Home Restoration Services: What to Do After Hail Damages Your Roof

Hail is one of the most destructive weather elements, capable of compromising a home’s roof in various ways. The severity of the damage depends on several factors, including hailstone size, wind speed, storm duration, and the age and condition of the roofing materials. While some hail damage may be immediately visible, other issues can remain hidden, worsening over time if left unaddressed.

How Different Roofing Materials Respond to Hail

• Asphalt Shingles: One of the most common roofing materials, asphalt shingles can suffer from cracking, bruising, and granule loss when struck by hail. Bruising weakens the integrity of the shingle, making it susceptible to leaks and UV damage. Granule loss exposes the asphalt layer underneath, accelerating wear and tear.
• Metal Roofs: Although metal roofs are generally durable, hail can cause denting and punctures, especially on thinner panels. Dents may not always be structural, but they can reduce the roof’s lifespan by weakening its resistance to future storms.
• Clay and Slate Tiles: These materials are highly susceptible to cracking, chipping, or complete breakage when struck by hail. A single fractured tile can lead to leaks that spread damage to the underlayment and interior of the home.
• Wood Shakes and Shingles: Wood roofing can splinter or crack under hail impact, creating gaps that allow moisture to penetrate. Additionally, weakened wood is more prone to rotting over time.
• Flat Roofs: Hail can create depressions or pooling areas on flat roofs, leading to standing water that accelerates roof deterioration and leaks.

Long-Term Consequences of Ignoring Hail Damage

Failing to address hail damage in a timely manner can lead to expensive repairs, insurance complications, and safety hazards. In fact, State Farm reported paying over $3.5 billion in hail claims in 2022, an increase of more than $1 billion from the previous year. 

This highlights the growing financial impact of hail damage on homeowners, making it essential to take action immediately after a storm. Here’s what homeowners should be aware of:

• Leaks and Water Damage: Even small cracks in shingles, tiles, or metal panels can allow water infiltration, leading to mold growth, wood rot, and compromised insulation. Water-damaged ceilings and walls often require extensive repairs that could have been avoided with prompt roof restoration.
• Structural Deterioration: A damaged roof can weaken over time, putting stress on the home’s framework. What begins as a few missing shingles can escalate into sagging rooflines, weakened support beams, and costly structural repairs.
• Energy Inefficiency: Gaps in roofing materials can reduce insulation efficiency, allowing air to escape. This forces HVAC systems to work harder, increasing energy bills and reducing indoor comfort.
• Decreased Property Value: A home with a compromised roof loses value and may deter potential buyers. A well-maintained roof, on the other hand, enhances curb appeal and resale potential.

Because hail damage is often progressive and not always immediately noticeable, homeowners should act quickly after a storm. The disaster recovery and home repair process should begin with a professional assessment to detect hidden damage and prevent costly repairs down the road. 

Working with home restoration services ensures that all damage—visible and hidden—is properly addressed, protecting the home’s longevity and structural integrity.

5 Essential Steps to Take After Hail Damages Your Roof

1. Inspect the Damage from the Ground

After a hailstorm, a thorough damage assessment is the first step toward effective repairs. Homeowners should start by inspecting their property from a safe vantage point. It’s important to look for the following warning signs:

• Missing, Cracked, or Dented Shingles: Shingles with visible damage indicate that hail has weakened the protective outer layer, potentially exposing the underlayment to water infiltration.
• Gutter and Siding Damage: Dents, cracks, or holes in gutters and siding suggest the storm was forceful enough to impact multiple areas of the home.
• Shingle Granules in Gutters: Granules protect shingles from UV rays and weather damage. Excess granules in gutters or downspouts indicate significant wear and may lead to premature roof deterioration.
• Soft Spots on Shingles: Sometimes, hail causes bruising rather than visible cracks. Lightly pressing on shingles may reveal soft areas that signal underlying damage.

Since hail damage is not always visible from the ground, it’s crucial to schedule an inspection with residential restoration experts. Professional inspectors have the necessary equipment and expertise to identify hidden structural damage that might go unnoticed by an untrained eye.

