Quick Answer
After a San Antonio hailstorm, start from the ground: check gutters, downspouts, window screens, AC units, and vehicles for dents. On shingle roofs, hail damage shows up as dark bruises, missing granules, and cracked shingles. On metal roofs, look for dents and damaged trim or vents. Avoid climbing on the roof yourself and get a professional inspection to document damage for insurance.
Start From the Ground
Your yard and home's exterior give clues about how severe the hail was, without anyone climbing a ladder.
- Dents in gutters, downspouts, and metal vents
- Damaged or torn window screens
- Dings on AC condenser fins
- Granules collecting at downspout outlets
- Dents on cars, mailboxes, and outdoor furniture
- Shredded leaves and broken branches
What Hail Damage Looks Like on Shingles
Hail often leaves soft, dark spots where granules have been knocked off, sometimes called bruises. The shingle may feel spongy at the spot.
Larger hail can crack shingles or break off pieces. Even when the roof does not leak right away, lost granules expose the asphalt to sun, which shortens the shingle's life.
What Hail Damage Looks Like on Metal
On metal roofs, look for round dents on panels, ridge caps, and trim. Check flashing, vent caps, skylights, and pipe boots, which are often damaged before the panels.
Many dents on metal are cosmetic, but damaged seams, trim, or fasteners can lead to leaks.
Damage That's Easy to Miss
Some hail damage is subtle. Soft metal like vent caps, ridge vents, and flashing often shows dents before the roof covering does, which makes them good indicators. Painted surfaces like garage doors and siding may show chips or spatter marks.
Inside the house, look for new water spots on ceilings, especially near exterior walls and around light fixtures. Check the attic for damp insulation or daylight. Damage that does not leak today can still shorten the roof's life, so it is worth a professional look.
Why You Should Call a Roofer
Walking on a roof is dangerous, and hail damage is easy to miss or misjudge. A trained roofer knows what insurance adjusters look for and can document damage with photos and notes.
Insurance policies have time limits for filing claims, so do not wait too long after a storm. Sanchez Metal Roofing provides free storm damage inspections across San Antonio.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon after a hailstorm should I get my roof inspected?
As soon as practical. Early documentation helps your claim, and policies set deadlines for reporting damage.
Can hail damage a roof without causing leaks?
Yes. Hail often removes granules and weakens shingles without immediate leaks, which leads to problems later.
Should I climb on my roof to check for damage?
We recommend against it. It is risky, and walking on damaged shingles can make things worse.
Contact Sanchez Metal Roofing
Phone: (210) 708-3308. Email: sanchezmetalroofing123@gmail.com. Address: 520 Fredericksburg Rd, San Antonio, TX 78201. Hours: Monday through Saturday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Free roof inspections across San Antonio. Call (210) 708-3308.