What to Do After a Hail Storm Damages Your Roof
Colorado’s Front Range and mountain communities see some of the most frequent hailstorms in the country, and summer is peak season for it. If a storm just rolled through Woodland Park, Colorado Springs, or anywhere across our service area, here’s exactly what to do next in order.
1. Check for Immediate Safety Issues First
Before worrying about your roof, walk through your home and check for anything urgent: active leaks, damaged windows, or downed tree limbs near power lines. Address immediate safety concerns before anything else.
2. Document Everything You Can See From the Ground
Take photos and video of anything visible from ground level dented gutters, downspouts, siding, air conditioning units, and any debris on the ground. Hail damage to a roof itself is often difficult or unsafe to assess from the ground, but visible damage to other exterior elements is a useful early record.
Do not climb onto the roof yourself to inspect for damage. Hail-damaged roofing can be unstable, and roof inspection after a storm is best left to a professional with the right safety equipment.
3. Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection
Hail damage to shingles isn’t always obvious. Impact can bruise or crack a shingle without tearing it, which weakens its ability to protect your home even though it looks intact from a distance. A professional inspection identifies this kind of damage before it turns into a leak months down the road.
4. Understand What Insurance Adjusters Look For
If you’re filing an insurance claim, it helps to know that adjusters are typically looking for:
- Granule loss and bruising on shingles
- Cracked or dented flashing, vents, and gutters
- Soft spots where hail has compromised the shingle mat
- Damage consistent with the size and direction of hail reported in the storm
Having a roofing contractor’s documentation alongside the adjuster’s assessment can help ensure nothing gets missed.
5. Get a Written Estimate Before Signing Anything
After a significant hailstorm, it’s common for door-to-door contractors sometimes from out of state to canvas affected neighborhoods offering fast repairs. Take your time. Get a written, itemized estimate, ask questions about materials and warranty, and don’t feel pressured to sign a contract on the spot. A reputable local contractor will give you time to make an informed decision.
6. Keep All Documentation Together
Photos, the contractor’s inspection report, the insurance claim number, and any correspondence with your adjuster should all be kept in one place. This makes the claims process smoother and gives you a clear record if any questions come up later.
What Hail Damage Actually Looks Like
On asphalt shingles, hail damage often appears as:
- Random, non-uniform dark spots or bruises
- Soft, spongy spots when pressed gently
- Exposed mat or fiberglass where granules have been knocked loose
- Cracks radiating from a central impact point
Because this kind of damage doesn’t always cause an immediate leak, roofs are sometimes left unaddressed for months after a storm, only for problems to show up later during a snowmelt or heavy rain.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon after a hailstorm should I get my roof inspected?
As soon as reasonably possible. Most insurance policies have a window for filing storm damage claims, and early documentation helps support your claim.
Will a small hail dent actually cause a leak?
Not always immediately, but bruised or cracked shingles are weaker and more likely to fail over time, especially with continued sun and weather exposure. That’s why even minor-looking hail damage is worth having assessed.
Do I have to use the contractor my insurance company recommends?
No. Homeowners have the right to choose their own licensed, insured roofing contractor for storm damage repair or replacement.
What if I’m not sure whether the damage is severe enough to file a claim?
A professional inspection can help you make that call. We provide honest assessments and won’t push you toward a claim or a replacement you don’t actually need.
Get a Free Storm Damage Inspection
If a recent hailstorm has you wondering about the condition of your roof, we’re happy to take a look. Call 719-210-9235 or request a free estimate online. Cory & the Rawson Roofing Team
