Published 2026-10-20 · Kansas City roofing guide
Check soft metals, gutters and downspouts first, then look for dark spots and granule loss on shingles. Leave the roof itself to a roofer.
Start on the ground
- Gutters and downspouts: round dents or dings in the metal
- Granules: piles of sand-like grit at the bottom of downspouts
- Window screens and siding: small tears or spatter marks
- AC unit: dented fins on the condenser
- Cars and mailboxes: a quick sign of how large the hail was
What hail does to shingles
On asphalt shingles, hail knocks off granules and leaves dark, soft spots called bruises. The mat underneath can crack even when the surface looks fine. Over the following seasons, those spots age faster and can start to leak.
Damage tends to be worst on the slope that faced the storm. Ridge caps, vents and flashing are often dented too.
What to do next
- Photograph what you see from the ground, with the date.
- Do not climb onto the roof yourself.
- Have the roof inspected and documented.
- Read the hail insurance guide before filing.
Questions
How big does hail have to be to damage a roof?
Hail around one inch across can damage asphalt shingles, and smaller hail can damage older roofs. Wind-driven hail does more harm.
Can hail damage show up later?
Yes. Bruised shingles can lose granules and crack over months, which is why a prompt inspection helps.
