Hail Damage Roof Inspection: What to Do After a Storm

My Post-Hail Action Plan

I started my career doing storm damage restoration near the coast. I've chased massive hailstorms all over the country. Let me tell you: hail is insidious. A roof can look perfectly fine from the driveway, but once I get up there, it looks like it was hit by birdshot.

What I Look For Up There

Asphalt Shingles

When hail hits asphalt, it creates circular depressions where the granules are knocked off. Without those granules, the sun's UV rays will quickly eat through the exposed asphalt. It's only a matter of time before it leaks.

Soft Metals

To prove to the insurance company that a recent storm caused the damage, I always check the "collateral damage." I look for dents on the aluminum box vents, the chimney flashing, and the gutters. If those are dented but the shingles "look okay," I know I need to look closer at the shingles.

Stay Off the Roof

I can't stress this enough: please stay off the roof. After a hailstorm, those loose granules act like tiny ball bearings. It is incredibly slippery. Leave the ladder climbing to my crew and me.