Hailstorm Hit? Learn How to Inspect Your Roof

Introduction

A severe hailstorm can leave your home vulnerable, causing hidden damage that may not be immediately obvious. Even if you did not see major cracks or torn shingles, hail can perforate roofing materials, steal granules, and compromise flashing and gutters. As a homeowner, it is essential to conduct a thorough inspection as soon as it is safe to do so. Not only does this help protect your property, it can also inform insurance claims, reduce maintenance costs, and extend the life of your roof.

This guide walks you through every step of a post‑hail inspection—from preparation and safety, to the specific areas that require close attention, and finally, what to do with the information you gather. With detailed instructions, checklists, and expert links, you’ll be able to ascertain whether your roof remains sound or needs professional restoration.

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Understanding The Basics: What You Need Before You Start

To perform an accurate inspection, you must first equip yourself with basic tools, safety gear, and knowledge. Here’s what to gather:

Safety	Tools	Documentation
Hard hat, safety glasses, long‑sleeved shirt, belt, closed‑toe shoes	Handheld mirror or borescope, ladder (preferably with a stabilizer), measuring tape	Camera or smartphone, notepad or inspection app (e.g., iPad with jotting app), propane torch if checking for remaining flames from chimneys
Work gloves (to protect hands and scalp)	Flashlight or headlamp with bright LED	External inspection checklist (downloadable PDFs or links below)

Gathering these items early prevents last‑minute seeks for missing tools and allows you to inspect efficiently.

Recommended Resources

• National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) provides industry‑standard guidelines: https://www.nrca.net/
• HailPost offers a quick reference for evaluating hail damage for insurance purposes: https://www.hailpost.gov/

Both resources complement the checklist below and give you a professional benchmark.

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Step 1: Visual Exterior Inspection from the Ground

1. Timing is Key

   • Inspect immediately after the storm, while rain may still be falling, but never climb a ladder when it is raining, as a wet surface greatly increases the chance of a fall. Wait until the roof surface is dry and safe to walk upon.

2. Power Off Buildings

   • Switch off electricity at the main breaker to avoid electric shock when touching vents, chimneys, or exposed wires.

3. Walk Around the Perimeter

   • As you circle the property, use a wide, steady step to look up, turning your head or using a long lyre or binoculars. Look for:
     • Missing or cracked shingles
     • Upset underlayers or rips
     • Areas where the roofing material has been lacerated
     • Rust and disintegration in metal roofing panels
   • Touch the roof surface systematically, using the feel to detect ridges, softness, or bending that may indicate structural compromise.

4. Check Gutter System

   • Gutter leaves should clog; broken downspouts drain; the presence of large chunks of roofing material or debris in gutters is a red flag. Overflows could lead to leaking into the interior.

5. Examine Chimneys, Skylights & Venting

   • Look carefully for cracks or displaced bricks/tiles. Inspect vent hoses or plastic covers for tears, displaced clamps, or clogged openings.

6. Record Findings

   • In a notebook, remember to note coordinates (e.g., “northwest side, approximately 3 m from the southern side”), photos, and perceived damages. Photos will be invaluable for insurance.

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Step 2: Lean In: Close Inspection with a Proper Ledge or Ladder

1. Safety First

   • Use a ladder that is rated for the roof’s weight.
   • Secure it with a ladder stabilizer and add a non‑slip mat at the base.
   • Always have a second person on the ground to catch you if needed.

2. Approach a Section at a Time

   • Work in overlapping segments so you can see from all angles.
   • When moving up and down the roof, keep the ladder in the shoulder zone of the same or adjacent segment for consistent support.

3. Use a Handheld Mirror

   • The mirror lets you see the underside of the roof from a low risk position.
   • Check for penetrations by bending the mirror in the corners of valley joints or flashing—these areas often show damage first.

4. Inspect Shingle Granules

   • Fine granules blasting away indicates erosion.
   • If granules are missing across a large swath, this might be a sign of shingle chew or wear.

5. Check Roof Flashing

   • Flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights should be snug and rust‑free.
   • Use a ruler to confirm the thickness of metal should be at least 1/8 piece according to the roofing manufacturer.

6. Look for Soft Spots

   • Press gently with your hand; a dent or depression that gives way easily suggests that the shingle or the underlying deck support has been compromised.

