Hail Damage Roof Repair
Hail damage is easy to miss from the ground and expensive to ignore. GemSco inspects the roof up close, documents every hit and tells you in writing whether it needs a repair or a new roof.
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Why hail damage is hard to see
A hailstone does not need to punch a hole to ruin a shingle. On asphalt roofs, an impact can crack the mat or knock off the granules that protect it from the sun. From the yard the roof looks fine. Months later those spots dry out, crack and start to leak, often long after the storm is forgotten. Granule loss also shortens the life of the whole roof, even where no leak appears, because the asphalt underneath ages much faster once the sun reaches it directly.
Wind usually comes with hail, so a roof can have both kinds of damage at once. Our general storm damage page covers wind, debris and flooding. This page is only about hail: how to spot it, how it is documented and how it is repaired.
Signs your roof took hail
Dark spots on shingles
Round marks where granules were knocked off, exposing the black asphalt. They often feel soft right after the storm.
Granules in the gutters
A heavy layer of granules at downspouts after a storm is a common clue. Check your gutters too, since dents there show how hard the hail hit.
Dents on soft metal
Dings on vents, flashing, drip edge or the AC unit tell you the size and direction of the hail.
Cracked or split shingles
Older shingles that have lost flexibility tend to crack instead of bruise.
Damage on other roof types
Hail can crack tile, split wood shakes and dent metal panels. Each material is inspected differently.
How GemSco handles hail damage
Roof inspection
We go on the roof and check each slope, plus vents, flashing and gutters. A full roof inspection is the only reliable way to confirm hail damage.
Photo documentation
Every hit we find is photographed and marked, so you can see what we saw without climbing up.
Written estimate
You get a written estimate that says whether the damage calls for a repair of specific areas or a full replacement.
Repair or replacement
We replace damaged shingles, flashing and accessories, or the whole roof when the damage is widespread.
Cleanup
We remove debris and old materials and sweep the property for nails.
Repair or replace after hail
Scattered hits on a young roof can often be repaired by replacing the damaged shingles. When damage shows up on every slope, or the roof was already aging, a patchwork repair leaves you with a roof that fails in pieces. Matching also matters: new shingles next to weathered ones rarely blend, and some colors are discontinued.
If you choose to file with your insurance company, coverage depends on your policy and on the insurer's decision. GemSco inspects, photographs the damage and gives you a written estimate. The steps and terms are explained on our insurance claims page, and our guide on what to do after a hailstorm covers the first days.
Options for a more hail-resistant roof
Impact-resistant asphalt shingles rated UL 2218 Class 4, the highest impact rating in that standard.
Owens Corning and GAF shingle lines, installed by an elite contractor for both manufacturers.
Metal and stone-coated steel roofing, explained on our metal roofing page.
Ask your insurance company whether your policy offers any premium credit for impact-rated roofing.
Proper attic ventilation, which helps shingles keep their flexibility as they age.
Hail damage repair across Texas
GemSco is family owned, fully licensed and insured, with more than 20 years of experience. We repair hail damage on asphalt shingle, wood shake, metal, stone-coated, tile and flat roofs in Houston, DFW, Austin, San Antonio and surrounding areas, including Dallas and Fort Worth. Estimates are free.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size hail damages a roof?
It depends on the roof's age, material and the angle of impact. Hail around one inch can damage older asphalt shingles, and larger stones can damage newer ones too. Wind-driven hail hits harder. Because size alone does not tell the whole story, the safest step after any notable hailstorm is an inspection.
How soon after a hailstorm should I get my roof inspected?
As soon as you can safely do it. Fresh damage is easier to identify and photograph, and insurance policies set deadlines for reporting a loss. Waiting also lets bruised shingles keep breaking down. Read your policy for its reporting requirements, and keep the date of the storm on record.
Can I see hail damage from the ground?
Usually not on shingles. You may notice dented gutters, vents or an AC unit, or granules collecting at the downspouts. Those are clues, not proof. Our guide on how to identify hail damage on asphalt shingles shows what to look for safely.
Are Class 4 shingles hail proof?
No roof is hail proof. Class 4 means the shingle passed the UL 2218 impact test with the largest steel ball used in that test without cracking. It resists damage better than standard shingles, but very large hail can still damage it.
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GemSco Roofing & Solar serves Houston, DFW, Austin, San Antonio and surrounding areas. We’re family owned and fully licensed and insured.