Published: September 1, 2025 | Closer Look Home Inspectors · InterNACHI Certified · Mankato, MN

Hail Damage Roof Inspection Guide for Minnesota Homeowners

By Closer Look Home Inspectors | Updated September 2025 | (507) 721-3820

Southern Minnesota averages 2 to 3 significant hail events per year, and Mankato's location in the Minnesota River Valley makes it susceptible to the severe thunderstorms that produce damaging hail. Hail damage to roofing is one of the most common and costly weather-related issues we encounter during home inspections in Blue Earth County. Understanding how to identify hail damage and navigate the insurance claim process can save you thousands of dollars.

How Hail Damages Different Roofing Materials

Asphalt Shingles

The most common roofing material in Mankato. Hail impact dislodges the protective granules from the shingle surface, exposing the underlying asphalt mat to UV radiation and weather. This accelerates deterioration and dramatically shortens roof life. Hail damage on asphalt shingles appears as random pattern circular dark spots where granules are missing, soft spots where the mat is bruised, and exposed fiberglass mat in severe cases.

The challenge with asphalt shingle hail damage is that it may not cause immediate leaks. Instead, the damaged areas deteriorate over 1 to 3 years, eventually cracking and allowing water entry. This delayed failure makes timely inspection critical.

Wood Shakes

Less common in new construction but found on many older Mankato homes. Hail splits wood shakes, creating fractures with sharp edges and orange-toned wood along the split. These fresh splits are distinguishable from natural weathering splits by their clean edges and lighter wood color.

Metal Roofing

Hail creates visible dents in metal roofing panels. While dents may not compromise the roof's waterproofing function, they are cosmetic damage that affects property value and may qualify for insurance claims.

What Professional Inspectors Look For

A thorough hail damage inspection examines more than just the roof surface:

• Roof covering: Systematic examination of all roof slopes for hail impact marks, with particular attention to the side of the home that faced the storm
• Flashings: Metal flashings around chimneys, vents, and valleys show hail dents that confirm the hail event's severity
• Gutters and downspouts: Hail dents on gutters provide evidence of hail size and intensity
• Soft metals: Vent caps, exhaust hoods, and HVAC condensing units show hail impact clearly due to their softer metal construction
• Siding and trim: Vinyl and aluminum siding show hail impacts; checking multiple elevations helps determine storm direction
• Window screens and frames: Hail damage to screens is easily visible and helps establish the storm's occurrence

Hail Damage vs Normal Wear

Insurance adjusters must distinguish between hail damage and normal weathering, aging, or manufacturing defects. Key differences include:

• Hail damage pattern: Random across the roof surface with no preference for specific locations. Weathering concentrates on south-facing slopes and near edges.
• Impact marks: Hail strikes create circular impressions with displaced granules. Foot traffic and other mechanical damage creates different patterns.
• Consistency with storm evidence: Hail damage appears on all exposed surfaces from the same storm direction. If the roof shows damage but gutters, vents, and soft metals do not, the roof damage may be from another cause.

Filing an Insurance Claim for Hail Damage

1. Document the storm. Note the date, time, and weather conditions. Check for hail accumulation photos on social media or from neighbors. Weather service reports confirm hail size and location.
2. Document all damage with photographs before any repairs. Include wide-angle shots showing the overall roof condition and close-ups of individual hail strikes.
3. Contact your insurance company to file a claim. Most policies require prompt notification of damage.
4. Get a professional inspection. An independent home inspection report provides objective documentation that supports your claim.
5. Be present for the adjuster's inspection. Show the adjuster the damage you have documented and provide the independent inspection report.
6. Get multiple contractor estimates for repair or replacement before authorizing work.

Should You Repair or Replace?

This depends on the extent and severity of damage:

• Isolated damage (less than 5 percent of roof area): Spot repair may be appropriate, though color matching can be difficult on weathered roofs.
• Widespread damage (more than 8 to 10 impacts per 10x10 test square): Full replacement is usually warranted. Insurance typically pays for full replacement when damage exceeds repair thresholds.
• Age consideration: If your roof is already near the end of its useful life (15+ years for a 20-year shingle), insurance may depreciate the claim. Newer roofs with hail damage generally receive better claim settlements.

Our thermal imaging service can identify moisture infiltration from hail damage that has already begun causing hidden water damage in the roof deck or attic.

Need a hail damage assessment? Call Closer Look Home Inspectors at (507) 721-3820 for professional documentation.