How to Spot Hail Damage on Your Roof

If you've lived in Kansas for more than a year, you've probably driven through at least one nasty hailstorm. The damage doesn't always look like much from the ground, and if you don't catch it early, a small problem turns into a big, expensive one.

What hail damage actually looks like

When we get up on a roof after a storm, we're not looking for giant holes. Most hail damage is subtle. The shingles might feel soft in spots where the impact bruised the material underneath. You'll see little dark circles where the protective granules got knocked off. Sometimes the edges of shingles are cracked or lifted, stuff you'd never notice from your driveway.

• Dark spots or bare patches on shingles (granule loss)
• Dents in gutters, downspouts, or vent covers
• Cracked or chipped shingles, especially along the edges
• Soft spots when you press on the shingle (bruising underneath)
• Damaged flashing around chimneys and vents

Why you can't always see it from the ground

We get calls all the time from people saying "my roof looks fine from down here." And honestly, it might look fine. But hail hits from above at an angle, so the damage is often on the top face of the shingle. Not the part you can see from the street. That's why a proper inspection means getting up there and checking by hand.

Report damage promptly

The Kansas Department of Insurance advises homeowners to report loss or damage to their insurer as soon as possible, take photos or video, make only temporary repairs needed to protect the property and review the policy. Follow the reporting instructions in your policy and ask the insurer before making permanent repairs.

MCO Roofing can inspect the roof and photograph visible conditions. We can also provide a written estimate and answer construction-scope questions. Those materials can help describe the roofing scope, but MCO does not decide whether damage is covered or how a claim is settled. Call (913) 954-4501 or use the form on our site to schedule an inspection.