Hail vs Wind Damage: Which Causes More Roof Damage?
Living in Myrtle Beach means your roof faces both coastal wind events and inland hailstorms. Understanding the differences between hail and wind damage helps you identify problems faster, document them correctly, and get fair treatment from your insurance company. This guide compares both damage types so you know exactly what you're dealing with.
Written by David Karimi
Owner of WeatherShield Roofing with 18+ years experience assessing storm damage for South Carolina homeowners. We've inspected thousands of roofs after both hail events and hurricanes.
Last updated: January 12, 2026
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Quick Comparison: Hail vs Wind Damage
Before diving into details, here's a side-by-side comparison of how hail and wind damage differ:
| Factor | Hail Damage | Wind Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Damage Pattern | Random, scattered across roof surface | Directional, concentrated on edges/corners |
| Typical Signs | Dents, bruises, granule loss, circular marks | Lifted/missing shingles, creases, exposed underlayment |
| Visibility | Often hidden, requires close inspection | Usually visible from ground level |
| Insurance Result | Often full roof replacement | Often partial repair |
| Long-term Impact | Shortened shingle lifespan, future leaks | Immediate leak potential, structural risk |
Understanding Hail Damage
Hail forms when updrafts in thunderstorms carry raindrops into extremely cold areas of the atmosphere, where they freeze and grow before falling. The size, density, and velocity of hailstones determine the severity of roof damage.
How Hail Damages Shingles
- 1.Granule displacement - Impact knocks protective granules loose, exposing the asphalt layer beneath
- 2.Mat fracturing - Hard impacts crack the fiberglass mat inside the shingle, weakening its structure
- 3.Bruising - Softer impacts compress the shingle without visible surface damage, creating weak spots
- 4.Cracking - Very large hail can crack shingles completely, sometimes exposing underlayment
Hail Size and Damage Potential
| Hail Size | Comparison | Expected Roof Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Pea (1/4") | Pea-sized | Minimal, possible minor granule loss |
| Marble (1/2") | Marble-sized | Light granule loss, possible bruising |
| Quarter (1") | Quarter-sized | Significant damage likely, insurance threshold |
| Golf ball (1.75") | Golf ball-sized | Severe damage, mat fracturing common |
| Baseball (2.75"+) | Baseball or larger | Catastrophic, possible deck penetration |
The Hidden Nature of Hail Damage
Hail damage is often invisible from ground level. The granule loss and bruising that shortens your roof's life by 5-10 years may not show as different coloring until months later. This is why professional inspections after hail events are critical—especially before your claim filing window closes.
Understanding Wind Damage
Wind doesn't need to reach hurricane speeds to damage your roof. Sustained winds of 45+ mph or gusts over 60 mph can lift, crease, or remove shingles, especially on older roofs or areas with installation issues.
How Wind Damages Roofs
- 1.Seal strip failure - Wind works under shingle edges, breaking the adhesive seal that keeps them flat
- 2.Lifting and creasing - Once the seal breaks, wind lifts the shingle, creating a permanent crease
- 3.Tearing and removal - Strong gusts can tear shingles at the nail line or remove them entirely
- 4.Debris impact - Wind-blown branches and objects cause punctures and tears
Most Vulnerable Areas
Wind damage concentrates in predictable locations:
- Roof edges and perimeters - Higher wind pressure at edges
- Corners - Wind accelerates around corners
- Ridge caps - Exposed to wind from all directions
- Roof-to-wall intersections - Flashing vulnerable to lifting
- Older sections - Aged seal strips fail first
Wind Damage Is Usually Obvious
Unlike hail damage, wind damage is often visible from ground level. Missing shingles, flapping edges, and exposed underlayment are signs you can spot without climbing on the roof. However, less obvious damage like broken seal strips may require professional inspection.
