Spot the Damage Early: What Are the Signs of Hail Damage on Your Roof?

When a powerful Iowa hailstorm rolls through Cedar Rapids, your first thought might be, “Is my roof okay?”
That’s a smart question—because hail damage isn’t always obvious from the ground. But if left unchecked, it can lead to leaks, mold, structural problems, and denied insurance claims.

At Robison Construction, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners across Eastern Iowa identify hail damage and handle roof repairs or replacements swiftly and stress-free.

In this article, you’ll learn:

• The top signs of hail damage on your roof

• How it affects different roofing materials

• Why early detection matters

• What steps to take if you suspect damage

Let’s get started.

Why Is Hail Damage So Serious?

Hail can range in size from pea-sized pellets to baseball-sized iceballs—and when it strikes your roof at high speeds, the results can be devastating.

Even small hail can:

• Knock off protective granules from shingles

• Expose the underlayment to moisture

• Crack or puncture roofing materials

• Shorten your roof’s lifespan

• Void your manufacturer’s warranty

Worse yet, many homeowners don’t notice the damage until months later—when leaks start to appear.

Top Signs of Hail Damage on Your Roof

Here’s what to look for after a hailstorm:

1. Dented or Bruised Shingles

These dents are often subtle and look like dark spots or circular impressions. If you gently run your hand over the area, you may feel a soft “bruise” where the granules have been knocked loose.

2. Missing or Loose Granules

Granules protect your shingles from UV rays and impact. When they’re stripped away by hail, you’ll often find:

• Bald spots on the shingles

• Granules collecting in your gutters or downspouts

• Discolored patches that differ from the rest of the roof

3. Cracked or Broken Shingles

Some shingles may actually crack in half or split at the edges after a hard hit. This is more common with older shingles or in extreme hail events.

4. Soft Spots or “Spongy” Areas

If hail has weakened the shingle’s core, walking on the roof may reveal soft spots—these areas are more prone to leaks and water damage.

5. Dented Flashing or Metal Roof Components

Check metal parts like:

• Flashing around chimneys and vents

• Roof vents and pipe boots

• Skylight frames

• Metal ridge caps

If you see visible dents or paint chipping, your shingles likely took a hit too.

6. Damage to Gutters, Siding, and Downspouts

Sometimes the first clue isn’t on the roof itself. If your siding or gutters show hail dents or paint chips, your roof probably got the same treatment.

What About Different Roofing Materials?

Hail damage looks different depending on what your roof is made of:

Not sure what kind of roof you have? Our Robison Construction roof inspectors will help identify it during your free assessment.

Why You Should Never Ignore Hail Damage

You might think, “If it’s not leaking, I’m fine.” But the real danger is what you can’t see from the ground.

Unchecked hail damage can lead to:

• Roof leaks and water damage

• Interior drywall issues

• Mold and mildew growth

• Insulation problems

• Insurance claim denial (if you wait too long)

The sooner you act, the better your chances of catching it early—and getting insurance to help cover repairs or replacement.

What to Do If You Suspect Hail Damage

Here’s your game plan if you think your roof took a hit:

✅ Step 1: Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection

Avoid climbing up there yourself. A licensed expert from Robison Construction can:

• Document the damage with photos

• Determine if it’s cosmetic or structural

• Help assess whether it’s repairable or requires replacement

We offer free hail damage inspections—no pressure, no sales pitch.

✅ Step 2: Contact Your Insurance Company

If damage is confirmed, we can help you:

• File a claim

• Meet with your adjuster

• Ensure the damage is fully covered

Most policies require that you report damage within a certain timeframe, so don’t delay!

✅ Step 3: Get a Repair or Replacement Plan

Once your claim is approved, we’ll get to work:

• Replacing shingles or full sections of your roof

• Matching materials and color for a seamless look

• Ensuring manufacturer and labor warranties stay intact

And yes—we clean up thoroughly, so your yard looks as good as your new roof.

Why Robison Construction is Cedar Rapids’ Go-To for Hail Damage Repairs

As a locally owned and operated roofing company, we know Iowa weather inside and out. When hail strikes, we act fast to:

• Provide emergency tarping if needed

• Work directly with insurance adjusters

• Schedule repairs or replacements around your needs

• Back our work with strong warranties and friendly follow-up

We’re not just here to fix your roof—we’re here to earn your trust.

FAQs: Hail Damage on Roofs

1. How big does hail need to be to damage a roof?
Even hail as small as ¾ of an inch can cause significant damage, especially if it’s wind-driven.

2. Can I see hail damage from the ground?
Usually not. Most signs are subtle and require a trained eye—and a ladder. We always recommend a professional inspection.

3. Will my insurance cover hail damage?
Most homeowners policies cover hail damage, but timely documentation is key. We’ll help guide you through the process.

4. How soon should I have my roof checked after a storm?
Within 24–72 hours is ideal. The sooner you check, the better your chances of a successful claim and minimal damage.

5. Can small hail cause long-term problems?
Yes—especially if it knocks off granules or weakens the integrity of the shingles. Even small hail can lead to costly leaks over time.

If you suspect hail has damaged your roof, don’t wait for the next storm to make things worse. Contact Robison Construction for a free, no-hassle inspection and peace of mind—delivered by trusted local pros who’ve got your back.