How Do You Tell Hail Damage From Normal Wear on Shingles?

Hail damage tends to be scattered and uneven. You might see a cluster of dents or cracks in one area, while other parts of the roof look untouched. That irregular distribution is a strong clue that something struck the shingles with force, rather than the slow, even aging that comes from sun and weather.

Normal wear, on the other hand, shows up as a uniform loss of granules across the surface. The shingles may look faded, brittle, or slightly curled at the edges. If the whole roof looks equally tired, the cause is likely age and exposure, not a single storm event.

• Random dents or cracks in a small area
• Uniform granule loss across the roof
• Shingles that are brittle or curling
• Fresh-looking impact marks near edges

Hail can crack shingles, especially if they are older and more brittle. Look for hairline fractures or pieces that have broken away. These cracks often appear in a radial pattern from the impact point, and they may expose the underlying mat or felt.

Normal wear rarely causes sudden fractures. Shingles usually degrade by losing granules or becoming porous, not by cracking in a pattern that spreads from a single point. A crack that looks like a spider web or a fresh split is a good sign of hail impact.

If you cannot tell from the ground, use binoculars to inspect the roof from a safe distance. Look for dark spots or shadows that might indicate dents. For a thorough check, consider having a local water damage pro perform a roof inspection, especially after a severe storm.

Document any damage you find with photos and notes. This helps if you file an insurance claim. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. A professional assessment can also identify whether hail has compromised the roof's ability to keep water out.

• Use binoculars from the ground
• Photograph any visible dents or cracks
• Note the date of the last storm
• Keep records of your roof's age