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Hail is unfortunately common in the Buckeye State. According to HailTrace, our state experienced at least 46 tracked hail events between June of 2025 and June of 2026 alone.
And because hail can cause pretty significant damage to residential roofs, it’s important that homeowners learn to spot the signs of trouble. We’ll share some of the most important signs that hail has damaged your roof, so you’ll know when it is time to call in the professionals.
Potential Signs of Hail Damage on Your Roof
Hail damage looks different depending on your roof’s material, the size of the hail, and the severity of the storm. Some problems are obvious, while others require a professional roof inspection to identify.
It’s also important to note that different roofing materials tend to show hail damage in different ways.
Asphalt Shingle Roofs
- Missing granules or dark spots where the protective surface has worn away
- Excessive shingle granules collecting in gutters or near downspouts
- Cracked, split, or torn shingles
- Exposed fiberglass mat beneath the shingle surface
Metal Roofs
- Round dents or dings in roofing panels
- Scratched, chipped, or damaged protective coatings
- Damage around seams, fasteners, or panel connections
- Loose, warped, or distorted panels caused by heavy impacts
Wood Shake Roofs
- Cracked or split wood shakes
- Fresh impact marks or dents in the wood
- Broken or missing sections of roofing material
- Splits with sharp edges or little weathering
Slate Roofs
- Cracked, chipped, or broken slate tiles
- Missing pieces caused by direct hail impacts
- Star-shaped fractures or punctures from larger hailstones
- Loosened tiles that may eventually slide out of place
Clay or Concrete Tile Roofs
- Cracked, chipped, or broken tiles
- Missing pieces caused by direct impacts
- Fractures that expose the roof beneath the tile
- Damage concentrated on corners, edges, or raised surfaces
A Subtle Clue Roofing Experts Spot: Bruised Shingles
Unfortunately, one of the most common forms of hail damage isn’t always visible from the ground — it is usually only observed during an up-close inspection from a roofing expert. Called “bruised shingles,” these are soft spots caused by damaged fiberglass beneath the shingle.
These bruises may not cause immediate leaks, but they can weaken shingles and shorten their lifespans. Over time, damaged areas may lose more granules, deteriorate faster, and leave your roof more vulnerable to future storms.
Roof Parts & Components That Often Suffer from Hail Damage
Your primary roof covering isn’t the only part of your roof that can take a hit during a hailstorm. Hail often leaves behind clues on other roofing components, including:
- Flashing: Hail can dent or bend flashing, potentially creating gaps where water can sneak through.
- Roof Vents: Plastic roof vents can crack when they’re struck by larger hailstones, and metal vents might have dents or dings.
- Gutters and Downspouts: Dents, chipped paint, or other visible impacts on gutters and downspouts can be an indicator of the damage that your roof has weathered.
- Skylights: Hail can crack skylight glazing, damage seals, or chip the surrounding flashing. Even if the glass doesn’t shatter, the hail might’ve caused weaknesses around the skylight.
- Ridge Caps: Because they sit atop your roof, ridge caps often suffer the brunt of hail damage and become cracked, split, or loosened.
What Not to Do After a Hailstorm
The hours during and after a hailstorm can be stressful, especially if you’re trying to figure out whether your roof was damaged. Knowing what not to do can help you stay safe and avoid skipping over problems that warrant attention.
| Avoid This | Do This Instead |
| Climbing onto your roof to inspect it yourself | Look for visible signs of damage from the ground and schedule a professional inspection if you find some. |
| Assuming your roof is fine because it isn’t leaking | Remember that hail damage isn’t always visible or severe enough to cause an instant leak. |
| Trying to determine the extent of the damage on your own | Finding roof damage, especially minor damage, often takes a trained eye, so it’s best to have a qualified roofing contractor come take a look. |
| Waiting weeks or months to have the roof inspected | Schedule an inspection as soon as possible after a major hailstorm so small issues don’t have time to become big ones. |
When in doubt, it’s always better to have your roof inspected than to assume everything’s peachy. A professional inspection can identify damage that you can’t see from the ground and help you decide on the best next steps.
How Professional Roof Inspections Identify Hidden Hail Damage
A professional roof inspection is there to answer that one burning question: Did the hail actually damage my roof?
During a roofing inspection, we take a look at the whole system, checking for signs of impact that aren’t always visible from the ground. That includes examining shingles or metal panels, flashing, vents, and other roof components for damage that could affect your roof’s performance over the long run.
Since we’re on the roof during these inspections, we’re able to identify problems you can’t see from the ground, like bruised shingles that are soft to the touch. If we find anything, we document it. We’ll explain whatever needs to happen, be that repairs or, in severe cases, a roof replacement.
If everything looks great, we’ll tell you that, too. We only recommend repairs or replacement if your roof truly needs it.
Documenting Hail Damage Before Filing an Insurance Claim
If you suspect your roof was damaged by hail, taking a few simple steps can help you stay organized and provide your insurance company with the information they need.
