What to Look for Around Your Home Once a Hailstorm Passes

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A hailstorm can be over in minutes, but the damage it leaves behind may not be easy to spot. You might see a few marks on the siding or find small pieces of debris in the yard and assume your home came through just fine. Meanwhile, the roof could have damaged shingles, loosened granules, or bruised areas that are difficult to see from the ground.

The National Weather Service considers hail at least one inch in diameter to be severe, and hail of that size can damage common roofing materials. After a strong storm, catching problems before they turn into major leaks can save you from more expensive repairs. 

Here’s where to look to catch such problems.

1. Start With What You Can Safely See

You do not need to climb onto the roof to begin checking for storm damage. In fact, getting onto a wet or damaged roof can be dangerous, so start from the ground and inspect the areas that are easy to reach.

Look for missing, cracked, lifted, or visibly damaged shingles. You can also check the ground around the house for pieces of roofing material that may have been knocked loose during the storm. Gutters and downspouts are worth checking too. Large dents or pieces of shingle granules collecting inside the gutters may point to damage above.

Take a look at siding, window screens, outdoor furniture, and other exposed surfaces as well. Hail often leaves marks on several parts of a property, so damage in one area can be a useful reason to look more closely at the roof.

2. Know What Hail Damage to Shingles Can Look Like

Some of the most important roof damage is not dramatic. Hail can knock protective granules from asphalt shingles or create bruised areas where the impact weakens the shingle. Over time, those damaged spots can become more vulnerable to sunlight, rain, and temperature changes.

This type of damage can be easy to overlook after a storm. As Lakeland Exteriors & Roofing explains in its article on hail damage to roof shingles, hail can dislodge protective granules and leave impact marks that may not be obvious from the ground. Do not assume that small hail means there is no reason to check the roof. Hail size, wind speed, the age of the roof, and the condition of the shingles all affect how much damage can occur.

3. Check Flashing, Gutters, and Roof Features

Shingles are only one part of a roofing system. Hail and strong winds can also affect metal flashing around chimneys, vents, skylights, and other roof openings. These areas deserve attention because damage around a roof penetration can create a path for water to enter.

Gutters and downspouts should be checked after a storm as well. Look for dents, loose sections, or pieces that have pulled away from the house. If water cannot move properly through the drainage system, it can create additional problems around the roofline and foundation.

You should also check the attic or upper areas of the home if they are safely accessible. Look for new water stains, damp insulation, or signs that moisture has entered the house. A roof can have storm damage before an obvious ceiling leak appears, so an absence of indoor water stains does not necessarily mean everything is fine.

4. Pay Attention to Damage You Cannot See

One of the frustrating things about hail damage is that it can be hidden. A roof may look acceptable from the driveway while having damage that becomes clearer during a closer inspection.

For that reason, avoid treating a quick visual check from the ground as a complete roof assessment. If the storm produced large hail or strong winds, or if you notice possible damage around the property, consider having the roof inspected by a qualified professional.

A closer inspection can reveal problems such as granule loss, impact bruising, lifted shingles, damaged flashing, or issues around gutters and other roof features. It can also help determine whether the roof needs immediate attention or whether the damage is limited and can be monitored.

5. Document Damage Before Making Repairs

If you find signs of storm damage, take photographs before anything is repaired, provided you can do so safely. Capture wider photos that show where the damage is located as well as closer images of individual problems. Keep track of the storm date and note any temporary steps taken to protect the home.

This documentation can be useful if you decide to contact your insurance company. It also gives a contractor a clearer starting point when assessing what happened.

Do not make assumptions about what kind of roof damage your insurance will or will not cover. Policies differ, and the condition of the roof before the storm can also affect how a claim is handled. A clear record of what you found can make the process easier to understand.

Final Words

A roof does not have to look badly damaged to have been affected by hail. Checking visible surfaces, looking for signs of granule loss, inspecting gutters and flashing, and watching for interior moisture can help you spot potential problems early.

If something seems unusual after a storm, it is better to investigate than assume the damage is harmless. A careful inspection gives you a clearer picture of your home's condition and helps you make decisions based on what the storm actually did, rather than what the roof happens to look like from the driveway.