After a summer storm, many homeowners in Hunterdon and Somerset County look up at the roof and see spots on the shingles. Some of those spots are hail damage. Others are blisters that formed over time. They can look alike from a ladder, but they have different causes and are handled very differently by insurance.
What hail damage looks like
Hail hits leave dark, roughly round marks where the granules have been knocked off. The marks are scattered randomly across the slope, and they are usually heaviest on the side of the roof that faced the storm.
- Random pattern of round spots, not evenly spaced
- The spot can feel soft or bruised when pressed
- Cracks in the shingle mat in heavier hits
- Dents on gutters, downspouts, vents and flashing from the same storm
- Granules collecting in gutters right after the storm
What shingle blisters look like
Blisters are raised bubbles on the shingle surface. They form when moisture or gases trapped in the shingle expand in the heat. When a blister pops, it leaves a small pit with exposed asphalt and sharp, raised edges.
- Raised bumps, or small pits with crisp edges where a blister popped
- Often clustered on the sunniest slopes
- Appear gradually over months or years, not overnight
- No matching dents on gutters, vents or other soft metals
Why the difference matters for a claim
Most homeowners policies cover sudden damage such as hail. Blistering is usually treated as wear, a manufacturing issue or a ventilation problem, so it generally isn't covered by insurance, though a shingle warranty may apply. Coverage always depends on your policy.
That is why documentation matters. Clear, dated photos of hail hits, dented metals and the storm date make it much easier for an adjuster to see storm damage for what it is. We take those photos during the inspection and meet the adjuster on the roof when you file an insurance claim.
What to do next
Don't climb onto the roof yourself. From the ground, look for dented gutters and downspouts, granules at the bottom of downspouts and shingle pieces in the yard. If you see any of those after a storm, or a leak starts inside, have the roof inspected and get a straight answer on whether it is a repair or a roof replacement.