How to Identify Each Type
Knowing whether you have hail damage, wind damage, or both affects your insurance claim strategy and repair approach:
Signs of Hail Damage
On the Roof:
- ✓Random pattern of damage (not directional)
- ✓Circular impact marks with granule loss
- ✓Soft spots or "bruises" when pressed
- ✓Exposed black asphalt in circular patterns
Elsewhere on Property:
- ✓Dented gutters, downspouts, or vents
- ✓Damaged AC unit fins
- ✓Dented siding or window frames
- ✓Damaged outdoor furniture or vehicles
Signs of Wind Damage
On the Roof:
- ✓Directional pattern (damage aligned with wind direction)
- ✓Missing shingles or shingle pieces
- ✓Lifted or curled shingle edges
- ✓Horizontal crease lines across shingles
- ✓Exposed underlayment or deck
Elsewhere on Property:
- ✓Fallen tree branches
- ✓Debris scattered in one direction
- ✓Damaged fencing on one side
Insurance Considerations
How your claim is handled often depends on whether the damage is hail, wind, or both:
Hail Claims vs Wind Claims
| Factor | Hail Claims | Wind Claims |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Outcome | Full roof replacement (damage is uniform) | Partial repair (damage is localized) |
| Documentation Needed | Weather reports, professional inspection with test squares | Photos of damage, weather reports showing wind speeds |
| Common Disputes | Cosmetic exclusions, pre-existing wear | Maintenance vs. storm damage, matching issues |
| Deductible (Coastal SC) | Standard deductible unless combined with wind | May trigger higher wind/hail or hurricane deductible |
Watch for Cosmetic Damage Exclusions
Many South Carolina policies now include cosmetic damage exclusions for hail. This means hail damage that doesn't immediately affect roof function may not be covered—even though it shortens your roof's lifespan. Check your policy carefully or ask your agent about this exclusion.
South Carolina Storm Patterns
Understanding local weather patterns helps you anticipate and prepare for the storms most likely to damage your roof:
Myrtle Beach Area Storm Risks
- Hurricane season (June-November) - High wind risk, especially August-October; named storms trigger higher deductibles
- Spring thunderstorms (March-May) - Peak hail season, often with damaging winds
- Summer storms (June-August) - Pop-up storms with wind gusts, occasional hail
- Nor'easters (Fall-Winter) - Extended wind events that test aging shingles
Free Storm Damage Assessment
Whether you're dealing with hail damage, wind damage, or both, WeatherShield Roofing provides free professional inspections. We identify all damage types and document them properly for insurance claims.
Schedule Inspection: (843) 877-5539Frequently Asked Questions
Which causes more damage: hail or wind?
Both can cause severe damage, but in different ways. Hail causes more widespread damage across the entire roof surface, affecting shingles, gutters, and vents uniformly. Wind damage tends to be more localized, often affecting edges, corners, and ridge caps most severely. In terms of insurance claims, hail damage often results in full roof replacements while wind damage more commonly requires partial repairs.
How can I tell if my roof has hail damage vs wind damage?
Hail damage appears as random dents, bruises, and circular impact marks scattered across the roof. Look for granule loss in circular patterns and check soft metals (vents, gutters) for dents. Wind damage shows directional patterns with lifted, creased, or missing shingles, typically on edges and corners facing the prevailing wind direction.
Does insurance cover both hail and wind damage?
Yes, standard homeowners insurance covers both hail and wind damage as named perils. However, some policies in coastal areas like Myrtle Beach may have separate wind/hail deductibles or cosmetic damage exclusions. Wind damage from named hurricanes may also have higher percentage-based deductibles. Always review your policy or ask your agent.
Can hail and wind damage occur together?
Absolutely. Severe thunderstorms, supercells, and hurricanes often bring both hail and high winds simultaneously. When this happens, damage can be more severe—wind lifts shingles while hail impacts the compromised surface. Combined damage often strengthens insurance claims since multiple covered perils caused the damage.
How long after a storm should I inspect for damage?
Inspect your roof within 48 hours of any significant storm. Check from ground level first, looking for obvious missing shingles or debris. Have a professional inspection within 30 days of major hail or wind events, as hidden damage may not be visible from the ground but can lead to leaks and further damage if left unaddressed.
Get Expert Storm Damage Assessment
WeatherShield Roofing has assessed thousands of storm-damaged roofs across the Myrtle Beach area. Whether you're dealing with hail, wind, or both, we provide thorough inspections and detailed documentation to support your insurance claim.
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