Hail Damage to Your Roof? Here's What to Do

Hail can damage shingles, siding, and other exterior materials. If your property may have been affected, document what you can see safely, contact your insurer about next steps, and consider a roof inspection.

Signs of Hail Damage on Your Roof

Hail damage isn't always obvious from the ground. Here's what to look for:

• Dents or dimples on shingles — look like golf-ball divots, especially on the side facing the storm
• Cracked or broken shingles — splits running vertically or horizontally
• Missing granules — shingle surface looks bald or discolored after hail
• Damaged flashing — bent or dented metal around chimneys and vents
• Gutter dents — aluminum gutters show impact marks

Even small-looking damage can let water in. Compromised shingles fail faster and leave your attic and interior walls at risk for rot and mold.

Step 1: Document Everything

If it is safe, take photos or video of visible damage from the ground. Note when the storm occurred and save any related records. This may help you describe the conditions to your insurer, who determines whether an inspection or other documentation is needed.

Don't walk on the roof yourself. Use photos from the ground or a drone if you have one.

Step 2: Contact Your Insurance Company

Contact your homeowner's insurer promptly to ask about policy terms and claim steps. Ask whether they have a storm claim line and what information they need. Be ready to:

• Describe the storm and when it hit
• Say what damage you've observed
• Submit your photos
• Schedule an adjuster appointment

Whether hail damage is covered depends on your policy, exclusions, deductible, the damage, and your insurer's review. Contact your insurer to understand your coverage and claim process; a contractor's inspection cannot determine coverage or payment.

Step 3: Get a Professional Roof Inspection

Consider having a roofing contractor inspect the roof and document visible conditions. An inspection or estimate can help you discuss the damage with your insurer, but the insurer determines coverage and claim payment. Contact One Truss to ask about an inspection.

Ask your insurer whether it needs a contractor estimate or other documentation, and how it handles differences between an estimate and its assessment. You can request additional estimates if you want to compare proposed scopes and prices.

Step 4: Avoid Roof Repair Scams

After major hail storms, roof repair scams pop up. Beware of:

• Door-to-door roofers offering to file claims for you and collect checks upfront
• Pressure to sign a contract before you understand its terms or have discussed repair timing with your insurer
• Financing offers presented without clear loan terms, fees, or total repayment cost
• Unlicensed contractors without references or local history

Check a contractor's identity, references, and written scope. Before authorizing non-emergency work, ask your insurer how repairs may affect the claim and keep copies of estimates and agreements.

Step 5: Complete Repairs Promptly

If the roof is exposed to weather, arrange temporary protection as soon as it is safe; document conditions first when possible and notify your insurer. Keep records of the work and related costs. Coverage for later damage depends on your policy and circumstances.

Ask the roofer whether temporary protection is needed and what can be done safely while permanent repairs are scheduled.

Prevention for Next Time

Impact-resistant shingles are designed to resist hail damage, but product performance and insurance treatment vary. Before choosing an upgrade, confirm the product rating and installation requirements, and ask your insurer whether the specific roof qualifies for any premium adjustment.