Hail Damage Signs on NJ Roofs: What to Look For After a Storm

New Jersey homeowners are no strangers to severe weather, especially spring and summer storms that bring sudden downpours, strong winds—and hail. While hailstorms may only last a few minutes, they can leave lasting damage to your roof that’s easy to miss until it becomes a costly issue.

At Golden Master Roofing, we’ve helped hundreds of New Jersey homeowners assess and repair hail-related damage before it escalates. If your home was recently hit by a storm, inspecting your roof is critical—even if there are no visible leaks.

Here are five signs of hail damage every NJ homeowner should know.

1. Visible Dents or Dings on Roofing Materials

The most telltale sign of hail damage is surface denting, especially on metal roofs, vents, gutters, and flashing. On asphalt shingles, you might notice dark spots or bruises where granules have been knocked away, exposing the asphalt underneath.

What to look for:

• Round or irregular-shaped dents on metal panels
• Discolored patches on asphalt shingles
• Spots with a soft texture when gently pressed

Even small dents can reduce your roof's ability to shed water properly, leading to moisture buildup and long-term deterioration.

2. Cracked or Fractured Shingles

Hailstones can crack, split, or break asphalt shingles—especially older or sun-damaged ones. These cracks allow water to seep beneath the roofing layers, causing hidden leaks or mold issues.

How to check:
Look for horizontal or diagonal fractures, curling edges, or lifted tabs. You might also spot missing shingle pieces around the property after a strong hailstorm.

Tip: Cracked shingles can void your manufacturer warranty if not addressed quickly. Most insurance policies also have a limited claims window.

3. Granule Loss

Granules protect your shingles from UV damage and act as a weatherproof barrier. When hail dislodges those granules, it leaves your roof more vulnerable to heat, rain, and ice.

Where to look:

• Excess granules in your gutters, downspouts, or driveway
• Bald patches on individual shingles
• Premature discoloration of roof sections

According to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, granule loss is one of the earliest signs of impact-related shingle failure.

4. Soft Spots or Uneven Surfaces

If hail damage has penetrated the outer roofing layers, it may affect the underlying decking. This damage isn’t always visible from the ground but can be detected during a physical inspection.

Watch for:

• Sagging rooflines or valleys
• Uneven surfaces when walking on the roof
• Interior ceiling spots, even small ones

Unaddressed decking damage increases the risk of rot and compromises the structural integrity of your home.

5. Collateral Damage Around the Roof

Hail doesn’t only affect shingles—it can also damage other components of your roofing system. Skylights, flashing, chimneys, vents, and even attic vents can all be impacted.

Look for:

• Dents or cracks in flashing or vent covers
• Damaged skylight lenses or seals
• Bent gutters or downspouts

Any damage to these components may lead to slow water intrusion, which often goes unnoticed until mold or rot sets in.

Why Prompt Action Matters After a Hailstorm

Many homeowners in New Jersey delay inspections until they notice a leak—but by then, the damage may already be widespread. Hail damage often qualifies for insurance coverage if it's reported promptly, but policies may limit claims to within 12 months of the event.

According to NOAA’s National Severe Storms Laboratory, hailstones as small as 1 inch can damage shingles, siding, and windows.

What to Do If You Suspect Hail Damage

At Golden Master Roofing, we specialize in identifying subtle hail damage that less experienced roofers often miss. Here’s how we help:

1. Free Roof Inspection: We evaluate your roof, gutters, and other components for storm-related damage.
2. Damage Documentation: Our team provides a written report with photos, ideal for insurance claims.
3. Insurance Guidance: We can help coordinate with your adjuster and provide comparative estimates.
4. Trusted Repairs: We use high-performance materials that meet or exceed local building codes.

Why NJ Homeowners Trust Golden Master Roofing

• GAF-certified roofing team
• Responsive service during storm season
• Clear, honest communication
• Local knowledge of NJ climate and code requirements

Whether your roof needs minor repairs or a full replacement, we’ll help you protect your home with craftsmanship and care.

Get Started with a Hail Damage Inspection

Hail damage doesn’t always cause instant leaks—but left unaddressed, it can lead to expensive repairs or even premature roof failure. If your home was recently affected by a storm, don’t wait.

Request a free inspection today from Golden Master Roofing, and let our experienced team keep your home safe, dry, and storm-ready.