Michigan’s severe weather season runs from roughly April through September, and hailstorms are some of the most damaging — and most overlooked — events a homeowner can experience. Unlike a tree through the living room, hail damage is often invisible from the ground and only makes itself known months later through leaks, interior water damage, and expensive repairs that could have been avoided.
Why Hail Damage Gets Ignored
The biggest reason hail damage goes unaddressed is that it doesn’t look urgent. A shingle that’s been hit by hail may still be in place. The roof may still be keeping water out — for now. But what’s actually happened is that the granule layer on the shingle has been knocked loose, exposing the underlying mat to UV degradation. That shingle will fail significantly earlier than it otherwise would, and when it does, you’ll have a leak.
There’s also a time pressure most homeowners don’t realize: most insurance policies have a lookback window for storm damage claims. In Michigan, many carriers will accept claims for damage up to one to two years after a storm event — but that’s not unlimited. Waiting too long can cost you your coverage.
What Hail Damage Actually Looks Like
On asphalt shingles: Look for dark, roughly circular impact marks — areas where granules have been knocked off. The exposed spot may look darker or shinier than the surrounding shingle. You can also feel for soft spots or depressions in the shingle surface, similar to what happens when you press your thumb into an apple and leave a dent.
On metal surfaces (gutters, flashing, ridge caps): Hail leaves round dents that are easy to spot. Run your hand along your gutters after a storm — if you feel consistent dimpling, that’s hail.
On siding: Vinyl siding cracks or dents. Aluminum siding dents. Fiber cement siding may show surface crazing or cracking at impact points.
On window screens and AC units: These are some of the most reliable indicators that a storm was strong enough to cause roof damage. Dimpled AC coils and torn screens often accompany legitimate roof damage.
How to Check Without Getting on the Roof
Most homeowners shouldn’t be climbing on their own roofs — it’s genuinely dangerous, especially on steeper pitches or after wet weather. Here’s what you can do from the ground:
- Check your gutters and downspouts for dents and granule buildup at the bottom of the downspout
- Look for granules accumulating in flower beds directly below roof edges
- Inspect wood surfaces (fascia, soffit trim) for fresh dents or splits
- Check your mailbox and vehicle for dents — if they got hit, your roof probably did too
When to Call for an Inspection
Any time a storm with hail larger than a quarter passes through your area, it’s worth getting a professional inspection. A legitimate contractor will get on the roof, document what they find, and give you an honest assessment — not a hard sell.
If your home is older than 10 years and you’ve never had an inspection following a major storm, the odds are good that there’s damage somewhere that hasn’t been addressed.
What Happens If You Wait
Damaged shingles that aren’t repaired or replaced lead to water infiltration. Water infiltration leads to rotted sheathing, damaged insulation, and eventually interior water damage and mold. A claim that starts at $8,000 for a roof replacement can easily become a $30,000+ project if it’s left alone long enough.
Phase III Construction provides free roof inspections throughout Southeast Michigan. If you’ve had a storm come through and you’re not sure what you’re dealing with, call us at (734) 237-7322. We’ll climb up, document everything, and give you a straight answer about whether you have a claim worth filing.