Skip to Stormguard content
Simplified diagram. Real roofs vary in shape, pitch and materials.
Showing hail guidance.
Hail
Hail strikes from above, so it marks the surfaces facing the storm and the soft metals around the roof.
Where to look
What it can look like
- Round, dark or bruised spots where granules have been knocked off the shingle surface.
- Small dents in vents, flashing, ridge caps and gutters.
- Soft spots you can feel when pressing gently on a bruise (an inspector tests this, you should not).
- Granules collecting in gutters or at downspout outlets.
What an inspector checks
- Counts and records marks within a defined test area on each slope, not only the worst patch.
- Compares the damage pattern against dents on metal pieces and nearby items.
- Looks for fractures in the shingle mat, not just surface granule loss.
- Separates fresh marks from older wear, blistering and manufacturing marks.
Common misconceptions
- No dents visible from the ground does not mean no damage on the roof.
- Granules in the gutter are not proof of storm damage; new roofs shed some too.
- Hail damage on a roof does not automatically mean your insurer will cover it. That is their decision under your policy.