Severe hailstorms often cause damage that isn’t immediately noticeable, leaving many homeowners asking, “How can I tell if my home was affected?” Recognizing the signs early is key to protecting your property and avoiding costly repairs. When hail damage goes unchecked, it can quickly escalate—leading to roof leaks, water intrusion, and bigger problems down the road. That said, we don’t recommend climbing onto your roof to inspect for damage—safety should always come first. In some cases, you may be able to spot issues from an upstairs or dormer window, but when in doubt, it’s best to leave inspections to a professional roofer who knows what to look for and how to check safely. To help you get started, here are a few signs you can look for around your property that may indicate hail damage.
Hail impacts different areas of your home in unique ways. Here are some of the most common indicators:
Homeowners can often spot hail damage on their downspouts by looking for small dents, dimples, or creases in the metal. These marks are a clear indication that hail has struck with enough force to leave an impression. Since downspouts are at eye level, they’re one of the easiest places to check without needing a ladder.
Hail can leave behind visible clues on more than just your roof. Walk around your home and carefully check your windows, screens, and siding. On windows, look for cracked or chipped glass, as well as dents or chipped paint on the frames. Window screens often show small holes or tears where hailstones have struck, while siding may have dents, cracks, or areas where the finish has been chipped away. These exterior signs are strong indicators that your home may have sustained hail damage and could point to additional issues with your roofing system.
Mailboxes are often one of the easiest places to spot hail damage. Because they’re fully exposed, hail can leave noticeable dents, chips in the paint, or even small cracks on metal or plastic surfaces. If you see fresh dings or chipped areas on your mailbox after a storm, it’s a strong sign that your property may have been impacted by hail—and your roof could have taken damage as well.
Outdoor air conditioning units are particularly vulnerable to hail damage due to their exposed metal fins and casing. Hail can bend or crush the metal fins and casing, reducing efficiency or causing costly repairs over time. After a storm, check your unit for visible dents or impact marks, and have a professional inspect it if you notice any signs of damage.
Excess shingle granules collecting in your gutters or at the base of downspouts can be a sign of past hail damage to your roof. Hail impacts can loosen the protective granules on shingles, causing them to wash off and accumulate in drainage areas. Noticing this buildup is an important indicator that your roof may need a closer inspection by a professional.
While many of the signs of hail damage can be spotted from the ground, a roofer will perform a much more detailed inspection. For safety reasons, you should avoid climbing onto your roof and leave that part of the process to a trained professional. Roofers know how to safely access your roof, identify subtle damage that homeowners may miss, and properly document their findings. This documentation can be critical if you need to file an insurance claim, ensuring that all evidence of hail damage is recorded and presented correctly.
One of the first things a professional roofer will check for during a hail damage inspection is the condition of the shingles themselves. Hail often leaves behind round impact marks where the stone has struck the surface. These spots can vary in size depending on the hailstorm but are usually noticeable as circular dents or dark spots on the shingles. In addition to visible hail marks, roofers look for areas where protective granules have been knocked off the shingles. Missing granules expose the underlying asphalt, leaving the shingle more vulnerable to UV damage, cracking, and premature aging. A trained eye will also identify what’s known as “bruising” on a shingle. This happens when the impact weakens the shingle from within, and although it may not always be visible, the spot will often feel soft or spongy when pressed. Professional inspectors use careful touch and experience to find these bruised areas, which are a clear indicator of hail damage that could lead to leaks if left untreated.
A professional roofer will carefully examine roof vents, flashing, and pipe boots for signs of hail impact. They’ll look for dents, cracks, chipped paint, or other visible marks on the metal surfaces that signal hail strikes. These areas are especially vulnerable since they’re exposed and often made of thinner material than shingles. To ensure nothing is overlooked, roofers often use chalk to expose indentations on pipe boots caused by hail. Even small dents or cracks can compromise these components’ ability to keep water out, so documentation and proper repair or replacement are essential to protect the roof’s integrity.
Homeowners should always stay vigilant for signs of hail damage, especially after a severe storm. Even if you don’t immediately notice damage around your property, it’s wise to schedule a professional roof inspection for peace of mind—many qualified roofers offer this service at no cost. Catching potential issues early is the best way to protect your home and prevent minor hail strikes from developing into costly problems like roof leaks or water damage in the future.
👉 Homeowners in Buford, Duluth, Suwanee, Sugar Hill, Flowery Branch, Dacula, Braselton, Gainesville, Lawrenceville, Cumming, and Dawsonville—don’t wait until small problems turn into costly repairs.
📞 Contact Douglas Construction today to schedule your free hail damage inspection and protect your home.
Call us at 833-895-7663 or complete our online form, and a team member will be in touch within 24 hours.
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