Storm Damage Roof Repair
Wind-lifted shingles, fallen pine limbs and torn ridge caps after a Walker County thunderstorm.
How Hail Damages a Roof
Hail damages a roof by bruising or cracking shingles, knocking off the protective granules, and denting metal panels, vents and gutters. On asphalt shingles, a hard hit can break the mat underneath even when the surface looks fine.
Walker County gets hail. The National Weather Service logged golf-ball-size hail in the Elkins Lake subdivision in January 2016, and again around Elkins Lake and southeast of downtown Huntsville in April 2020, according to its storm data report.
Signs of Hail Damage
- Dark, round spots on shingles where granules were knocked off
- Soft spots that feel like a bruised apple when pressed
- Dents on metal roof vents, flashing, gutters and downspouts
- Granules piling up at downspout outlets
- Cracked or split shingles
- Dents on the car, fence or mailbox from the same storm
Dents on gutters and vents are an easy clue you can see from the ground.
Hail Damage on Different Roof Types
Asphalt shingles
Hits break the granule surface, exposing the asphalt to sun. The shingle may look fine for months and then start to crack and leak. See shingle roof repair.
Metal roofs
Metal usually keeps water out after hail but may dent. Cosmetic dents and functional damage are treated differently by many policies. See metal roof repair.
Hail hit your neighborhood?
Call to get connected with a roofer for a hail inspection.
Repair or Replace After Hail?
Light, scattered hail damage can be repaired by replacing individual shingles. When hits are spread across every slope, a roofer may recommend replacement, and insurance often looks at it the same way.
One practical issue is matching. Older shingles may not match new ones in color or style, so a repair can look patched.
The Hail Damage Inspection and Repair Process
- Roofer checks soft metals (vents, gutters) for hail size.
- Each slope is inspected and hits are marked and photographed.
- You get a written report you can share with your insurer.
- Damaged shingles, vents and flashing are replaced.
- If replacement is approved, a permitted re-roof is scheduled.
Hail Claims and Your Insurance
Most Texas homeowners policies cover hail, but deductibles for wind and hail are often a percentage of the home's insured value. Read your policy before you file. Meet the adjuster on site with your roofer's photos if you can.
Getting the roof checked soon after the storm matters; some policies set time limits for claims. Learn more about roof repair services in Huntsville.
Hail Damage Roof Repair FAQs
What size hail damages a roof?
Damage can start with hail around one inch across, especially on older shingles. Golf-ball-size hail (1.75 inches), which has been recorded in Huntsville, often damages roofs.
Can hail damage show up later?
Yes. Bruised shingles may start cracking and leaking months after the storm as the sun works on the exposed asphalt.
Does a hail inspection cost money?
Many roofers offer free storm inspections, but it varies. Ask the contractor before the visit.
Will filing a hail claim raise my premium?
That depends on your insurer and Texas rules. Ask your agent before you file.
Can I wait to repair hail damage?
Waiting can let small damage turn into leaks and may affect your claim. Get the roof inspected soon after the storm.
Related Roofing Services
Roof Inspection
A close look at your roof's condition after a storm, before you buy or sell, or before filing a claim.
Roof Replacement
When repair no longer makes sense: tear-off, new decking where needed, and a permitted re-roof.