What to Do When Your Roof Gets Hail Damage

Hailstorms can be sudden and severe, often leaving homeowners in shock as they assess the aftermath. While your car might be the first thing you check for damage, your roof likely bore the brunt of the storm. Hail damage to roofing can range from minor bruising to significant destruction requiring full roof replacement. Knowing what to do immediately after a hailstorm can help protect your home and save you thousands of dollars in repairs.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know and do if hail damages your roof—from assessing the situation to working with professionals and insurance companies. Whether you’re a homeowner, property manager, or real estate investor, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to respond effectively.

Why Hail Damage Matters

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements. When hail compromises it, even small cracks or punctures can lead to long-term issues like water damage, mold growth, and energy inefficiency.

The Real Risks of Ignoring Hail Damage

• Leaks and Water Infiltration: Once hail damages the roof covering, rainwater can seep in.

• Mold and Mildew: Moisture accumulation can lead to dangerous mold.

• Structural Damage: Over time, leaks can rot the underlying wood.

• Increased Utility Bills: Damaged roofs lose insulation efficiency.

• Insurance Challenges: Delayed action can weaken or void your claim.

Step-by-Step Guide: What to Do After a Hailstorm

1. Wait for the Storm to Pass—Then Stay Safe

Before anything else, prioritize safety. Stay indoors during the storm, and avoid attempting any inspection until the weather clears.

Once it’s safe, conduct a basic visual inspection from the ground using binoculars. Look for:

• Discolored or bruised shingles

• Missing shingles or shingle granules in gutters

• Dents in metal flashing, gutters, or vents

• Cracks or splits in wood shingles

“Hail damage can be nearly impossible to see from the ground. If you do not know what you are looking for, it can even be difficult to see when you are up on the roof.” – Ami Feller, Feller Roofing

2. Evaluate the Severity of the Hailstorm

Different hailstone sizes and wind speeds create different types of roof damage:

• Less than ½ inch: May cause cosmetic damage

• 1 inch or larger (golf ball size): Likely to cause structural damage

• Softball-sized hail: Can puncture roofing materials outright

If you’re unsure how bad the storm was, check weather reports or ask neighbors if they experienced damage. This can support any future insurance claims.

3. Inspect Other Structures for Signs of Damage

If your gutters, siding, or windows show signs of dents or cracking, your roof may be worse off than it looks. Hail damage is often more visible on metal and vinyl surfaces, making them good indicators.

Also inspect:

• AC units (for dented fins)

• Fencing

• Skylights and chimneys

• Roof flashing and fascia

Clogged gutters filled with shingle granules are another red flag, as they indicate shingle surface erosion.

4. Document the Damage

Take clear, high-resolution photos of any visible damage—on the roof, siding, windows, and gutters. Record the date of the storm and make a written note of what you observe.

This documentation will be invaluable if you need to file an insurance claim.

5. Call a Professional Roofing Contractor

Don’t risk climbing onto your roof. A professional roofing contractor is trained to safely inspect roofs and identify even subtle signs of damage that the untrained eye might miss.

Why hire a pro:

• They can assess damage severity and estimate repair costs.

• Professional reports carry more weight with insurance adjusters.

• Some contractors offer free inspections after hail events.

Ensure that the contractor you hire is licensed, insured, and experienced in hail damage repair.

6. Contact Your Insurance Provider Promptly

Most homeowner policies cover hail damage, but time limits for filing claims vary—often between 6 and 24 months.

When you call your provider:

• Have your documentation ready.

• Ask about the claims process and time limits.

• Find out if they require you to use preferred contractors.

An insurance adjuster may visit to inspect the damage. Having your own contractor’s report can help support your case.

What Hail Damage Looks Like on Different Roof Types

Understanding how hail affects various roofing materials can help you identify problems earlier and prevent further deterioration.

Asphalt and Composition Shingles

• Dark, round hail hits

• Granule loss exposing black substrate

• Shiny or soft spots (like bruised fruit)

• Random damage pattern with no uniformity

Wood Shingles

• Sharp splits or cracks in the wood

• Orange or brown coloration inside the split

• Minimal edge wear or aging

• Visible impact dents along the split area

Be cautious—aging or brittle shingles can be mistaken for hail damage, and only a trained professional can accurately differentiate the two.

Repair or Replace?

When Repairs Are Enough

If the damage is limited to a few cracked shingles or minor granule loss, spot repairs may suffice. These are typically inexpensive—ranging from $20 to $200.

When to Replace the Roof

Extensive damage, widespread granule loss, or compromised waterproofing layers may require full replacement. Hail-damaged roof replacements can cost $5,000–$15,000 depending on material, pitch, and square footage—but may be covered under insurance.

The Cost of Doing Nothing

Failing to address hail damage can quickly escalate into larger, costlier issues:

A small leak today could be a $10,000 repair next year.

Pro Tips to Prevent Future Hail Damage

While you can’t stop hailstorms, you can strengthen your home against them:

• Install impact-resistant shingles (rated Class 4)

• Add roof guards and hail screens

• Keep trees trimmed to prevent falling limbs

• Inspect your roof twice a year, even without a storm

Common Myths About Roof Hail Damage

Myth: If I can’t see any damage, my roof must be fine.
Fact: Many hail impacts are subtle but still compromise roofing materials.

Myth: New roofs don’t get hail damage.
Fact: Hail doesn’t discriminate. Even new roofs are vulnerable, especially with high-speed winds.

Myth: Insurance won’t cover cosmetic damage.
Fact: Many policies do cover visible damage, especially if it affects home value or resale.

Final Thoughts

Hail damage is often deceptive—it may look minor but lead to major problems if left unchecked. After a hailstorm, act quickly: inspect, document, and consult with professionals.

At [Your Roofing Company Name], we specialize in hail damage inspections and repairs. Our certified professionals can give you an honest assessment and help you through the insurance process. Don’t let hail leave your home exposed—reach out today for a free inspection and peace of mind.

Need Help Now?

Contact us at 816-741-1941 or fill out our Online Contact Form to schedule a no-obligation roof assessment today. We’re here to keep your home safe, dry, and storm-ready.