Signs of Hail Damage on Your Roof

After a hailstorm, your roof can look fine from the ground and still be damaged. That’s the tricky part about hail — the signs are often subtle, and missing them can cost you a lot down the road. In Middle Tennessee and North Georgia, where we sit in an active hail belt, knowing what to look for really matters. Here are the signs of hail damage to watch for.

1. Dented or Bruised Shingles

Start with your shingles. Hail leaves dark, round dents where it knocks the protective granules loose. You may also see bare spots where the granules are gone, cracks, or bruises that feel soft when pressed. These hits weaken the shingle and open the door to leaks.

2. Granules and Dents in the Gutters

Next, check your gutters and downspouts. Look for dents and dings in the metal. Also check for a buildup of granules in the gutters — a common sign that hail has been wearing down your shingles.

3. Dinged Metal and Property Damage

Then look at the metal parts of your roof and home. Hail often dents soft metal first, so check your flashing, vents, and gutter caps. And don’t forget the rest of your property — dents on your car, mailbox, AC unit, or fence are clear proof a damaging hailstorm passed through.

4. Know Your Hail Sizes

Finally, know your hail sizes. As a rule of thumb, dime-sized hail (about three-quarters of an inch) can damage an aging roof, and quarter-sized hail (about one inch) can damage even a newer o

Why You Shouldn’t Wait

Here’s the most important part: most hail damage is hard to see from the ground, and it doesn’t always leak right away. But it shortens your roof’s life and can lead to bigger problems later. If a hailstorm hit your area, get a professional storm-damage inspection soon. Many insurance claims also have a filing deadline, so don’t wait too long. Our free drone inspection gives you a clear, written answer. We serve Franklin, Kennesaw, and the nearby areas.

Schedule your free inspection or call 678-345-1711 today.

FAQ

How big does hail need to be to damage my Kennesaw roof?

It depends on the age and type of your shingle, but the rule of thumb is that anything dime-sized (3/4”) or larger can cause damage to an aging asphalt shingle, and quarter-sized (1”) or larger can damage even relatively new ones. North Georgia storms regularly produce both.

Do you handle insurance claims for storm damage?

Yes. Northpoint specializes in insurance-claim roof replacements across Williamson County. We meet your adjuster on-site, document damage to insurance-carrier standards, and handle every back-and-forth with the carrier from supplements through final approval. Most homeowners pay only their deductible.

Will my homeowners insurance cover a roof replacement in Franklin?

Insurance covers replacement when there is sudden, accidental damage — hail, wind, falling tree limbs, tornado debris. Insurance does not cover normal wear or aging. If you suspect storm damage from any of the recent Williamson County events, we’ll do a free inspection and tell you honestly whether you have a claim or you’re looking at a retail purchase.

How long do I have to file an insurance claim after a storm in Georgia?

Most Georgia homeowners insurance policies give you one year from the date of loss, but many policies require notice of damage “as soon as reasonably practicable.” Don’t wait. The longer the gap between the storm and the inspection, the harder it is to prove the damage came from that specific event.