After a noisy hailstorm passes through Northwest Arkansas, it’s natural to wonder if your roof has been damaged. While the only way to know for sure is to get a professional inspection, you can often find compelling evidence of damage without ever leaving the safety of the ground. As a roofer who has inspected thousands of homes in this area, I can tell you that the clues are usually right in plain sight—if you know what to look for. This guide will teach you how to become a bit of a detective, and spot hail damage on a roof from a safe vantage point.
Key Takeaways
- Check for “Collateral” Damage First: The easiest way to confirm a damaging hailstorm occurred is to inspect the softer metals and surfaces around your home. If your gutters, downspouts, or air conditioning fins are dented, your roof is almost certainly damaged too.
- Look for Dents and Dings: Inspect metal components like roof vents, flashing, and chimney caps. Hail will leave obvious dents on these surfaces, providing clear evidence for an insurance claim.
- Examine Shingles from Multiple Angles: While it’s difficult to see shingle damage from the ground, you can sometimes spot it by looking for areas where the shingle granules have been knocked off, exposing the dark asphalt layer underneath. This may look like dark, circular, or bruised spots.
- Scan Your Yard and Landscaping: Look for fallen leaves and branches, damaged flowers, or even shingles that have been blown off your roof. This helps paint a picture of the storm’s intensity.
- A Professional Inspection is Non-Negotiable: While a ground-level inspection provides clues, it doesn’t tell the whole story. Only a trained professional can safely get on your roof to assess the full extent of the damage and determine if a claim is warranted.
The Ground-Level Inspection: Your Evidence Checklist
Before you even think about calling your insurance company, a thorough walk-around of your property can provide you with the proof you need. As we discussed in our previous article, What Should I Do After a Hail Storm Hits My House?, documentation is key. Here’s what to look for.
1. The Soft Metals Tell the Story
This is the most important part of your ground-level inspection. Asphalt shingles are designed to be tough, but the soft aluminum on your gutters, downspouts, and AC unit is not.
- Gutters and Downspouts: Look closely at your gutters. Are there small, random dents and dings? Check the downspouts as well. Hail impacts will be very obvious on these surfaces.
- Air Conditioning Unit: The thin metal fins on the top and sides of your outdoor AC unit are extremely susceptible to hail. If they look like they’ve been beaten up, that’s a clear sign of significant hail.
- Window Screens and Siding: Check your window screens for tears or holes. Inspect vinyl or metal siding for any cracks or chips.
If you find damage in these areas, you have a very strong case that your roof has also been impacted. Be sure to take clear photos of this “collateral damage.”
2. Inspecting the Roof Itself (From a Safe Distance)
Again, do not get on your roof. But you can use a pair of binoculars or the zoom on your phone’s camera to look for a few key indicators.
- Dented Vents and Flashing: Look at any metal vents, exhaust caps, or the flashing around your chimney. Just like your gutters, these will show dents very clearly.
- Bruised or Dark Spots on Shingles: This is harder to see, but sometimes you can spot areas where the hail has knocked the protective granules off the shingles. This will look like a dark, circular spot where the underlying asphalt is exposed. This is the “bruise” that leads to future leaks.
- Missing or Cracked Shingles: While more common with wind damage, large hailstones can sometimes crack or break shingles, especially if they are older and more brittle. Scan the roof for any shingles that look out of place or are obviously broken.
3. Don’t Forget the Rest of Your Property
The overall condition of your yard can also provide clues about the severity of the storm.
- Fallen Leaves and Branches: A significant amount of debris on the ground indicates a powerful storm with high winds and impactful hail.
- Damaged Landscaping: Check your flowers, plants, and any garden decorations for signs of impact.
Why a Professional Inspection is Crucial
Your ground-level inspection is for one purpose: to determine if you have enough evidence to call a professional. It is not a substitute for a professional inspection. At Richardson Roofing we provide a completely free, no-obligation Free Damage Inspection. Here’s what we do that you can’t:
- Safe Roof Access: We have the training and safety equipment to get on your roof and inspect every square inch up close.
- Expert Damage Identification: We can identify the subtle signs of hail damage that are invisible from the ground. We know the difference between a manufacturing defect and a hail impact, which is critical for your insurance claim.
- Comprehensive Documentation: We will take detailed photos of all the damage we find, creating a complete report that you can submit to your insurance company. We will also be happy to meet with your adjuster to point out our findings.
If you’ve completed your ground-level inspection and have found any of the signs mentioned above, your next call should be to a trusted local roofer. Contact Richardson Roofing today to schedule your free inspection. We’ll give you an honest assessment of your roof’s condition and help you understand the next steps. For more information on local roofing regulations, check out our article on Arkansas Roofing Laws.