Hail vs. High-Wind Roof Damage: How Evansville, Indiana Homeowners Can Tell the Difference

Know the Difference & What to Do in the Aftermath

When severe weather hits Evansville, Indiana, it’s common for homeowners to look up at their roof and wonder what kind of damage the storm left behind. Was it hail? Was it high wind? Or both?

At Upright Construction, we inspect hundreds of roofs across Evansville, Newburgh, and Warrick County each year. The two most common storm culprits—hail and wind—cause very different types of damage, and knowing which one affected your home can make a big difference when filing an insurance claim.

Understanding Hail Damage on Evansville Roofs

Hail damage is often subtle from the ground but can drastically shorten the life of your roof. Those small impacts you see on shingles are more than just cosmetic—they can break through the protective granule layer and expose the asphalt mat underneath.

What to Look For:

• Circular impact marks or “bruises” where granules have been knocked off
• Soft spots that feel spongy when pressed (indicating shingle fractures)
• Dents on metal surfaces such as gutters, downspouts, flashing, or vents
• Granules in gutters and downspouts (a sign that hail stripped protective coating from your shingles)

Why It Matters:
Each hail hit weakens the roof’s weatherproof surface, allowing water and UV rays to accelerate wear. Over time, those spots can crack and leak—sometimes months or years later.

If a hailstorm recently passed through Evansville, a professional inspection can determine whether your roof needs repair or a full replacement.

High-Wind Roof Damage: The Hidden Threat

Unlike hail, wind damage usually involves shingle movement or complete loss of sections of roofing material. Strong gusts can lift shingles, break adhesive seals, and even rip nails loose.

What to Look For:

• Lifted or creased shingles showing horizontal stress lines
• Missing shingles or tabs, especially along ridges and edges
• Broken sealant lines (where shingles lay flat again but no longer hold securely)
• Damaged ridge caps or flashing (often the first areas affected by wind)

Why It Matters:
Once a shingle’s seal is broken, it can’t reseal properly. That allows rain and moisture to creep beneath the surface, leading to wood rot, insulation damage, and interior water stains.

Evansville’s spring and fall storms regularly bring winds above 50 mph, so even a single event can compromise a roof that looks “fine” from the yard.

Insurance Claims: Hail vs. Wind

Insurance companies treat hail and wind claims differently.

• Hail damage is usually obvious, widespread, and easier to verify.
• Wind damage often requires closer documentation and clear photos showing missing or lifted shingles.

For both types of claims, detailed evidence is key. At Upright Construction, our roofing specialists in Evansville document every slope, accessory, and impact to ensure insurance carriers see the full extent of the damage—not just what’s visible from the ground.

Quick Comparison: Hail vs. High Wind