Utah homeowners know that hailstorms can roll in fast and leave serious damage in their wake. While your roof is built to take a beating, hailstones—even small ones—can compromise your shingles, underlayment, and structural integrity without obvious signs.
If your home was recently hit by a storm, here’s how to identify hail damage on your roof before it leads to leaks, water damage, or denied insurance claims.
1. Check the Ground First
Before climbing a ladder or calling a roofer, look for signs of hail impact around your property:
- Dents or cracks in gutters, downspouts, and metal flashing
- Shredded or stripped siding
- Broken windows or cracked trim
- Hailstones in your yard or driveway
If these signs are present, there’s a good chance your roof took damage too.
2. Inspect Asphalt Shingles for Bruising and Granule Loss
Asphalt shingles are the most common roof material in Utah, and hail often leaves behind distinctive damage:
- Bruises or soft spots: Press gently on dark marks—if the spot gives, the mat beneath may be damaged
- Granule loss: Bald spots or granules collected in gutters indicate impact
- Cracks or splits: Especially with older shingles, hail can cause visible cracks
Severe damage often isn’t visible from the ground, so a roof-level inspection is recommended.
3. Look for Dented Metal Flashing and Vents
Hail typically dents or dings soft metals, making vents and flashing around chimneys, valleys, and skylights some of the best indicators of roof impact. If you notice new dents, it’s time for a professional inspection.
4. Check for Damage to Ridge Caps and Roof Edges
Ridge caps (the shingles covering your roof’s peak) and perimeter edges take the brunt of wind and hail during a storm. These areas are also more prone to tearing or displacement. Look for:
- Exposed underlayment
- Dislodged shingles
- Jagged edges or cracks
5. Inspect the Attic for Water Intrusion
Even if there’s no visible damage outside, water can sneak in through punctured or loosened shingles. After a hailstorm, go into the attic and look for:
- Wet insulation
- Water stains or active dripping
- Mold or mildew odors
If you see any of these, it’s a sign your roof may have been breached.
6. Document Everything for Insurance
Take clear photos of any signs of hail damage to your roof, siding, windows, and gutters. Insurance adjusters often rely on visual documentation when approving claims.
You should also:
- Save weather alerts or news confirming hail in your area
- File a claim promptly—delays can affect eligibility
- Avoid attempting repairs before inspection (unless it’s to prevent further damage)
When to Call a Utah Roofing Professional
If you suspect hail damage, don’t wait for a leak to confirm it. At Utah Roof Replacement, we help homeowners across the state connect with local roofing contractors who specialize in storm damage inspection, documentation, and repairs.
Whether you live in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Tooele, or Cedar City, our pros know what hail damage looks like and how to get your roof repaired fast—often with help from your insurance.
Need a Roof Inspection After a Storm?
We’ll match you with a licensed, local expert who can provide an honest assessment and help you through the claim process.
Contact Utah Roof Replacement today for a free hail damage inspection.
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