Hail Damage 101: A McKinney Homeowner’s Guide to Spotting and Repairing Roof Damage

In North Texas, the sound of hail hitting the roof is a familiar and dreaded one. From pea-sized pellets to destructive golf ball-sized stones, hailstorms are one of the biggest threats to your home’s exterior. After the storm passes and the sun comes out, the big question on every homeowner’s mind is, “Is my roof okay?”

Unlike a broken window, hail damage to your roof can be subtle and difficult for an untrained eye to see from the ground. However, ignoring it can lead to serious problems down the road. This guide will help McKinney, Frisco, and DFW homeowners understand how to identify potential hail damage and what steps to take next.

What Does Hail Damage Actually Look Like?

Hail damage isn’t always as obvious as a giant hole in your roof. It’s often about impact points that compromise the integrity of your shingles. Here’s what a professional inspector looks for:

On Asphalt Shingles

• Hail “Bruises”: This is the most common sign. A hail impact will knock off the protective granules on the shingle, exposing the black asphalt layer underneath. The spot may feel soft to the touch, like a bruise on a piece of fruit.
• Circular Cracking: You may see cracks in the shingle radiating out from a central point of impact.
• Missing Granules: Look for an accumulation of black, sand-like granules in your gutters and at the base of your downspouts. A significant amount indicates widespread impact.

On Metal Roofs and Gutters

• Dents and Dings: This is the most obvious sign. Check your metal roof vents, flashing, and especially your soft aluminum gutters and downspouts. If these are dented, there’s a very high probability that your shingles are damaged as well, as these metal components are more resilient.

The Hidden Danger of “Minor” Hail Damage

You might look at a few bruised shingles and think it’s just a cosmetic issue. This is a dangerous assumption in the Texas climate.

That top layer of granules is your shingle’s primary defense against the sun’s brutal UV rays. Once the granules are gone, the underlying asphalt is exposed. The sun will rapidly dry out and deteriorate this exposed spot, causing the shingle to become brittle and crack.

A hail-bruised shingle may not leak tomorrow or next week, but it creates a weak point that will almost certainly fail over time, leading to a leak months or even a year after the storm. This is why insurance companies take hail damage so seriously.

Your Post-Storm Action Plan

If a significant hailstorm has just rolled through your neighborhood, follow these steps to protect your home and your interests.

1. Do a Ground-Level Walk-Around: Don’t get on your roof. It can be dangerous, and you could cause more damage. Instead, walk around your property and look for the easy-to-spot signs: dented gutters, damaged siding, torn window screens, and chipped paint on your fence. If you see this type of collateral damage, your roof almost certainly has it too.

2. Call a Reputable Local Roofer FIRST: Before you call your insurance company, call a trusted, McKinney-based roofing contractor like Good Work Roofing for a free inspection. An experienced roofer acts as your advocate. We can verify the extent of the damage, document it with photos, and give you an honest opinion on whether it’s severe enough to warrant an insurance claim.

3. Contact Your Insurance Company: With your roofer’s professional assessment in hand, you can now file a claim with confidence. Let your agent know that you have already had the damage professionally verified.

4. Meet the Adjuster with Your Roofer: It is always best to have your chosen contractor present when the insurance adjuster comes to inspect your roof. Your roofer can point out the specific damage they found, ensuring nothing is missed and that you get a fair and accurate assessment.

Don’t Let a Hailstorm Compromise Your Peace of Mind

The aftermath of a hailstorm can be a stressful time. By taking a calm, methodical approach and partnering with an experienced and trustworthy roofing contractor, you can navigate the process smoothly and ensure your home is properly restored.

If you suspect your home has hail damage, don’t wait.

Contact Good Work Roofing today for a FREE, no-obligation hail damage inspection. We are experts in storm damage restoration and insurance claims in the DFW area. Let us help you protect your biggest investment.