Living in Dallas-Fort Worth means dealing with some of the most severe hail storms in the country. After every major storm, thousands of DFW homeowners are left wondering: did my roof take damage? The answer isn't always obvious — and waiting too long to find out can turn a minor repair into a full roof replacement.
Here's how to tell if your roof has hail damage, and what to do about it.
Signs of Hail Damage on Your Roof
1. Dents or Bruising on Shingles
Hail impact leaves circular dents or soft spots on asphalt shingles — similar to a bruise. Run your hand across the shingle surface; if it feels soft or spongy in spots, that's a sign of hail damage. These bruised areas lose their protective granules and become vulnerable to leaks.
2. Missing or Displaced Granules
Check your gutters and downspouts after a storm. An unusual amount of granules (the small, sand-like particles that coat shingles) is a major red flag. Granule loss accelerates shingle deterioration and shortens your roof's lifespan significantly.
3. Cracked or Split Shingles
Large hail can crack shingles outright. Look for shingles with visible splits or fractures — these create direct pathways for water to enter your home.
4. Damaged Gutters, Downspouts & Vents
Hail doesn't just hit your shingles. Check your gutters, downspouts, and metal vents for dents and dings. If these metal components show impact marks, your shingles almost certainly took damage too.
5. Dented Skylights or Flashing
Metal flashing around chimneys, skylights, and roof edges is highly susceptible to hail damage. Dents here are a clear indicator of a significant hail event.
What to Do After a Hail Storm in DFW
- Don't wait. Most homeowner's insurance policies have a claim window — typically 1 year from the date of the storm. Missing this window means paying out of pocket.
- Document everything. Take photos of any visible damage to your property — gutters, siding, AC units, and fences — not just your roof.
- Get a professional inspection. A qualified roofing contractor can identify damage that isn't visible from the ground and provide documentation for your insurance claim.
- File your insurance claim. With a professional inspection report in hand, your claim is far more likely to be approved quickly.
Why DFW Homeowners Trust Burt Chandler Roofing
Burt Chandler Roofing has been serving Dallas-Fort Worth homeowners for 22+ years, with Burt himself bringing over 40 years of roofing experience. We specialize in hail damage assessments and insurance claim support — and we offer free, no-obligation roof inspections for DFW homeowners.
Our inspectors know exactly what insurance adjusters look for, and we'll make sure every inch of damage is documented properly so you get the coverage you deserve.
Schedule Your Free Roof Inspection Today
Don't leave money on the table. If your home was in the path of a recent DFW hail storm, get a professional inspection before your insurance window closes.