Start on the Ground: Safe First Checks After a Hailstorm
You do not need a ladder to begin. Walk around your home and look for clues that hail was large enough to affect your roof.
- Gutters and downspouts: Look for fresh dents or dings in the metal.
- Window screens and trim: Torn screens or chipped paint often point to hard impacts.
- Outdoor items: Check AC units, mailboxes, grills, and car hoods for dents.
- Granules on the ground: Piles of sand-like grit near downspout outlets can mean shingles lost their protective coating.
If you see damage at ground level, your roof likely took hits too. Photograph everything with the date visible.
What Hail Damage Looks Like on Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material, and hail marks on them can be subtle. A trained eye looks for:
- Bruises: Soft spots that feel spongy, like a bruise on fruit.
- Dark circular marks: Spots where granules were knocked loose, exposing the black asphalt mat.
- Cracks and splits: Fractures that radiate from an impact point.
- Exposed fiberglass: A sign the shingle is breaking down.
Hail hits tend to be random with no clear pattern. Wear from age usually looks more uniform. That difference matters for an insurance claim, which is one reason an inspection by a local pro is worth scheduling.
Signs on Metal, Wood, and Tile Roofs
Other roofing materials show hail differently.
- Metal roofs: Dents are easy to see, especially in low-angle light. Check seams and fasteners too.
- Wood shakes: Look for splits with sharp edges and bright, fresh-looking wood inside the crack.
- Tile and slate: Cracked, chipped, or broken pieces can let water reach the underlayment.
Also look at roof vents, flashing, skylights, and chimney caps. Soft metals dent easily and are often the clearest proof of hail size.
Inside Clues: Leaks, Stains, and Attic Checks
Some damage stays hidden until water gets in. Check your ceilings for new stains or bubbling paint. If you can safely enter the attic, use a flashlight to look for damp insulation, water marks on the decking, or daylight showing through. Note any findings in your photo log. Small leaks can grow over weeks, so do not wait for a stain to spread before getting the roof looked at.
Documenting Damage for an Insurance Claim
Good records help your claim move forward. Keep a simple file with:
- The storm date and time
- Dated photos of exterior and interior damage
- Notes on any temporary fixes, plus receipts
- Your policy number and claim deadlines
An independent roofing provider may offer to document the damage and meet with your adjuster. Keep in mind that coverage is decided by your insurance company, not by the roofer or by ClaimReady Roofing.
Getting a Local Pro to Inspect Your Roof
ClaimReady Roofing is a referral service that connects homeowners with independent local roofing professionals at no cost to you. When you call, the line rings straight through to a local provider, and you discuss your location, damage, and timing directly with them. Scheduling depends on the provider and your area, especially after a large storm. If you live in central Oklahoma, see our page on Roofing in Oklahoma City, OK.