Locally Owned & Operated – Serving Denton, Flower Mound, Highland Village, Corinth, Plano, and surrounding communities
- 5-Year Workmanship Warranty – Quality repairs that last
- Fully Insured – Complete protection for you and your property
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if hail damaged my roof if I wasn’t home during the storm? Check for damage to other surfaces (gutters, AC units, vehicles, outdoor furniture). If these show impact marks, your roof likely sustained damage too. Weather reports and neighbor observations can also confirm hail in your area.
Should I file an insurance claim for minor hail damage? If damage exceeds your deductible, filing a claim makes sense. Even “minor” damage can lead to major problems later. A professional inspection helps determine the extent and whether filing is worthwhile.
How long do I have to file a hail damage claim in Texas? Generally one year from the date of damage, but your policy may specify different deadlines. File promptly—subsequent storms complicate claims significantly.
Can hail damage void my roof warranty? Manufacturer warranties typically don’t cover storm damage, but your homeowner’s insurance should. Always check both your insurance policy and warranty terms after hail damage.
Will a roofing contractor’s inspection damage my roof further? Reputable contractors like Ranger Roofing use careful inspection methods. Our drone technology allows detailed assessment without walking on your roof at all.
Get Your Free Hail Damage Inspection Today
If a recent storm has impacted your DFW home, don’t wait to find out if your roof was damaged. Ranger Roofing & Construction offers FREE comprehensive inspections using 4K drone technology throughout North Texas. Reach out to Ranger Roofing today.