Hail damage on your roof

Hail damage on a roof shows as small divots, round black spots, bruises and lost granules, Owens Corning says. The granules often collect in gutters and downspouts, which is the easiest sign to spot from the ground.

Carla found a drift of black grit at her downspout the morning after a spring hailstorm. Her roof is 12 years old. Here is what she does next.

What hail damage roof marks look like

• Black hits where granules were knocked off.
• Soft spots that feel like a bruise on an apple.
• Cracks and splits, with dents along the split on wood shingles.
• Dents on metal vents, gutters and flashing.

Travelers also lists loss of granules that may expose the roof felt. See Travelers' hail damage guide and Owens Corning's roof hail page.

Getting it inspected

Stay off the roof. Wet granules are slippery, and bruises are hard to judge without training. A licensed roofer marks test squares on each slope and counts hits.

Many roofers do this inspection at no charge. Ask for photos of each slope and a short written report you can send your insurer.

The claim, step by step

1. Look from the ground for dented gutters, vents and downspouts, and granules piled at downspout outlets.
2. Photograph what you see with the date of the storm.
3. Call your insurer to open a claim before any repairs beyond a tarp.
4. Have a licensed local roofer inspect the roof and meet the adjuster.
5. Compare the adjuster’s estimate with the roofer’s line by line.

Texas law bars a contractor from waiving, rebating or absorbing your deductible. It is on TDI's deductible page. Our roof insurance claim page explains the two-check payout.

Crews to avoid

After a big storm, out-of-town crews knock on doors. The FTC describes the pattern: someone knocks or calls and says they can fix your leaky roof. They push you to act fast and pay cash.

Do not sign on the doorstep. The FTC says to check licenses and insurance, get three written estimates, and never pay cash or by wire. Its advice is on the FTC home repair scams page. Texas residents can report violations to the Attorney General at 800-621-0508, per TDI.

Once the claim is settled, price the job on the roofing calculator or read roof repair cost.