Hail damage is the most commonly over-diagnosed roofing problem in Milwaukee. After every hail event, contractors canvas neighborhoods claiming every roof needs replacement. Some do. Many don't. Here's how to tell the difference — from a contractor who has declined over 2,340 unnecessary projects.
What Real Hail Damage Looks Like
Hail damage on asphalt shingles has specific, identifiable characteristics. Knowing these helps you evaluate any contractor's claims:
Legitimate Hail Damage Signs
- Random pattern: Hail hits randomly — damage appears scattered, not in lines or concentrated areas
- Black granule-free spots: Hail impacts dislodge granules, exposing the dark asphalt mat underneath
- Soft spots: Press the impact area — if the mat feels bruised/soft compared to surrounding shingle, the internal structure is compromised
- Dented gutters and downspouts: If your aluminum gutters show round dents, your shingles likely took hits too
- Dented HVAC equipment, car hoods, or mailboxes: Corroborating evidence strengthens your claim
What Is NOT Hail Damage
- Blistering: Bubbles in shingles from manufacturing defects or trapped moisture — NOT from hail
- Granule loss in gutters: Normal on aging shingles — hail impact granule loss looks different (concentrated bare spots vs. gradual thinning)
- Cracking along shingle edges: Thermal stress fractures from age, not impact
- Wear patterns in valleys or high-traffic areas: Foot traffic and water flow, not hail
Hail Size vs. Roof Damage Potential
| Hail Size | Comparison | Damage Potential |
|---|---|---|
| Pea (1/4") | Pea | Minimal — rarely damages modern shingles |
| Marble (1/2") | Marble | Low — may damage aged or 3-tab shingles |
| Dime (3/4") | Penny/dime | Moderate — can damage most shingle types |
| Quarter (1") | Quarter | Significant — functional damage likely |
| Golf ball (1.75") | Golf ball | Severe — replacement often warranted |
| Tennis ball (2.5"+) | Baseball | Catastrophic — deck damage possible |
The Insurance Claim Process for Hail Damage
Getting the Full Value of Your Claim
- Document immediately after the hail event — photos of hail on the ground, damage to vehicles, siding, and gutters
- File your claim promptly — reference the specific storm date and NWS hail reports
- Get an independent inspection from a contractor who will be honest, not just tell you what you want to hear
- Be present during the adjuster visit or have your contractor there — adjusters work fast and can miss damage
- Review the scope of work — ensure it includes all damaged components (shingles, flashing, gutters, vents) not just the most visible damage
Repair vs. Replace After Hail
Hail damage is one of the few situations where targeted repair often isn't the right answer. Here's why: if hail large enough to damage shingles in one spot hit your roof, it hit the entire roof. Even areas that look fine may have bruised shingle mats that will fail prematurely. Insurance typically pays for full replacement when functional hail damage is documented across the roof.
That said, if a thorough inspection shows damage limited to one slope or section, partial repair may be appropriate. We'll document exactly what we find and let you decide.
Think your roof may have hail damage? We provide free hail damage inspections with honest, documented findings. No scare tactics, no pressure. Call (414) 340-3890 or schedule online.
Need Expert Roofing Advice?
Holland Exteriors provides honest assessments and transparent pricing. Call us for a free inspection — we'll tell you the truth, even if it means less work for us.
