Skip to content 
A hail damage roof shows dark bruises on shingles, missing granules, cracked or split shingles and dents in metal vents, flashing and gutters. Damage can be hard to see from the ground, and small leaks often show up weeks later. After any big Oklahoma hailstorm, get a local inspection and document everything before you call your insurer. Our storm damage repair team handles both the inspection and the fix.
Had hail at your house? Call Shea Construction at (918) 944-1263 to schedule an inspection.
Key Takeaways
- Check soft metals first. Dents on gutters, vents and downspouts are the easiest proof that hail hit your roof.
- Bruised shingles feel soft and lose granules, which shortens the roof’s life.
- Act fast. Most insurance policies have deadlines for reporting storm damage.
- Beware of storm chasers. Hire a local, established contractor.
- Oklahoma grants may help you upgrade to a stronger roof when you replace.
Why Hail Is Such a Big Problem in Oklahoma
Oklahoma sits in the middle of the country’s most active severe weather zone. Spring and early summer storms often bring large hail, strong wind and heavy rain in the same day. NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center explains how hail forms and why the Plains see so much of it in its severe weather FAQ page.
Hail damage adds up across the country every year. NOAA tracks major weather disasters in its billion dollar disaster database, and severe storms with hail make up a large share of those events.
Signs of Hail Damage on Your Roof
You can spot many signs from the ground or a ladder at the eaves. Do not walk on a steep or wet roof. Leave that to a professional.
Asphalt Shingle Damage
- Bruises: dark spots that feel soft, like a bruised apple.
- Granule loss: bare black spots and piles of granules in the gutters or at downspouts.
- Cracks and splits: broken shingle edges or circular cracks around impact points.
- Exposed mat: fiberglass showing through where the surface broke.
Metal and Other Surfaces
- Dented gutters and downspouts
- Dented roof vents, turbines and flashing
- Chipped paint on metal roofs, siding and window trim
- Cracked or split siding and broken window screens
How Bad Does Hail Damage Have to Be to Replace a Roof?
Not every hail storm means a new roof. A few dents on a vent may only need a repair. A roof usually needs replacing when damage is spread across several slopes and the shingles are cracked or bruised through the surface.
| What you see | What it usually means | Typical next step |
|---|---|---|
| Dents only on gutters or vents | Hail hit, shingles may be fine | Professional inspection |
| Scattered bruises on one slope | Localized damage | Repair or partial replacement |
| Bruises and granule loss on most slopes | Roof life shortened | Insurance claim, likely replacement |
| Cracked shingles or active leaks | Water getting in | Emergency tarp, then repair or replace |
| Dented or chipped metal roof panels | Cosmetic or functional damage | Check policy for cosmetic exclusions |
What to Do After a Hailstorm
- Stay safe. Wait until the storm fully passes. Stay off the roof.
- Photograph everything. Take dated photos of gutters, vents, siding, cars and hail stones next to a coin or ruler.
- Look inside. Check ceilings and the attic for water stains.
- Stop active leaks. A temporary tarp prevents more damage and is usually expected by insurers.
- Get a local inspection. A contractor should mark hits, count damage per square and show you photos.
- Call your insurer. Report the claim before your policy deadline.
- Meet the adjuster. Have your contractor there if possible so nothing is missed.
Need a roof check after the last storm? Call (918) 944-1263 and we will set up an inspection.
Watch Out for Storm Chasers
After big hail, out-of-state crews knock on doors across Oklahoma. Some do fine work. Others take the deposit and disappear, or leave you with no warranty. Hire a contractor with a local address, a real phone number and reviews from your area. Homeowners in the metro can reach our Tulsa general contractor team for a local inspection.
Replace With a Stronger Roof
If your roof needs replacing, it is a good time to upgrade. Impact-rated Class 4 shingles and metal roofing hold up far better to hail. The Oklahoma Insurance Department runs the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes program, which offers grants to help homeowners build to the FORTIFIED roof standard. A FORTIFIED roof may also lower your premium.
Our Green Country roofing contractor crew can walk you through impact-rated options and what each one costs.
