Storm guide
How to tell if hail damaged your Memphis roof
What hail leaves behind, the ground-level clues anyone can check, and how a roofer proves it.
By Cora Padgett, Roofing Guides Editor Updated October 2026
We answer 24/7 across Memphis and Shelby County
Quick answer
Hail damage on a Memphis roof usually starts with stones about an inch across: they leave dark, soft bruises where the shingle mat has cracked, circles of missing granules, and round dents on vents, gutters and flashing. Check the metal from the ground first, then have a roofer chalk test squares on each slope within a few weeks.
What hail leaves behind on shingles
- Bruises. Dark spots that feel soft when pressed, where the fiberglass mat underneath has cracked.
- Granule loss in circles. Round patches where impact knocked the granules off, exposing asphalt.
- Cracked tabs. Brittle, older shingles can split outright under larger stones.
- Damaged ridge caps. Caps bent over the peak crack easily.
The catch is that bruises look like nothing from the ground. The shingle may not leak for months, until the damaged spot erodes and water finds the crack.
Ground-Level clues anyone can check
- Round dents in gutters, downspouts and window wraps
- Dented roof vents and exhaust caps, visible with binoculars
- Fresh granules piled at the bottom of downspouts
- Dented fins on the outdoor air conditioning unit
- Chipped paint, dented cars or torn screens around the house
If the soft metal at ground level is dented, assume the shingles took hits too.
Think it hailed on your roof?
We chalk test squares on every slope and photograph each hit, whether or not you file a claim.
Call (901) 459-6395Hail damage or just wear?
| Sign | Hail | Age or wear |
|---|---|---|
| Pattern | Random, heavier on the storm-facing side | Even across sun-exposed slopes |
| Feel | Soft spot when pressed | Hard, brittle surface |
| Granule loss | Round patches | General thinning and bald areas |
| Soft metals | Round dents | No dents |
Blisters that pop in summer heat also leave small pits, which is why roofers look for the soft bruise and the dented metals together before calling it hail.
How roofers document hail
A proper hail inspection chalks a 10 by 10 foot test square on each slope, marks every hit inside it, and photographs the bruises with a scale reference. The soft metals are photographed alongside, and a measured roof diagram shows each slope's area. The report also notes what is not hail, which keeps it credible with an adjuster. Our hail damage repair page covers what happens after.
Hail season in Memphis
Hail here rides in with the same pop-up thunderstorms that bring most of our damaging wind, and it is patchy: one street takes it, the next does not. A September 2026 watch covering the whole region listed hail damage to vehicles and wind damage to roofs as expected impacts for Bartlett and Millington. After any storm with hail reported nearby, a look at your gutters costs nothing.
What to do next
If you find dented metal or piles of granules, have the roof inspected within a few weeks, while the bruises are fresh and the storm date is clear. If the damage is worth a claim, our guide to filing a roof insurance claim walks through it. If you replace the roof, impact-resistant shingles and textured metal panels are both worth pricing, and our shingle vs metal guide compares them.
FAQ
Hail damage questions
Shingle damage usually starts with stones around one inch across, though older, brittle shingles can crack under smaller hail.
Yes. Bruises often take months to turn into leaks, which is why an inspection matters more than waiting for a stain.
Rarely on the shingles. Dented gutters, vents and downspouts are the ground-level clues.
It depends on your policy; many require prompt notice. Check the terms and report soon.
If you are replacing anyway, they are worth pricing. Some insurers offer discounts for them; ask your agent.
It can dent, but it rarely leaks. Textured panels hide small dents better than flat ones.