Hail damage can take several forms and can look different depending on the type of roof you have. Since most residential roofs have asphalt shingles, we’ll focus on that. These are the major marks that indicate hail damage:

Missing granules – this will look like a dark circle or scuff, as the missing granules have exposed the darker substrate layer.

Bruising – a close examination of an area with missing granules can reveal bruising, with a spongy or soft feel to the shingle.

Mat breakage – asphalt shingles are built on a fiberglass matting surface. When the mat breaks, water can penetrate the shingle.

Pattern of damage – a roof that has been damaged by hail will generally display the above characteristics in a random pattern across the roof’s surface.

Additional damage beyond the roof – If other areas of the house, including siding, windows, gutters, and fascia, have been dented, the likelihood of a paid claim for hail damage is high.

It’s not easy to identify hail damage from the ground but if you suspect you have hail damage, your first call should be to your roofing company. It’s generally not wise for a homeowner to get up on a roof to inspect the damage personally. At Marietta Roofing Company, this damage and repair estimate is free.