Small hail damage occurs when ice pellets cause minor indentations or breaks in roofing materials. Typically, this damage is cosmetic and does not compromise the integrity of the roof. Asphalt shingles may have small divots or cracks, while metal roofs may have shallow dents. Hail damage assessment involves inspecting shingles for breaks, chips, or punctures, and checking metal roofs for dents and deformations.