Short answer? Absolutely.
There’s a common belief that if hail is small or soft, it can’t really do damage. While giant, hard hailstones get all the attention on the news, soft hail damage often goes unnoticed because of how subtle the effects are.
Let’s break down how that works.
The Myth: “It Was Just Soft Hail, So I’m Fine.”
This assumption is one of the main reasons homeowners don’t file claims until it’s too late.
Soft hail doesn’t usually leave dents on your car or smash windows, but on a roof, the story changes. Your shingles aren’t built to absorb repeated, blunt impact, especially not when:
- Hail is wind-driven
- Small stones clump together, hitting your roof with more concentrated force
- Soft and hard hail mix mid-storm, creating random, high-impact strikes
- The storm lasts longer than usual, wearing down shingles through repetition
So while your roof may “look fine,” those impacts can bruise the shingle mat, knock off granules, and open the door for long-term deterioration.
What Soft Hail Damage Actually Looks Like
Soft hail can cause:
- Shingle bruising – internal fractures you can’t see from the ground
- Granule displacement – exposing the asphalt layer to UV and weather
- Hairline cracks – small splits that grow over time with heat and moisture
- Edge wear – where hail impacts loosen the corners of shingles
It won’t always look dramatic right after the storm. That’s what makes it risky. Damage builds slowly then shows up as leaks, mold, or failing insulation months later.
Why Timing Matters (A Lot)
Insurance companies don’t care how big the hail was, but they do care if there’s documented storm-related damage. Most policies only give you 6–12 months to file a claim.
If you wait until there’s water coming through the ceiling, you’re probably past the deadline.
Stop Guessing. Start Inspecting.
There’s no app that tells you if your roof took a hit from soft hail. The only way to know is to get a professional up there.
At Advanced Exteriors, we inspect roofs for all types of hail damage. We’ll give you a clear report, show you photos, and let you know if you should move forward with a claim or not.
Not All Hail Hits the Same. Get Your Roof Checked.
Soft hail damage can be easy to miss until the damage spreads. If your home’s been through a recent hailstorm, don’t make assumptions on your roof’s integrity.
Schedule a free hail inspection and get the peace of mind you need.