Winnipeg summers bring the kind of storms that can quietly wreck a roof in fifteen minutes. Hail is the sneakiest culprit, because the worst of the damage often isn’t visible from the ground. By the time you notice a leak, months of hidden water intrusion may already have done their work. Here is how to recognize hail damage, what your insurer looks for, and when it justifies a full replacement.
How to identify hail damage
Hail bruises and fractures asphalt shingles even when they look fine from the driveway. Up close, the tell-tale signs are:
- Dark, soft spots where the protective granules have been knocked away, exposing the black asphalt mat underneath.
- Circular bruises you can feel with your hand, like a soft dent, where the mat has fractured.
- Granules in your eavestroughs and downspouts after a storm, a sign the shingle surface is breaking down.
- Dented soft metals, check your eavestroughs, downspouts, vents, and flashing. Dents there are a strong indicator the roof took hits too.
Damage is often worse on the slopes facing the direction the storm came from.
What insurance companies look for
Adjusters count hail hits within a test square (usually a 10 by 10 foot area) on each slope. They look for fresh bruising, granule loss down to the mat, and collateral damage on metal accessories. Documentation matters: clear photos, a marked test square, and a written assessment make the difference between an approved claim and a denied one. This is exactly the kind of evidence-based inspection we provide.
Common myths
- “If it’s not leaking, it’s fine.” Hail damage compromises the shingle long before it leaks. Waiting usually makes the claim harder, not easier.
- “I can see it’s fine from the ground.” Most hail damage is invisible from the ground. It needs an on-roof inspection.
- “Filing a claim will raise my rates.” Hail is a weather event, not an at-fault claim. Speak with your broker, but many homeowners are surprised here.
When a full replacement is justified
A few isolated hits may only need a repair. But once bruising is widespread across multiple slopes, or the shingles are already near the end of their life, patching is a short-term fix that voids warranties and leaves weak spots. When the damage is systemic, a full replacement restores both protection and your manufacturer warranty.
Why a professional inspection matters
Roofs are dangerous to walk, and trained eyes catch what homeowners miss. We inspect every slope, photograph the evidence, mark test squares, and give you an honest written report, whether that is “you’re fine,” “here’s a repair,” or “here’s what a claim would cover.” There is no pressure and no charge.
If a storm has rolled through your neighbourhood, don’t wait for a leak. Book a free hail inspection and get a straight answer.
