Wind Damage vs. Hail Damage: How to Tell the Difference

Caleb Cook
Jun 27
1 min read

A single storm can bring both wind and hail, but they damage a roof in different ways. Knowing which one hit your home helps you understand the repair and the claim.

What wind damage looks like

Wind lifts and tears. It creases shingles so they lose their seal, peels them back, or strips them off entirely, usually on the slopes facing the wind. You may find shingles or pieces of them in the yard, lifted ridge caps, and exposed underlayment.

What hail damage looks like

Hail bruises and dents. It knocks the protective granules off asphalt shingles, leaving soft, dark, round bruises scattered across the surface, often in no particular pattern. It also dents soft metal like gutters, vents, and AC fins, which is one of the easiest signs to spot from the ground.

Why the difference matters for your repair and claim

Both wind and hail are covered perils on most policies, but documenting which one caused the damage helps the adjuster understand the full scope. We record both so nothing gets attributed to wear and tear. Learn about our roof repair services.