What hail damage actually looks like
Six conditions. Plain language. What each one means for your roof and what to do about it.
Bruised asphalt
WHAT IT IS
A soft, dark spot on an asphalt shingle where hail impact has displaced the granule layer and compressed the mat beneath.
WHY IT MATTERS
The granule layer is the shingle's UV protection. Once it's gone, the mat degrades rapidly. Bruising is not always visible from the ground — it requires close inspection.
Document with photos and date. A condition report before any adjuster visit establishes the baseline.
Split or lifted wood shake
WHAT IT IS
A cedar shake that has cracked along the grain, lifted at the edge, or separated from the course below.
WHY IT MATTERS
A split shake allows water to bypass the underlayment. Lifted shakes create wind-driven rain entry points. Both accelerate deck deterioration.
Not all splits are equal. A condition report distinguishes weathering splits (normal aging) from impact splits (storm damage).
Cracked or chipped tile
WHAT IT IS
A clay or concrete tile with a visible fracture, missing corner, or impact crater.
WHY IT MATTERS
Tile is brittle. Hail above 1.25 inches can crack tile outright. Smaller hail can chip edges and create micro-fractures that fail under freeze-thaw cycles.
Cracked tile is often undercounted in adjuster scopes. An independent condition report documents every affected tile.
Dented metal panel
WHAT IT IS
A visible depression in a metal roofing panel, ridge cap, or flashing caused by hail impact.
WHY IT MATTERS
On standing seam metal, denting is typically cosmetic unless it compromises a seam or penetration. On exposed-fastener metal, denting near fasteners can break the seal.
The distinction between cosmetic and functional denting matters for claims. Document before the adjuster visit.
Dented garage door panel
WHAT IT IS
Small circular depressions on a garage door panel, typically in a scattered pattern consistent with hail.
WHY IT MATTERS
Garage doors are often the most visible evidence of a hail event. The pattern and density of dents can help establish hail size and storm track.
Photograph before any cleaning or repair. Garage door damage is frequently included in storm claims.
Failed window seal
WHAT IT IS
Fogging, condensation, or a visible haze between the panes of a double or triple-pane window.
WHY IT MATTERS
The insulating gas between panes has escaped. The window no longer provides its rated thermal performance. This is not always storm-related, but storm events can accelerate seal failure.
Failed seals are often missed in storm scopes. A condition report documents every affected window.
Not sure what you have?
Crown Eagle reviews the property and provides a written condition report at no charge. No restoration agreement required.