What HAIL does to your Roof and why you shouldn't ignore it.

When storms hit Northwest Arkansas, hail is one of the most damaging forces your roof can face. But the tricky part? The real impact often isn’t visible from the ground — and it doesn’t always cause immediate leaks. That’s why many homeowners don’t realize their roof has been compromised until it’s too late.

Let’s break down what hail actually does to your roof and why timely inspection matters.

1. Surface Damage: More Than Just Cosmetic

When hailstones hit your roof, they can knock off the protective granules that cover asphalt shingles. These granules help reflect UV rays and protect the shingle from weathering. Once they’re gone, the shingle deteriorates much faster — even if it looks okay from your driveway.

Signs of granule loss:

• Bald or shiny spots on shingles

• Excess granules in gutters or downspouts

• Discoloration or patchy areas on the roof

2. Bruising & Cracking: Invisible but Serious

Some hail strikes are strong enough to bruise the shingle — meaning the surface looks intact, but the layer beneath has been compromised. Over time, these bruises can turn into cracks, leaks, or complete shingle failure.

Why that matters: A roof that looks fine today might start leaking months from now, leading to interior damage, mold, or insulation problems — all because of damage that could’ve been caught earlier.

3. Damage to Flashing & Vents

It’s not just your shingles at risk. Hail can dent or dislodge the flashing (the metal sealing around chimneys, valleys, and skylights) and damage roof vents. This opens the door for water infiltration — especially during the heavy summer rains we often get after spring hailstorms.

4. It Could Impact Your Insurance Claim Timeline

Most insurance policies have a limited window in which hail damage claims can be filed — often 6 to 12 months from the storm date. If you wait too long and damage worsens, your carrier might deny the claim or only pay for a patch instead of a full replacement.

Bottom Line: Don’t Wait Until It Leaks

You don’t need to climb a ladder to know if your roof took a hit — that’s our job. At Pinnacle Roofing, we provide free, no-pressure storm damage inspections to help homeowners catch problems early and decide on the next steps with clarity and confidence.

We’re local to Northwest Arkansas, and we’ll be here long after the storm-chasers leave.

🔧 Think your roof was hit by hail?
Call Pinnacle Roofing today for a free inspection and professional guidance on your next steps.