Hail storms are a common occurrence in Northeast Ohio, especially during spring and summer months. While some hail damage is immediately obvious, much of it is subtle and can go unnoticed for months or even years. As Northeast Ohio's leading hail damage restoration experts, we've inspected thousands of roofs and know exactly what to look for. This comprehensive guide will help you identify hail damage on your roof and understand the critical steps to take afterward.
Safety Warning
Never attempt to inspect your roof by climbing on it, especially after a storm. Hail damage can weaken roofing materials, making them unsafe to walk on. Always use binoculars from the ground or hire professionals for roof inspections.
Understanding Hail Damage: Size Matters
Not all hail causes the same type or severity of damage. Understanding hail sizes and their potential impact helps you assess the likelihood of damage to your roof.
Small Hail (Pea to Marble Size)
- • Diameter: 0.25" to 0.75"
- • May cause minor granule loss
- • Damage often not immediately visible
- • Can accumulate over multiple storms
Medium Hail (Nickel to Quarter Size)
- • Diameter: 0.88" to 1"
- • Noticeable granule loss and bruising
- • May crack or dent shingles
- • Damage to gutters and siding
Large Hail (Golf Ball to Tennis Ball)
- • Diameter: 1.75" to 2.5"
- • Significant shingle damage and cracking
- • Exposed mat or decking
- • Immediate roof replacement often needed
Severe Hail (Baseball Size or Larger)
- • Diameter: 2.75" or larger
- • Catastrophic damage to all roofing materials
- • Structural damage possible
- • Emergency tarping required
Visual Signs of Hail Damage on Different Roofing Materials
Asphalt Shingles (Most Common in Northeast Ohio)
Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material in Northeast Ohio, and they show hail damage in several distinct ways:
- Granule Loss: Look for dark spots where protective granules have been knocked off, exposing the underlying asphalt mat. This is often the first sign of hail damage.
- Shiny Spots: Areas where hail has hit and compressed the shingle surface, creating a shiny or glossy appearance different from the surrounding area.
- Soft Spots: Areas that feel spongy or soft when pressed (only check this if you're a professional on the roof safely).
- Exposed Mat: Black areas where the asphalt mat is visible through damaged granules - this requires immediate attention.
- Cracked or Split Shingles: Visible cracks or splits in the shingle material, often in a random pattern consistent with hail impact.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofs are generally more hail-resistant but can still sustain damage from larger hail:
- Dents and Dings: Visible depressions in the metal surface
- Paint Damage: Chipped or scratched paint exposing bare metal
- Loose Fasteners: Screws or clips that have been loosened by impact
Tile and Slate Roofing
Clay tiles and slate are brittle materials that show obvious damage from hail:
- Cracked Tiles: Visible cracks or fractures in individual tiles
- Missing Pieces: Broken tile fragments in gutters or on the ground
- Chipped Edges: Damaged edges where hail has struck
Secondary Signs of Hail Damage
Sometimes the most obvious signs of hail damage aren't on the roof itself. Look for these secondary indicators:
Gutters and Downspouts
- • Dents in metal gutters
- • Granules collected in gutters
- • Damaged gutter guards or screens
- • Loose or damaged downspouts
Siding and Windows
- • Dents in vinyl or aluminum siding
- • Cracked or chipped window frames
- • Damaged window screens
- • Marks on exterior walls
Outdoor Equipment
- • Dented air conditioning units
- • Damaged patio furniture
- • Marks on vehicles
- • Damaged landscaping
Interior Signs
- • Water stains on ceilings
- • Leaks during rain
- • Increased energy bills
- • Musty odors indicating moisture
When to Call Professional Hail Damage Inspectors
While you can spot some obvious signs of hail damage from the ground, a professional inspection is crucial for several reasons:
Why Professional Inspection Matters
- Hidden Damage: Professionals can identify damage that's not visible from the ground
- Insurance Documentation: Proper documentation is crucial for successful insurance claims
- Safety: Avoid the risks of climbing on potentially damaged roofing
- Comprehensive Assessment: Evaluation of all roofing components, not just shingles
Call for Inspection If You Notice:
- Any of the visual signs mentioned above
- Hail larger than 1 inch reported in your area
- Neighbors getting roof work done after storms
- Your roof is over 10 years old and you've had recent hail
- Any interior water damage or leaks
What to Do After Discovering Hail Damage
If you suspect hail damage to your roof, taking the right steps immediately can make the difference between a successful insurance claim and a denied one.
Document Everything
Take photos and videos of any visible damage from multiple angles. Include wide shots and close-ups. Don't forget to document secondary damage to gutters, siding, and outdoor equipment.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Report the potential damage to your insurance company as soon as possible. Get a claim number and ask about the next steps in the process.
Schedule Professional Inspection
Have a qualified roofing contractor inspect your roof before the insurance adjuster arrives. This ensures all damage is identified and properly documented.
Prevent Further Damage
If there are any leaks or exposed areas, take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage. This might include emergency tarping or temporary repairs.
Keep Detailed Records
Maintain a file with all photos, correspondence with your insurance company, estimates, and receipts for any emergency repairs.
Northeast Ohio Hail Damage Statistics
Understanding local hail patterns can help Northeast Ohio homeowners stay prepared:
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common mistakes that can hurt your insurance claim or lead to further damage:
- Waiting too long: Don't delay inspection and claim filing - evidence can disappear over time
- Climbing on the roof: Never attempt to inspect damage yourself - it's dangerous and unnecessary
- Accepting the first estimate: Get multiple professional opinions before proceeding
- Ignoring secondary damage: Document all damage, not just what's on the roof
- Poor documentation: Take comprehensive photos and videos from multiple angles
Why Choose YICN for Hail Damage Assessment
Your Insurance Claims Network has been Northeast Ohio's trusted hail damage experts for over a decade. Our specialized knowledge of local weather patterns, insurance requirements, and roofing systems makes us the ideal choice for hail damage assessment.
Our Expertise
- • Over 10,000 hail damage inspections completed
- • Certified storm damage specialists
- • Advanced drone inspection technology
- • Detailed damage documentation for insurance
Your Benefits
- • Free comprehensive inspections
- • No obligation assessments
- • Insurance claim assistance
- • 24/7 emergency response
Free Hail Damage Inspection
Don't let hail damage go undetected. Our certified inspectors will thoroughly assess your roof and provide a detailed report at no cost to you. We'll help you understand exactly what damage exists and guide you through the insurance claim process.
Conclusion
Identifying hail damage early is crucial for protecting your home and maximizing your insurance coverage. While some signs are obvious, many require the trained eye of a professional to detect. Don't wait until small problems become big ones - if you suspect hail damage, get a professional inspection as soon as possible.
Remember, hail damage doesn't always show up immediately and can worsen over time. What starts as minor granule loss can lead to leaks, water damage, and costly repairs if left untreated. The sooner you identify and address hail damage, the better protected your home will be.
About the Author: Kevin Stone is the CEO of Your Insurance Claims Network and a certified storm damage specialist with over 15 years of experience in Northeast Ohio. He has personally inspected over 10,000 roofs for hail damage and helped homeowners recover millions in insurance settlements.