Not Sure If That's Real Hail Damage?
From the ground, a scuffed shingle and a damaged one look about the same. Answer five quick questions below and you'll get a straight read, even if that read is "you're fine."
On this page
Most Hail Marks Don't Mean What You Think
Cosmetic marks are just marks. Functional damage is what lets water in, and it's the only kind that needs fixing. Telling them apart takes a trained eye, which is how a lot of homeowners end up paying for work they didn't need.
Real Storm Damage, Not a Stock Photo
Drag the slider to compare a roof we replaced: hail-damaged shingles with bare spots and impact marks on one side, the new roof on the other.
Examples of hail damage documentation
Check Your Roof in 60 Seconds
It won't diagnose anything, but it'll tell you whether a closer look is worth your time.
What We Actually Look For
Beyond what the self-check above can tell you, a real inspection focuses on:
If hail damage means a new roof, ask about Class 4 impact-rated GAF shingles, installed as a complete GAF system by a GAF Certified contractor.
- Bruising: soft spots you can feel with your hand
- Granule loss down to the mat, not just surface scuffing
- Dents in soft metal like vents, flashing and gutters, which usually tell the clearest story
For close-up photos of each of these, see our hail damage roof visual guide. If the damage turns out to be real, our hail damage roof repair page covers how we document it, and the roof insurance center explains what happens after you file a claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Every roofer knocking on doors says I have hail damage. Is that true?
Not necessarily. Door-knocking after a storm is a common sales tactic here. Have the roof checked by someone you chose, and don't take anyone's word for it on your doorstep, including ours.
Does hail damage always mean I need a full replacement?
No. It depends on how bad it is and how much of the roof it covers. Sometimes it's a repair. Sometimes it's nothing at all.
Still not sure?
A free roof report tells you what's actually going on up there.