Why does hail damage hide from you?
Hail rarely punches a hole in your roof. It knocks the protective granules off your shingles and leaves dark bruises. From the ground, the roof looks the same as it did yesterday.
Underneath, the shingle is now bare and exposed to Arkansas sun. It breaks down years early.
The leak shows up long after your claim deadline has passed.
How do I know if hail damaged my roof?
Check your gutters for piles of granules, and look at soft metal like vents, gutter caps, and your mailbox for dents. If soft metal is dented, your shingles took the same hit. You will not see the bruises from the ground.
Here is what to look for after a storm.
| Where to look | Sign of hail damage |
|---|---|
| Gutters and downspouts | Granules piled up like sand |
| Vents, caps, flashing | Round dents in soft metal |
| Shingles (up close) | Dark bruised spots, soft to touch |
| Deck, fence, AC unit | Dings and chipped paint |
Arkansas hail season runs March through June. Garland County sits right in the path.
Do I really need an inspection if nothing leaks?
Yes. Hail damage is covered by most policies before it ever leaks, because the damage is already done to the shingle. Once granules are gone, the clock is running on your roof whether you can see it or not.
Our inspection is free and takes about 30 minutes.
We photograph every bruise and hand you a written report. You keep it either way.
Will my insurance pay for hail damage?
Most Arkansas homeowner policies cover hail damage to your roof. You pay your deductible and the insurer covers the rest of a covered claim. Proving the damage is the part that trips people up.
We photograph everything, write it up, and meet your adjuster at your house. We have handled hundreds of hail claims across Garland County.
If your roof is fine, we tell you it is fine. We do not talk anyone into a claim.
What are my options after a hail claim?
You can replace the shingles with the same thing, step up to impact-rated shingles, or switch to metal. Impact-rated shingles cost more but handle the next storm better.
Metal is the long game. It dents, but it rarely leaks, and it lasts 40 to 70 years. Read more on our metal roofing page.
For shingle options, see shingle roofing. If wind came with the hail, storm damage repair covers that too.
Who do you send to my house?
Our own crews. We are a licensed Arkansas roofing contractor, license number RR0540931024, at 207 Albert Pike Rd in Hot Springs. Over 20 years here, 20 trained people on staff.
After a big hail storm, out-of-state crews flood the area and vanish when the season ends. We are still here, at the same address, when you need us again.
We serve Hot Springs, Hot Springs Village, Benton, Bryant, and Malvern. Contact us or call 501-359-5550, seven days a week.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if hail damaged my roof?
You usually cannot tell from the ground. Hail leaves dark bruised spots where it knocked granules off the shingle. Check your gutters for piles of granules and look at soft metal like vents and gutter caps for dents. If the metal is dented, your shingles took a hit too.
How big does hail need to be to damage my roof?
Hail around one inch across, roughly the size of a quarter, can bruise an asphalt shingle. Smaller hail can still do damage on an older roof. Wind matters too. Hail driven sideways by a strong gust hits harder than hail falling straight down.
Will my insurance cover hail damage?
Most Arkansas policies cover hail damage to your roof. You pay your deductible and the insurer covers the rest of a covered claim. We inspect for free, photograph every bruise, and meet your adjuster on site so nothing gets overlooked.
How long do I have to file a hail claim?
Most policies set a time limit, and damage is easier to prove while it is fresh. Do not wait for a leak. Call your insurer and get a free inspection from us so you have photos and a written report before the deadline passes.
My roof does not leak. Do I still have a problem?
Probably. Hail knocks the protective granules off your shingles. The shingle is now exposed to Arkansas sun and starts breaking down years early. The leak comes later. That is why insurers cover hail damage before it ever drips.
Does hail damage a metal roof too?
Large hail can dent metal panels, but it rarely causes a leak. Shingles lose granules and fail. Metal usually keeps doing its job. Many Hot Springs homeowners switch to metal after a hail claim so they never do this again.