How does Hail Impact my Roof and Gutters, and When Should I Repair Storm Damage?
Hearing hail slam against your roof is never a good sign. Even small hail can strip shingle granules, while larger stones can bruise or puncture materials, weakening your roof’s ability to keep out water. Left unchecked, this damage can lead to leaks, interior issues, and expensive repairs.
After storm damage, knowing how to check your roof and gutters is key to preventing long-term problems.
At Frontline Roofing & Restoration, we break down five essential questions to help you inspect storm damage with confidence. Let our team walk you through what to look for and what to do next.
Hailstone Sizes That Cause Visible Shingle Damage
Hailstones under ½" (pea-sized) generally remove only surface granules on asphalt shingles, causing light cosmetic wear. Once hail reaches ¾" (marble-to-dime size), it can bruise the fiberglass mat beneath the granules, leaving dark “soft spots” visible on close inspection.
When hailstones grow to 1" (quarter) or larger, the kinetic energy is sufficient to crack or puncture shingles, leading to exposed matting and potential water intrusion. Impact craters over 1½" often produce fractures that accelerate granule loss, reducing UV protection and shingle lifespan.
After the storm, measure the fallen hail and inspect the shingles for indentations, granule-free patches, or cracks. If you observe multiple impacts exceeding ¾", initiate a professional evaluation of storm damage to determine repair or replacement needs.
How to Identify Hail Impact Marks on Gutters
Gutters made of aluminum, steel, or vinyl will show hail damage as dents, dings, or perforations along the front lip and inside channel. Aluminum gutters may crease or fold, vinyl gutters can crack or shatter, and steel gutters often exhibit rust spots at dent sites.
Use a ladder to scan the entire gutter run under the eaves, looking for irregular depressions or sharp-edged cracks. Run your hand gently along the interior to feel hidden dents that can impede water flow and lead to backups.
If you notice pooling water or misaligned sections after a storm, inspect seams and hangers for stress fractures. Early detection of damaged gutters prevents overflow onto fascia boards and foundation walls.
Preventive Measures to Reduce Hail Damage to Roofing
Installing Class 3 or Class 4 impact-resistant shingles significantly lowers the risk of hail-induced fractures. These rated materials undergo rigorous laboratory testing and can absorb and disperse energy from hailstones up to 1½" without cracking.
Underlayment quality and proper roof deck attachment also matter. Synthetic underlayments with high tear strength and fully nailed sheathing reduce the risk of blow-off, while adequate attic ventilation prevents heat buildup, thereby preserving shingle flexibility.
Additional safeguards include installing gutter guards to minimize debris-related backup and trimming overhanging branches that can channel or accelerate hail impacts. Regular roof inspections after major storms help catch minor damage before it escalates.
When to Replace Gutters After Hailstorms
Minor dents can often be reshaped, but gutters with cracks longer than 2" or splits at joints indicate structural failure. If more than 25% of the gutter run exhibits such damage, replacement is more cost-effective than repeated repairs.
Metal fatigue from repeated hail impact accelerates corrosion, especially in steel systems. Vinyl gutters with multiple fractures are prone to leaks when temperature cycles cause expansion and contraction around damaged areas.
Consider seamless aluminum gutters for enhanced hail resistance; the continuous profile eliminates weak joints. When existing gutters sag, leak at seams, or show perforations, schedule full-length replacement to restore reliable drainage.
How to Document Hail Damage for an Insurance Claim
Begin by photographing and video-recording every damaged area immediately after the storm, using a timestamp feature or geotagged app. Capture wide-angle overviews and close-ups of shingle bruises, granule loss, and gutter perforations.
Record local weather data—hail size, storm duration, and wind speeds—from trusted sources such as the National Weather Service. Combine this meteorological evidence with a written log of inspection dates and times.
For best results, reference professional guidelines from experts when compiling estimates and descriptions of damage. Submit clear, organized documentation within your policy’s claim window to ensure full coverage.
Get Expert Storm Damage Solutions
Frontline Roofing & Restoration provides meticulous inspections and honest guidance for every hail damage assessment. Whether you’re tracking hailstone thresholds, inspecting shingles and gutters, or navigating insurance claims, our experienced team delivers clear, evidence-based insights.
Reach out to us at 612-468-8869 or contact us online to schedule your storm damage evaluation.