Hail Damage Isn’t Always Obvious
When hailstorms roll through Knoxville, roof damage can happen in seconds—but you may not notice it until weeks or even months later. By that time, leaks and structural issues may already be setting in. Knowing the early warning signs of hail damage is critical if you want to avoid long-term repairs and protect your insurance eligibility.
This guide will walk you through what hail damage really looks like, how different roofing materials are affected, when to call a professional, and how The Knoxville Roofing Company can help you spot and repair the damage before it turns into a major problem.
What Hail Damage Does to Your Roof
Hailstones typically fall between 1/4″ to over 2″ in diameter and can strike your roof at speeds up to 70 mph. Even small hail can cause significant surface damage, especially if your shingles or flashing are older.
Hail may cause:
- Bruising and granule loss on asphalt shingles
- Cracking and breakage in tile or slate roofs
- Dents or dimples in metal roofing
- Loosening or misalignment of flashing and sealants
Over time, this damage weakens your roof’s ability to protect your home—often without you realizing it.
Signs of Hail Damage You Can Spot from the Ground
Without climbing a ladder, you can still check for early indicators of hail damage. After a hailstorm, walk around your property and look for:
- Shingle granules accumulating near downspouts
- Pieces of broken shingles or tiles in your yard
- Dented gutters, vents, or metal flashing
- Visible tears or curled shingle edges
- Moisture or discoloration inside your attic or ceilings
You should also check soft metals like gutter caps or HVAC vents—if they’re dented, your roof likely is too.
Hail Damage Looks Different Depending on Your Roof Type
Each roofing material reacts differently to hail impact:
Asphalt shingles
- Loss of granules (dark patches or bare spots)
- Small soft “bruises” where the hail hit
- Shingle cracking or breaking
Metal roofs
- Round dents, especially on flat seams and ridges
- Possible warping near fasteners or joints
Tile or slate
- Cracked or broken pieces (usually visible at corners)
- Weakened seams or flashing
If you’re unsure what type of roof you have, we can help identify and evaluate it during your inspection.
Timing Matters: Don’t Wait to File a Claim
In Tennessee, most homeowner insurance policies require hail damage claims to be filed within 12 to 24 months after the storm. However, the longer you wait, the harder it becomes to prove the storm caused the damage.
Here’s what to do immediately after a hailstorm:
- Photograph any visible damage from the ground.
- Save local weather alerts or news stories as proof.
- Request a professional roof inspection as soon as possible.
- Begin the claim process with your insurance provider.
The Knoxville Roofing Company provides complete photo documentation, detailed reports, and insurance coordination to streamline your claim.
What Happens During a Professional Hail Damage Inspection
When you call The Knoxville Roofing Company, we’ll walk you through a simple, step-by-step process:
- Visual roof and attic inspection
- Detailed assessment of hail impact by material type
- Photos and written report for your records
- Clear repair or replacement estimate
- Support during insurance adjuster meetings
You’ll know exactly what’s going on—and what to do next.
Why Choose The Knoxville Roofing Company
We’re a local team with deep experience in East Tennessee’s storm patterns and roofing systems. Here’s what you can expect when you work with us:
- 100+ years of combined roofing experience
- Experts in hail and wind damage
- Residential and commercial inspections
- Fast response time and emergency service if needed
- 5-year labor warranty on all repairs
We don’t push replacements when a repair will do. And we always put your home’s safety first.
Don’t Wait for the Next Storm to Discover the Damage
Hail damage can quietly compromise your roof’s structure long before you see a leak. If your Knoxville-area property was hit by a recent storm, let us take a look—at no cost to you.
Call The Knoxville Roofing Company at (865) 221-7179 or schedule a free roof inspection online. We’ll help you understand the damage, your options, and what your insurance covers.
Protect your roof. Protect your home. We’re here when you need us.
