How Do You Tell Hail Damage Apart From Normal Wear?

Hail hits with force, leaving circular or oval dents that are often scattered randomly across a surface. On metal roofs, you may see small, shiny depressions where the protective coating was knocked away. On asphalt shingles, hail can knock off granules, exposing the darker base material and creating a rough, spotty texture.

Normal wear, in contrast, tends to be more uniform. Over time, sun and rain cause fading, curling, or granule loss across the whole roof, not in isolated patches. If you see a cluster of fresh-looking dents or bare spots concentrated in one area, that points to hail rather than aging.

If you remember a recent hailstorm in your area, that helps. Hail damage appears suddenly after a storm, while normal wear builds up gradually. You can also check your roof for other storm signs, like displaced shingles or debris, which often accompany hail.

Take clear photos of any suspicious dents, cracks, or granule loss. Note the date and the location of each damage point. This documentation helps you track whether the damage is spreading, which is more typical of wear, or if it is static, which suggests a one-time event like hail.

Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. If you think hail caused the damage, contact your insurance company with your photos and notes. They may send an adjuster to inspect. For water damage that resulted from a hail-punctured roof, you may also need water damage cleanup and repair services.

• Photograph each dent or crack from two angles
• Write down the date you noticed the damage
• Save any loose granules or broken pieces as evidence
• Keep a record of any recent hailstorms in your area