What Is the Difference Between Hail Bruising and Cracking?
Last updated October 31, 2026
The short answer
Identifying Hail Bruising on Asphalt Shingles
Hail bruising is often difficult to spot from the ground. It occurs when hail strikes and compresses the asphalt mat beneath the protective granules, creating a soft, dark indent. The shingle surface may look intact, but its waterproofing layer is weakened. You typically need to touch the spots or have a close inspection to confirm this type of hidden damage.
These bruises are not immediate leaks, but they accelerate aging. The compromised asphalt loses its flexibility and becomes brittle over time. Future temperature swings or minor impacts can then cause the bruised area to crack open. Regular inspections after a storm, especially in a region with a Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and winter rains, can help you catch bruising early.
Recognizing Surface Cracking and Splitting
Cracking is a clear, physical break in the shingle. You will see a fissure or split that goes through the granule layer and the asphalt beneath. This damage is often linear and can be several inches long. Unlike a bruise, a crack is an open pathway for water to enter your roof deck and the structure below immediately.
- A visible fracture line through the shingle surface.
- Often follows the line of the shingle's construction or an old bruise.
- Allows immediate water entry into the roof underlayment and deck.
- Can be worsened by wind uplift, making the opening larger.
- Requires prompt repair or shingle replacement to prevent a leak.
- May be accompanied by granule loss around the crack site.
How Water Damage Follows Roof Compromise
Both bruising and cracking break your roof's primary water-shedding barrier. With a crack, water enters directly during the next rain. With a bruise, water slowly permeates the weakened asphalt over many wet cycles. In either case, moisture reaches the plywood or oriented strand board decking, which then begins to swell, warp, and rot if left wet.
Steps to Take After Suspecting Hail Damage
Your first step is a safe, visual inspection from the ground with binoculars. Look for obvious cracks, missing shingles, or piles of granules in gutters. Do not walk on a potentially damaged roof, as this is dangerous and could worsen the cracks. Document everything you see with clear, dated photographs from multiple angles for your records.
Next, contact your homeowner's insurance company to report the storm damage and start a claim. They will typically send an adjuster to assess it. It is also wise to get a professional roof inspection from a qualified roofer to provide a detailed assessment of both visible cracking and hidden bruising. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.
When Interior Water Damage Appears
If you see water stains on a ceiling or wall, your roof's protective layer has already failed. Place buckets to catch drips and move furniture and rugs away from the area. This is a sign you need immediate roof repair.
The water entering your home can damage drywall, insulation, flooring, and personal belongings. It creates a damp environment where mold can begin growing within 24 to 48 hours. At this point, you likely need two types of pros: a roofer to fix the exterior breach and local water damage pros to dry out and restore the wet interior materials properly.
- Move belongings and furniture away from wet areas immediately.
- Contain active drips with buckets and towels to minimize spread.
- Ventilate the area if safe to do so, but do not use household fans if mold is suspected.
- Document all damage with photos for insurance before any cleanup begins.
- Address the roof leak at its source to stop more water from entering.
- Professional drying is often needed to prevent hidden moisture and mold.
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Call Now (909) 655-4818Frequently asked questions
Can hail bruising turn into cracking later?
Yes, bruising often leads to cracking. The impact damages the shingle's flexibility, making the asphalt brittle. Over subsequent seasons, thermal expansion and contraction from heat and cold, or even minor impacts, can cause the weakened spot to fracture open into a visible crack that allows water inside.
Will my homeowner's insurance cover hail damage repairs?
Most standard policies cover sudden, accidental damage from hail and wind. However, they may not cover repairs if the damage is deemed due to wear and tear or lack of maintenance. You must file a claim, and an adjuster will inspect. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.
What should I do if I find cracked shingles?
Plan for prompt repair to prevent leaks. Contact a qualified roofer for an assessment and repair plan. If leaks have already started inside your home, you should also contact local water damage pros to address the interior moisture and prevent mold growth behind walls or in ceilings.
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