How Hail Size Affects Roof Damage
Not all hail is the same. The size and density of the stones, plus the wind behind them, decide how much damage your roof takes. Here is a general guide homeowners can use after a storm.
| Hail size | Common comparison | Typical roof impact |
|---|---|---|
| Under 1 inch | Pea to nickel | Usually minor, may dent soft metals |
| 1 inch | Quarter | Can bruise older shingles and dent gutters |
| 1.75 inches | Golf ball | Often damages asphalt shingles |
| 2.5 inches and up | Tennis ball or larger | Can crack shingles, dent metal and break skylights |
Older roofs take more damage from smaller hail because the shingles have already lost flexibility. A roof in its last few years may show damage from hail that a new roof would shrug off.
Roofing Choices That Stand Up to Oklahoma Hail
If your roof needs replacing, you have better options than standard shingles. Each one costs more up front but can save money after the next big storm.
Class 4 Impact-Rated Shingles
These shingles pass the toughest impact test for roofing. They look like standard shingles but hold up far better to hail. Many insurers offer premium discounts for them.
Metal Roofing
Standing seam and heavy-gauge metal roofs resist punctures and leaks from hail. Large hail can still dent them, which is mostly cosmetic. Check whether your policy excludes cosmetic damage on metal roofs before you choose.
FORTIFIED Roof Upgrades
The IBHS FORTIFIED roof standard adds sealed roof decks, stronger nailing and better edge details. Oklahoma’s grant program is built around this standard, and the upgrades help against both hail and high wind.
The right choice depends on your budget, your home’s style and your insurance policy. A good contractor will lay out the cost and benefit of each option so you can decide.
How to Document Hail Damage for Your Insurance Claim
Good records make claims smoother. Adjusters work from evidence, so the more you capture right after the storm, the better.
Start with the date and time of the storm. Save weather alerts or local news reports that mention hail in your area. Take photos of hail stones on the ground next to a coin or ruler to show their size.
Next, photograph damage you can safely see from the ground. Focus on gutters, downspouts, window screens, siding, fences, cars and outdoor equipment. Dents on these surfaces help prove the storm was strong enough to damage the roof.
Inside the home, check ceilings, walls and the attic for new stains or drips. Photograph anything you find and note when you first saw it. Keep receipts for tarps, emergency repairs and any hotel stays if the home becomes unsafe.
Finally, keep a simple log of every call with your insurer and contractor. Write down names, dates and what was said. That record helps if questions come up later.
Hail Damage by the Numbers
Hail is one of the top reasons homeowners file claims. The Insurance Information Institute reports wind and hail made up 42.5% of homeowners insurance claims in 2023.
Roofs take the biggest hit. Triple-I says hail can account for up to 80% of severe storm claims, and roofs bear an estimated 70% to 90% of insured residential catastrophe losses.
Hail Damage Roof FAQs
Will insurance pay for hail damage to a roof?
Most Oklahoma homeowners policies cover hail damage, but coverage varies. Some pay replacement cost and others pay actual cash value on older roofs. Many policies also have a separate wind and hail deductible, so read yours before you file.
Is it worth claiming hail damage?
It is usually worth filing when damage is spread across the roof and repair costs exceed your deductible. A contractor inspection before you file helps you decide.
How long will a roof last after hail damage?
A bruised shingle roof can lose years of life because the granules protect the asphalt from the sun. Leaks may not show up for months, which is why early inspection matters.
Can insurance adjusters tell how old hail damage is?
Often, yes. Fresh hits look sharp with bright exposed material. Older hits weather and darken, which is why fast documentation after each storm is important.
Book a Hail Damage Roof Inspection
If you think hail hit your home, do not wait for a leak. Call Shea Construction at (918) 944-1263 for a local inspection with photos. We help homeowners across Northeast Oklahoma document damage and repair it right. Schedule your roof inspection today.
Shea Construction
Shea Construction LLC
Salina, OK 74365
Phone: (918) 944-1263
Email: mattm@sheaconstructionllc.com
Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Serving homeowners across Northeast Oklahoma