2. Document the Damage

Proper documentation of hail damage is essential when filing an insurance claim and planning for repairs. Homeowners should:

1. Capture clear photos and videos of the roof, gutters, siding, and other affected areas from multiple angles. Close-up shots help highlight dents, cracks, and missing materials.
2. Take wide shots of the entire property to establish the overall impact of the storm.
3. Measure and record hailstone size if possible, as larger hailstones are more likely to cause severe roof damage. Placing a common object, such as a coin or ruler, next to the hailstone can provide a size reference.
4. Inspect and document damage to surrounding areas. Skylights, chimneys, vents, outdoor AC units, fences, and decks may also show signs of hail impact.
5. Write down details of the storm, including the date, time, and duration of hail exposure. Weather reports from local news stations can serve as additional supporting evidence for insurance claims.

Accurate documentation can help expedite the disaster recovery and professional home restoration process by ensuring the insurance company receives a clear picture of the damage. 

3. Prevent Further Damage

Once hail damage is confirmed, taking immediate action to prevent further deterioration is critical. Even minor damage can escalate into major issues if left unattended. Homeowners should implement the following temporary measures:

• Use Tarps to Cover Exposed Areas: Secure large tarps over missing shingles or holes to prevent rain from entering the home. Waterproof covers should be anchored properly to withstand wind.
• Clear Gutters and Downspouts: Clogged gutters can lead to water buildup, causing leaks and structural strain on the roof. Removing debris ensures proper drainage and prevents excess moisture from seeping into the home.
• Check for Leaks in the Attic or Ceilings: Water stains, sagging drywall, or mold growth indicate roof penetration. Placing buckets under leaks and using temporary ceiling patches can help minimize interior damage.
• Remove Loose Debris: Large branches, broken shingles, and other storm-related debris should be carefully cleared to prevent additional roof stress or injury risks.

While these emergency measures help mitigate damage, they are not long-term solutions. Seeking assistance from home restoration services ensures that repairs are handled professionally, preventing further structural compromise. 

4. Contact a Home Restoration Service

After a hailstorm, hiring home restoration services is crucial for a thorough and lasting repair. A professional inspection ensures that all affected areas, including the roof, gutters, attic, and siding, receive the necessary attention.

• Comprehensive Inspections: Trained experts use advanced techniques such as infrared imaging and moisture meters to detect hidden damage beneath the roofing materials. This helps prevent long-term problems like leaks and insulation failure.
• Expertise in Material-Specific Repairs: Different roofing materials require different restoration techniques. Residential restoration experts understand how to handle asphalt shingles, metal roofs, clay tiles, and other materials to ensure repairs blend seamlessly with the existing structure.
• Fast And Efficient Repairs: A delayed response to hail damage can worsen the problem. Professional home restoration teams have the tools and experience to complete repairs quickly while maintaining high-quality standards.
• Prevention of Future Issues: Many home renovation and repair services include protective coatings and reinforcements that improve a roof’s durability against future storms.

Additionally, working with disaster recovery and home repair specialists eliminates the guesswork involved in choosing materials and repair methods. Their experience ensures that homeowners receive high-quality repairs that enhance both safety and longevity.

5. File an Insurance Claim

Navigating an insurance claim can be overwhelming, especially after a severe hailstorm. However, filing correctly and efficiently can help homeowners recover repair costs and minimize out-of-pocket expenses. 

The average cost to repair hail damage on a roof is approximately $4,250, with expenses ranging from $375 to $7,500 depending on the severity. This makes it crucial for homeowners to file a timely and well-documented insurance claim to avoid bearing the full financial burden of repairs.

• Initiate the Process Immediately: Most insurance companies have a limited timeframe for filing a hail damage claim. Contacting the insurer as soon as possible before the home renovation and repair ensures that the claim is processed without delays.
• Provide Detailed Documentation: Homeowners should submit clear photos, videos, and written descriptions of the damage. Including receipts for previous roof maintenance can help demonstrate that the damage resulted from the hailstorm rather than pre-existing issues.
• Schedule an Inspection with an Adjuster: Insurance companies typically send an adjuster to evaluate the damage. Homeowners should request a detailed report and compare it with their own documentation.
• Request a Second Opinion from Home Restoration Services: Insurance adjusters may overlook subtle damage, which can lead to underestimations in repair costs. Having an independent evaluation from residential restoration experts ensures all damage is accounted for.
• Review the Insurance Settlement Carefully: If the insurer’s initial offer does not cover the full extent of the repairs, homeowners have the right to dispute the claim. A professional contractor can provide estimates that support a higher payout if necessary.

Home restoration services often assist with the claims process by providing detailed repair estimates, documentation, and expert insights that strengthen a claim.