Texas homeowners know hail storms are a regular threat. Understanding what hail damage looks like on your roof helps you take appropriate action after storms and supports insurance claims when needed.
Hail Damage on Asphalt Shingles
Most homes in Yoakum have asphalt shingle roofs. Hail impacts these shingles in distinctive ways:
Granule Loss
Hail impacts dislodge the protective mineral granules from shingle surfaces. Look for dark spots where the black asphalt base is exposed. Check your gutters for excessive granule accumulation after storms—some granule loss is normal, but heavy deposits indicate damage.
Bruising
Even when granule loss isn't obvious, hail can damage the mat beneath the surface. Press the shingle where you see discoloration—if it feels soft or spongy compared to undamaged areas, the shingle is bruised. This weakens the shingle even without visible cracking.
Cracks and Fractures
Large hail can crack shingles, creating splits that allow water infiltration. These may appear immediately or develop later as damaged material fails. Sometimes hail fractures the mat without breaking through immediately.
Random Impact Pattern
Hail damage typically shows random impacts across the roof, distinct from wear patterns that follow specific areas. The random distribution helps confirm hail as the cause rather than other damage types.
Collateral Damage
Hail often damages other components that help document storm damage:
- Dented metal flashings, vents, and pipe boots
- Damaged gutters and downspouts
- Cracked or broken skylight domes
- Dented HVAC units and outdoor equipment
After a Hail Storm
Schedule a professional roof inspection promptly after hail storms. Many types of damage aren't visible from the ground. Document visible damage with photos before making repairs. File insurance claims promptly—most policies have time limits.
RoofingYoakumTX.com provides free hail damage inspections and works with insurance companies to ensure proper claim assessment.