Learn how to identify roof damage after a Texas hail storm

Imagine you're enjoying the soothing sounds of a steady spring rain from the comfort of your home. Few things are as relaxing! But then, that calming sound is interrupted by the jarring clatter of ice chunks battering your roof. Suddenly, you're not relaxing, but worrying whether or not your roof is going to be damaged. But how do you know if the hail damage is serious? Read on to learn how you can identify roof damage after a Texas hail storm!

Hail damage in Texas

What state gets the most hail damage?

In 2021, Texas had an estimated 1,591,074 properties affected by hail, according to the most recent report by Verisk. Hail damage is serious business and often causes hundreds of millions of dollars in damaged property and crops. In 2021, there were an estimated 3,763 significant hailstorms nationwide. Texas experienced 688 significant hail events in 2021, and 458 in 2022 - the highest in the nation both years. 

When is hail season in Texas?

Hail can happen at any point during the year. However, hail formation requires severe thunderstorms, and thunderstorms are fueled by warmth and humidity. This means hail season generally begins in the spring and summer, usually peaking in March through May as both temperature and humidity rise. Hail storms begin to taper off around September and October when cooler winds begin to blow.

Peak hail season also depends on geography. Just as there is a "tornado alley" there is a considered to be a "hail alley" which covers a large portion of north and west Texas and stretches north across the plains. Major Texas cities in this area, like Dallas, are more likely to experience severe hail storms, but they can certainly impact the rest of the state, too.

Identifying hail damage on your roof

In order to file an insurance claim for hail damage, you'll need a professional evaluation. For the sake of safety, it isn't recommended that climb on the roof - especially if it may be compromised by a serious weather event. However, you may be able to spot hail damage without having to fetch a ladder. 

How can you tell if your roof has hail damage?

After a severe hail storm, a leaky roof is a tell-tale sign of damage. However, identifying damaged portions of your roof may not be that simple. Broken shingles may be the most obvious, but there are other areas that can show signs of damage, too. 

You may see dents, cracks, or other types of breakage in the following areas:

• Gutters
• Roof caps
• Vents
• Metal valleys
• Skylights

What does hail damage on shingles look like?

Asphalt shingles. Asphalt shingles are fairly common, and can show hail damage in a number of ways. For example, the rough granules that form the protective coating of asphalt shingles are often stripped away by the impact of the hail stone. 

Asphalt shingles can also become brittle and crack when struck by hail, especially if they're older. If the storm was bad enough, you might be able to see circular cracks, but they aren't always so clear cut.

Dents or bruises in shingles like this may not be easy to spot with the naked eye and often require a closer inspection to spot damage. A professional roofer will need to take a closer look to evaluate the true extent of damage. They'll likely feel for unevenness or indentations in the shingles, which can be a sign that damage has occurred.

Sheet metal roofing. Metal roofs are often more durable, but aren't immune to hail damage. Smaller hail can leave behind small dents in the metal, but bigger, heavier pieces can seriously warp your roof and expose it to further damage in the future. 

Clay tiles. Clay tiles can hold up surprisingly well to smaller hailstones. Usually, damage is limited to smaller cracks and chips. However, larger hail can cause major cracking and even break a clay shingle entirely.  

What's next? 

With the exception of certain coastal areas in Texas, most homeowners insurance policies cover hail damage. Even if there are no glaring signs of hail damage to your roof, it is still possible that it has taken place. If you suspect that a serious hail storm has damaged your roof, it's time to reach out to your homeowners insurance company. 



Replacing a roof is never easy or cheap. Fortunately, Germania has you covered! Get a free property insurance quote online, or reach out to one of our trusted agents today!

When you’re filing a claim, great customer service is essential. Since 1896, Germania Insurance has been the Insurance Texans Trust for great coverage and outstanding customer service. But don’t take our word for it! Hear what our customers have to say

Read more: Should you replace your roof after a hail storm? We'll discuss it in our blog, so check it out!