Hail damage
What is hail damage?
Impact damage to shingles from hail — bruising, granule loss, and fractures that compromise the roof and trigger a claim.
DefinitionCapture carrier-ready photos
Hail damage shows up as soft bruises, cracked mats, and knocked-off granules across the shingles. The damage isn’t always obvious from the ground, which is why a proper inspection and clear photos matter so much.
Carriers scrutinize hail claims closely, looking for whether the damage is functional and storm-related versus cosmetic or from age. Documented hit counts, test squares, and date-of-loss evidence make or break approval.
Good hail claims start with good photos. A consistent, carrier-ready photo set from the inspection is what separates an approved claim from a denied one.
Related terms
Wind damageRoof damage from high winds — lifted, creased, or missing shingles that break the seal and let water in.Storm restorationThe business of repairing or replacing roofs damaged by storms, paid for primarily through insurance claims rather than out of pocket.Test squareA marked-off section of roof — usually 10 by 10 — where you count hail hits to prove the density of storm damage.Granule lossWhen the protective mineral granules wear or knock off a shingle — a key sign of hail impact and aging.Soft metalsThe bendable metal accessories — gutters, vents, flashing — where hail dents show up as clear, hard-to-deny evidence.Insurance adjusterThe carrier’s representative who inspects the damage and writes the estimate that determines what the claim pays.