A test square for hail damage is a 10-by-10-foot sample area an adjuster or inspector marks on each slope of your roof, then checks hit by hit. The count of damaged shingles inside that square helps decide whether a slope gets repaired, replaced or denied, so how it is chosen and read matters for every Wise County hail claim.
If your adjuster meeting is coming up and you want someone on your side of the ladder, call Cannon Roofing at (940) 627-1045 (open 24/7) or book an inspection through our contact page.
What a test square for hail damage actually measures
A roofing "square" is 100 square feet, which is why the sample is 10 feet by 10 feet. Instead of examining every shingle on a large roof, the inspector draws a box in chalk, usually on a slope facing the direction the storm came from, plus other slopes for comparison.
Inside the box, each hail hit that damaged the shingle is circled. Damage usually means bruising (a soft spot you can feel when pressed), cracks in the mat, or granule loss that exposes the asphalt underneath. Cosmetic scuffs and old wear are supposed to be left out.
Why direction matters in North Texas
Spring storms across Decatur, Bridgeport and Rhome tend to track from the west toward the east, but wind can drive hail at an angle from almost any side. A slope that faced the storm can look very different from the one behind it. That is why each slope is often judged on its own, and why one test square on the wrong side can undercount real damage.
How adjusters use the count
Many insurers use an internal threshold: if a test square shows enough functional hits, that slope qualifies for replacement. Below that threshold, the slope may be written for repair or not at all. The exact number varies by carrier and is not something a homeowner sees in the policy, so do not trust anyone who claims to know a universal figure.
The adjuster will also look at "collateral" damage such as dents on gutters, vents, and air conditioner fins. Those marks help confirm hail size and direction, even though dents on metal do not always mean the shingles failed.
Problems that skew a test square
- Wrong slope. Marking only a sheltered side misses where most of the damage landed.
- Old wear counted as hail. Blistering, foot traffic and granule loss from age are not storm damage, and an honest inspector separates them.
- Real hits missed. Bruises on dark shingles can be hard to see in bright sun and are easier to find by touch.
- Too few squares. A roof with several slopes and a detached shop may need more than one sample.
Preparing for the inspection on your roof
You do not need to climb on the roof yourself, and you should not. A few simple steps on the ground make the visit go better:
- Write down the storm date and what you saw, such as hail size, broken windows or dented vehicles.
- Take dated photos of dents on gutters, downspouts, mailboxes, patio furniture and the AC unit.
- Note any new leaks or ceiling stains inside.
- Ask if your roofer can attend the adjuster's visit.
Our guide to what insurance adjusters look for on your roof goes deeper on the overall inspection, beyond the test square itself.
Having your roofer inspect first
A roofer who inspects before the adjuster arrives can mark test squares on every slope, photograph each hit, and give you a clear picture of what to expect. That way you are not hearing the condition of your roof for the first time from the insurance company.
Cannon Roofing has been inspecting roofs around Wise County since 1994. We offer a free roof inspection through our roof inspections service, and our crews are factory trained and hold the Technician Seal of Safety, so the person on your roof has been background checked, drug tested and insured. When damage is there, our insurance claims help puts our photos and measurements in front of the adjuster, and you can ask for us to be on the roof during the visit so any disagreement about a test square can be pointed out on the spot.
If the counts do not match
If your roofer's test squares and the adjuster's tell different stories, ask the insurer for a re-inspection and send dated photos of the hits. Calm, documented disagreement works far better than an argument on the driveway.
What happens after the test square
Once the adjuster finishes, the insurer writes an estimate based on the findings. You may get a full replacement, a partial approval for certain slopes, a repair, or a denial. Read the estimate slope by slope and compare it with your roofer's photos. If something looks off, ask questions before the claim is closed and before any work starts.
Frequently asked questions
Can I mark my own test square?
It is better not to. Walking a hail-damaged roof is dangerous, and foot traffic can cause scuffs that get mistaken for storm damage. Leave it to a trained roofer or the adjuster.
Does a metal roof get a test square too?
Metal roofs are judged differently, since the question is usually whether dents are cosmetic or caused functional damage. Some Texas policies exclude cosmetic dents on metal roofing, so check your policy wording and any endorsements.
How soon after a storm should the test square be done?
As soon as is practical. Fresh bruises are easier to identify, and most policies set deadlines for reporting a claim. Waiting through more storms also makes it harder to tie damage to one date.
If hail hit your home in Decatur, Boyd, Chico or anywhere nearby, call Cannon Roofing at (940) 627-1045 any time, day or night. We will inspect every slope, show you our test squares and photos, and explain your options before you talk to the insurer. You can also reach us through the Cannon Roofing contact page.