Table of Contents
- How Can You Tell if Your Roof Has Hail Damage?
- Why Hail Damage Shouldn’t Be Ignored
- 7 Clear Signs Your Roof Has Hail Damage
- 1. Dented Metal Components
- 2. Circular Cracks in Shingles
- 3. Dark Spots or Bare Shingle Patches
- 4. Soft Spots or Bruised Shingles
- 5. Granules in Gutters or Downspouts
- 6. Interior Water Spots or Leaks
- 7. Neighbors Are Getting Roof Repairs
- What to Do If You Suspect Hail Damage
- Why Choose The Roofing Experience in Ogden?
- Don’t Wait—Schedule Your Free Hail Damage Inspection Today
How Can You Tell if Your Roof Has Hail Damage?
Living in Ogden, Utah, you’re no stranger to unpredictable mountain weather. Hailstorms, while often brief, can deliver a surprising amount of damage—especially to your roof. Whether the hailstones are the size of peas or golf balls, they can lead to bruised shingles, compromised underlayment, and even interior water leaks if not addressed promptly.
At The Roofing Experience, we help homeowners across Ogden and Northern Utah identify and repair hail damage using durable, high-performance products like Malarkey Roofing Products. If you’ve recently experienced a storm, it’s important to know what to look for. Spotting hail damage early can be the difference between a minor repair and a full roof replacement.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the most common signs your roof has hail damage, why it’s critical to act quickly, and how to get professional help with an inspection or insurance claim.
Why Hail Damage Shouldn’t Be Ignored
Hail damage is sneaky. Unlike a fallen tree or a gaping hole in the roof, hail-related issues often don’t present immediate signs of failure. But don’t be fooled—just because your roof isn’t leaking today doesn’t mean it’s safe.
Here’s why you should take it seriously:
Insurance claims have deadlines. In many cases, you have 12 to 24 months to file a claim after a storm. If you wait too long, you could be paying out of pocket.
Tiny cracks lead to big leaks. Hail can crack shingles, creating tiny entry points for moisture. Over time, that moisture damages the roof deck and insulation—and may lead to mold growth inside your attic.
Shingle granule loss speeds up aging. Those gritty granules on asphalt shingles aren’t just for looks. They protect against UV rays. When hail knocks them off, your roof is exposed and vulnerable.

7 Clear Signs Your Roof Has Hail Damage
Hailstorms leave a trail, but not all damage is visible from the ground. Here are the most telling signs your roof has taken a hit:
1. Dented Metal Components
Check areas like:
- Flashing
- Vent caps
- Chimney covers
- Gutters
If you notice round dents or dimples on these metal parts, it’s a strong indicator that your roof has hail damage as well. These spots are often easier to spot than shingle damage and can be your first warning sign.
2. Circular Cracks in Shingles
Sometimes hail hits hard enough to cause asphalt shingles to crack in a circular pattern. This kind of fracture may:
- Split the top layer of the shingle
- Break the fiberglass mat underneath
- Allow water to seep in slowly
These cracks may look minor but compromise the integrity of the roof. Especially during Utah’s freeze-thaw cycles, moisture in cracks can freeze, expand, and worsen the damage.
3. Dark Spots or Bare Shingle Patches
If you notice black dots or dark patches randomly scattered on your roof, these could be spots where the granules have been knocked off by hail.
Why it matters:
- Granule loss leads to faster aging of the shingles
- Exposed asphalt is prone to UV degradation
- Bare spots are weak points where water can enter
4. Soft Spots or Bruised Shingles
Run your hand gently over the shingles (only if it’s safe to do so). Soft areas may indicate bruising caused by hail impact. Think of it like a bruise on a piece of fruit—the outside might look mostly okay, but there’s damage underneath.
Bruised shingles won’t heal over time. In fact, they become more fragile and more likely to tear or peel up in future wind events.
5. Granules in Gutters or Downspouts
After a hailstorm, check your gutters. If you find a large amount of granules, that’s a sign the shingles have been compromised.
Note: Some granule loss is normal over time, but a sudden, heavy deposit means recent storm damage.
6. Interior Water Spots or Leaks
By the time you notice a ceiling stain or a drip inside your home, the hail damage has already progressed. The water has likely penetrated through the shingles, underlayment, and decking.
Don’t wait—call a roofer immediately if you see:
- Yellow or brown ceiling stains
- Bubbling paint
- Mold or mildew odors in the attic
7. Neighbors Are Getting Roof Repairs
Sometimes the best clue is what’s happening next door. If other homes on your street are getting new roofs or repairs after a hailstorm, there’s a good chance your roof has hail damage too. Hailstorms usually affect wide areas—not just one house.
Why We Use Malarkey Roofing Products for Storm Damage Repairs
At The Roofing Experience, we proudly install Malarkey Roofing Products for all our roof replacements. Here’s why:
- Class 4 Impact Resistance: Malarkey shingles are designed to withstand high-impact hail, offering better protection and longer life.
- Rubberized Asphalt Technology: Their SBS polymer-modified asphalt allows for greater flexibility and resilience, helping the shingles absorb hail impact without cracking.
- Sustainable and Durable: Malarkey products incorporate upcycled materials and smog-reducing granules without sacrificing strength or performance.
When your Ogden roof has hail damage, we believe Malarkey gives our clients the best return on investment.
What to Do If You Suspect Hail Damage
- Get a Repair or Replacement Plan: Depending on the severity of the damage, you may only need a few shingles replaced—or it might be time for a new roof. We’ll walk you through your options and provide honest recommendations that protect your home and budget.
- Schedule a Professional Inspection: Avoid climbing on your roof—let a licensed roofing expert assess the damage safely and thoroughly. We’ll inspect the entire system, from shingles to flashing to gutters.
- Document the Damage: Photos, videos, and written notes are helpful for your insurance claim. Our team can provide a detailed report and even assist with the claims process if needed.
- Contact Your Insurance Provider: Most hail damage is covered under standard homeowner’s insurance policies. Acting fast can prevent denial of your claim due to missed deadlines.

Why Choose The Roofing Experience in Ogden?
We’re a locally owned and operated company—not a storm-chasing franchise. We live here. We know what Utah weather can do. And we’re committed to treating your home like it’s our own.
When you work with The Roofing Experience, you get:
- Free roof inspections after hailstorms
- Insurance assistance without the hassle
- Malarkey-certified roof replacements
- Warranties you can trust
- Honest, pressure-free estimates
Don’t Wait—Schedule Your Free Hail Damage Inspection Today
Hail damage won’t fix itself, and ignoring it can cost you far more in the long run. If you think your roof has hail damage, let the professionals at The Roofing Experience take a look.
We’ll provide a free, no-obligation inspection and help you determine the best next steps—whether that’s a simple repair or a full roof replacement using impact-resistant Malarkey shingles.
So if your roof has hail damage,call now or schedule online to protect your home from hidden storm damage.