- Record the date and time of the storm. Write down when the storm occurred, including the approximate time, hail size, and any other severe weather conditions you noticed.
- Take photos or videos of the visible damage. Document anything you can safely see from the ground, including damaged shingles, gutters, siding, windows, vehicles, or other areas affected by the storm.
- Save any relevant storm information. Keep weather alerts, local storm reports, photos of hailstones, or other information that helps verify the conditions in your area.
- Schedule a professional roof inspection. Have an experienced roofing contractor inspect your roof for damage that may not be visible from the ground, including hidden issues that could lead to leaks later.
- Keep copies of all documents and communication. Save inspection reports, repair estimates, photos, claim information, and any communication related to your roof damage.
Does Every Hail-Damaged Roof Need Replacement?
Hearing that your roof has hail damage doesn’t automatically mean you’re looking at a full replacement. In many cases, we can fix the issue by replacing a few damaged shingles or repairing the affected flashing without ever needing to consider a full replacement.
Our recommendation depends on what we find during the inspection. We’ll look at how much of the roof was damaged, the age and condition of the roofing materials, and whether the repairs will provide a reliable, long-term solution. If a repair makes sense, that’s what we’ll recommend. If the damage is more extensive and a replacement is the better option, we’ll explain why and walk you through your options.
How Much Do Hail Damage Roof Repairs Cost?
A roof with a few damaged shingles won’t cost the same to repair as a roof that took the full force of a hailstorm. That’s one reason repair estimates can vary so widely. On average, homeowners typically pay between $150 and $12,500 for hail damage roof repairs.
Where your roof falls within that range depends on a handful of factors, including the size of your roof, the roofing material, and what the hail actually damaged. Replacing a few shingles is a much different project than repairing damaged flashing or replacing sections of roof decking after a severe storm.
Spotting Hail Damage in Ohio: Frequently Asked Questions
Hail damage raises a lot of questions, especially after a storm has just rolled through. Here are answers to a few of the ones we hear most often.
Can hail damage a roof without causing leaks?
Absolutely. Hail can bruise shingles, loosen protective granules, or damage flashing without causing an immediate leak. In many cases, water intrusion doesn’t develop until weeks or even months later as the damaged roofing materials continue to deteriorate.
What size hail damages asphalt shingles?
There’s no universal size. It all comes down to the age of your roof, the condition of your shingles, and wind speeds during the storm. Larger hail usually causes more damage, but even hail around an inch in diameter can damage older or weathered asphalt shingles.
How soon should I have my roof inspected after a hailstorm?
As soon as you can. If your home was in the path of a major hailstorm, it’s a good idea to schedule an inspection as soon as it’s safe to do so. That way, you can catch hidden damage before it worsens.
Can I inspect hail damage myself?
You can look for signs of hail damage from the ground, such as dented gutters or damaged siding. We don’t recommend climbing onto your roof, though. A professional inspection is the safest way to figure out what kind of damage you’re dealing with.
Does homeowners’ insurance cover hail damage?
Many homeowners’ insurance policies cover hail damage, but coverage depends on your policy and the extent of the damage. If your roof was damaged during a covered storm, your insurance company may help pay for repairs or replacement after your claim is approved. Check with your insurer to determine whether hail damage is covered.
Is hail damage worse on older roofs?
It can be. As roofing materials age, they naturally become more susceptible to damage. Asphalt shingles, for example, become more brittle and less flexible, making them more prone to cracking. Older roofs may also have existing wear that makes them less resistant to severe weather.
Do I need to replace my roof after hail damage?
Not always. Minor hail damage may only require targeted repairs, especially if your roof is newer and the damage is limited to a small area. However, widespread damage, older roofing materials, or problems affecting your roof’s ability to protect your home may require a full roof replacement.
Schedule Your Roof Inspection With Frogtown Roofing
The only way to know whether the recent hailstorm took a toll on your roof is to take a closer look. That’s where we come in. Frogtown Roofing is here to help you catch problems early and understand exactly what condition your roof is in.
Whether you’re in Whitehouse, Metamora, or Bowling Green, our roofing team is ready to inspect your roof. Call (419) 495-8528 to book an inspection today.
Sources & References
- Angi – “How Much Does Hail Damage Roof Repair Cost?”
Provides national cost estimates for repairing hail-damaged roofs, including typical price ranges, roof inspection costs, and the factors that influence repair expenses after a hailstorm.
https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-repair-roof-hail-damage-cost.htm - HailTrace – “Ohio Hail Maps”
Tracks hailstorms across Ohio using interactive hail maps and storm data. This resource was used to reference the frequency of hail-producing storms in the state and provide recent hail activity statistics.
https://hailtrace.com/hail-maps/state/ohio - U.S. News & World Report – “Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Hail Damage?”
Explains how homeowners’ insurance policies typically handle hail damage claims, including common coverage considerations, exclusions, deductibles, and the claims process after a hailstorm.
https://www.usnews.com/insurance/homeowners-insurance/does-homeowners-insurance-cover-hail-damage
