7 Signs of Hail Damage on an Asphalt Shingle Roof (Licking County)

How to spot hail damage on your roof from the ground — and when it's worth filing an insurance claim in Newark, Heath, Granville, and the rest of Licking County.

Licking County sees serious hail several times most years — and asphalt shingle damage is often invisible from the driveway. Here's what to look for after a storm before granule loss turns into active leaks.

Ground-level signs to check first

• Dents in metal vents, gutters, downspouts, or your AC condenser fins
• Granules collecting in gutters or at the bottom of downspouts
• Bruised or torn screen on attic vents
• Pockmarks on wood fences, decks, or window sills

On-roof signs (leave these to a pro)

• Round black bruises where the asphalt mat is exposed
• Soft spots that feel spongy when pressed
• Cracked or split shingles, especially at the corners
• Damaged shingle sealant strips (lifted edges in the wind)

Should you file an insurance claim?

Ohio homeowner policies generally cover sudden hail damage, but you have a limited window — usually one year — to file from the date of loss. If a free inspection finds damage on more than one slope, it almost always pays to file. We meet your adjuster on-site, walk the roof together, and document the scope so nothing gets missed.