Luxesur National Guide

Storm Damage

Hail Damage Guide: What to Check After a Hailstorm

Hail can damage roofing materials, siding, gutters, windows, skylights, vehicles, exterior equipment, and landscaping within minutes. Some damage is obvious, while roof bruising, fractured materials, and small openings may be difficult to see from the ground. This guide explains how to inspect safely, document damage, prevent additional loss, and begin repairs.

Safety-first steps Practical documentation National resource
Roof and exterior property damage caused by a severe hailstorm

First actions

Prioritize safety before inspection or cleanup

  1. Stay away from downed power lines, unstable trees, and structurally damaged areas.
  2. Do not climb onto a wet, punctured, steep, or displaced roof.
  3. Document the damage from a safe location before permanent repairs begin.
  4. Use reasonable temporary protection to limit further rain or water entry when safe.
  5. Call 911 for fire, a suspected gas leak, an electrical hazard, or an immediate threat to life.

Post-Storm Help

Need help after storm damage?

Review the next steps and find available resources to protect the property, limit secondary damage, and begin recovery.

Call Now: (781) 882-6543

How Hail Damages Property

Hail can crack, bruise, dent, puncture, or displace roofing and exterior materials. Damage depends on hail size, wind, material, age, condition, and impact angle.

Immediate Safety

  • Wait until hail, lightning, and wind end.
  • Avoid broken windows and skylights.
  • Stay away from power lines.
  • Watch for glass, sharp metal, and slippery surfaces.
  • Do not climb onto a wet roof.

Signs of Damage

  • Granule loss, bruising, cracks, or exposed shingle matting.
  • Dents in metal roofing, gutters, vents, and downspouts.
  • Cracked tile or slate.
  • Dented or punctured siding.
  • Broken windows and skylights.
  • Damaged HVAC fins and exterior equipment.

First 24 Hours

  1. Confirm safe conditions.
  2. Photograph hailstones and damage.
  3. Check for interior leaks.
  4. Report significant damage.
  5. Protect broken openings.
  6. Save receipts and records.

Roof Leaks

Stay away from sagging ceilings and wet electrical fixtures. Do not climb onto the roof during unsafe conditions.

See the Emergency Roof Damage Guide.

Insurance and Documentation

Photograph all elevations, hailstones, dents, cracks, glass, vehicles, and interior leaks. Save weather reports, inspection records, estimates, invoices, and receipts.

Review the Storm Damage Insurance Claims Guide.

Related Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Can damage exist without a leak?

Yes. Roofing materials may be weakened without an immediate leak.

Should I inspect the roof myself?

Inspect from the ground and use a qualified professional when roof access is required.

Should I photograph hailstones?

Yes, when safe, with an object showing scale.

Act Safely

Do not wait while the property remains exposed.

Roof openings, active water, unstable trees, and electrical hazards can worsen quickly. Prioritize safety and temporary protection.

Call Now: (781) 882-6543

Storm Damage

Related Guides

Guide Storm Damage Guide: What to Do After Severe Weather Learn what to do after storm damage, including immediate safety steps, emergency property protection, damage documentation, insurance preparation, and professional restoration guidance. Read guide → Guide Hurricane Damage Guide: What to Do After a Hurricane Learn what to do after hurricane damage, including safety checks, roof and water damage protection, insurance documentation, cleanup, and professional recovery steps. Read guide → Guide Tropical Storm Damage Guide: What to Do After the Storm Learn what to do after tropical storm damage, including flood safety, roof leaks, wind damage, documentation, drying, insurance, and emergency recovery. Read guide → Guide Tornado Damage Guide: What to Do After a Tornado Learn what to do after tornado damage, including structural safety, roof protection, debris hazards, documentation, insurance, cleanup, and property recovery. Read guide → Guide Emergency Roof Damage Guide: What to Do When Your Roof Is Damaged Learn what to do after emergency roof damage, including leak safety, temporary roof protection, tarping precautions, documentation, insurance steps, and professional repairs. Read guide → Guide Storm Damage Insurance Claims Guide: How to Document and Manage a Claim Learn how to document storm damage, report an insurance claim, handle temporary repairs, prepare for the adjuster, understand deductibles, and avoid common claim mistakes. Read guide →
Important notice:

Luxesur is an informational website and may connect visitors with independent third-party providers. We are not a restoration contractor, roofing contractor, engineering firm, insurance adjuster, or emergency service. Availability varies by location. Call 911 for an immediate danger.

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