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Step 3: Detailed Interior Inspection

1. Go Inside)

   • Remove doorways and partitions carefully if the roof damage might appear in attics.
   • Check for any pitch‑drain hoses or debris that might have been dislodged.

2. Inspect Ceiling Transformations

   • Hail can punch holes as a result of impact energy.
   • Look for cracks in drywall, sagging ceilings, and receding mold patterns.

3. Take Measurements

   • Use a tape measure to measure the depth of any voids near roofing penetrations, e.g., near a chimney crown.

4. Document

   • Photographs the interior watch the exposure changes for insurance or repair proceeding.

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Step 4: Use a Professional Inspection Checklist

Even the most methodical homeowner might miss something subtle. Download a professional checklist from the NRCA website. This will guide you through:

• Roof surface condition
• Gutters & downspouts
• Flashing integrity
• Vent housings
• Roof deck and underlayment
• Potential leaks

Make sure to complete the checklist in numeric order to avoid skipping anything. The checklist can be found at the NRCA portal or easily printable from a local roofing supply store.

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Step 5: Evaluate the Severity of Damage

The data you capture will help determine the scope of repair or replacement. Arrange for a scoring system:

• Score 1–3 (Minimal Damage) – missing or cracked minor shingles, few granules, no leaks.
• Score 4–6 (Moderate Damage) – multiple cracked shingles, damage to flashing, threatened seal integrity.
• Score > 6 (Severe Damage) – large holes, multiple failings of structural components.

If any of your scores exceed 4, consider contacting a licensed roofing contractor.

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Step 6: Contact Your Insurance Provider

1. Gather Evidence

   • Photos, video walk‑throughs, and your inspection checklist should be ready to send in a claim form.

2. Use Loss Ratio Analyzer Tools

   • Many insurers provide a “Loss Ratio” or “Damage Calculator” on their website to estimate the cost.
   • Example: The American Automobile Association provides an online estimate tool for home insurance claims: https://www.aaa.com/emergency-helpline.

3. Request an Adjuster Visit

   • After you file the claim, the adjuster will perform a professional assessment.
   • Your pre‑inspection data will expedite the process and increase the likelihood of a fair settlement.

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Step 7: Hire a Professional Roofer (If Needed)

If you have any doubt about the severity of the condition, do not attempt a DIY roof repair and do not delay. Professional roper operations include:

• Hooking up the team to ensure safe removal of damaged sections
• Replacing the roof‑deck, flashing and gutters as needed
• Applying sealants and protective coatings
• Conducting post‑repair tests including water tests and video scans

Verify that the contractor is licensed and insured. Check the contractor’s Better Business Bureau rating and read a few online reviews. On qualified contractor listing sites the ratings often reflect previous homeowner satisfaction.

Small Tip: Many local roofing firms partner with national associations like the NRCA, ensuring their technicians receive ongoing training.

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Maintaining Your Roof Post‑Inspection

1. Regular Cleanup

   • Clear debris from Y‑valleys. Dealing with leaves and pine needles mitigates water infiltration.

2. Dustless Maintenance

   • Use a vacuum or soft brush when cleaning gutters and eaves to avoid abrasive particles that can damage roofing surfaces.

3. Annual Checkups

   • Conduct a semi‑annual visual inspection, especially after storms.

4. Know Your Warranty

   • Most roofing materials come with a 20–30 year coverage. Keep a copy of the warranty and integrate it into your digital or paper filing system.

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Conclusion

A thorough post‑hail inspection is not only an insurance necessity but a critical home‑maintenance step. By being prepared, diligent, and methodical, you can recognize damage early, avoid costly leaks and rot, and protect your property’s value. When in doubt, consult the NRCA standards, use navigation tools such as HailPost, and seek expertise from a licensed roofer.

With this guide in hand, you’ll have built a foundation for safer homes and satisfied peace of mind, one shingle at a time.

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External Resources

• National Roofing Contractors Association – Provides standards and industry best practices.
• HailPost – Fast online tool to help you analyze hail damage for insurance claims.
• American Automobile Association – Offers additional injury & property protection insights.
• Consumer Reports – Roof Repair Advice – In-depth reviews of roofing materials and maintenance strategies.

By leveraging these trusted references, you can stay informed, make well‑informed decisions, and ensure your roof stays robust against future hailstorms.