Hail Damage on Your Roof: What Atlanta Homeowners Need to Know

Georgia gets hail. Not as much as Texas or Oklahoma, but enough that a single storm can take years off your roof's life. And the worst part is that hail damage isn't always visible from the ground.

What hail does to shingles

Hail hits your roof at high speed. It doesn't just knock granules off the shingles — it can crack the fiberglass mat underneath. A cracked shingle looks fine from the street but will fail within a year or two as water seeps in and expands. By the time you see a leak, the damage happened months ago.

Signs of hail damage

Up on the roof, hail damage looks like small circular impact marks where granules have been knocked off. The asphalt underneath is exposed, often shiny or dark. Run your hand over the shingles — if they feel smooth in some spots and rough in others, you've lost granules. Check your gutters for piles of granules. Check downspouts. If there's more granular material than usual, hail is a likely culprit.

Don't wait to file a claim

Insurance policies have time limits for filing storm damage claims. In Georgia, it's typically one year from the date of the storm. If you wait too long, your claim gets denied — even if the damage is clear. If you suspect hail damage, get an inspection now. Most roofers do free storm damage inspections.

The scam to watch for

After a hailstorm, door-knockers appear. They tell you they can get you a "free roof" and ask you to sign an Assignment of Benefits form. This gives the roofer control of your insurance claim. Some are legitimate. Many are not. Never sign anything at your door. Get a second opinion. Call a roofer with a real local presence.