In Northwest Arkansas, a severe hail storm can pass through in minutes, but the damage it leaves behind can last for years if not addressed properly. As a homeowner, the aftermath of a storm can be overwhelming. Your first instinct might be to panic, but taking a calm, methodical approach is the best way to protect your home and ensure a smooth insurance claim process. As a roofer with over 15 years of experience in this area, I’ve helped countless homeowners navigate this exact situation. If you are wondering what to do after a hail storm, this guide will provide you with a clear, step-by-step checklist of what to do immediately following a hail storm.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize Safety First: Before you do anything else, check for immediate hazards like downed power lines, broken glass, or unstable tree limbs. Do not go on your roof yourself, especially when it could be wet and slippery.
- Document Everything: Thoroughly document all damage to your property. Take photos and videos of everything, including the hail itself (if possible), and any damage to your roof, siding, windows, and gutters.
- Look for Obvious Signs of Damage: From the ground, you can often spot initial signs of roof damage, such as dented gutters and downspouts, or damaged siding and window screens. These are strong indicators that your roof likely has damage as well.
- Contact Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance provider that your property has been affected by a hail storm as soon as possible. This will officially start the claims process.
- Call a Trusted Local Roofer: Contact a reputable, local roofing contractor like Richardson Roofing to perform a professional inspection. An expert can identify damage that is invisible from the ground and provide the documentation your insurer will need.
Your Post-Hailstorm Action Plan
The moments after a storm are critical. Following these steps in order will help you stay safe and set you up for a successful recovery process. As we explain in our related article on How to Spot Hail Damage on Your Roof from the Ground, knowing what to look for is half the battle.
Step 1: Ensure Your Family’s Safety
Your property can be repaired, but your family’s well-being is irreplaceable. Before inspecting any damage, walk around your property and look for immediate dangers. Stay far away from any downed power lines and report them to your utility company immediately. Check for broken windows or other immediate hazards to your home’s interior.
Step 2: Document the Damage (From the Ground)
This is one of the most important steps for your insurance claim. Grab your smartphone and start taking pictures and videos. Be as detailed as possible.
- The Hail: If you can do so safely, take a picture of the hailstones next to a common object like a coin or a golf ball to show their size.
- Your Roof: From the ground, take photos of your roof from multiple angles. You may not see the dents on the shingles, but these general photos are still important.
- Collateral Damage: This is often the most compelling evidence. Take close-up photos of dented gutters, downspouts, air conditioning units, window screens, and any chipped paint or siding. If these softer materials are damaged, it’s almost certain your roof is, too.
Step 3: Perform a Safe Ground-Level Inspection
You should never get on your roof after a storm. It’s a dangerous fall waiting to happen. However, you can and should look for clues from the ground.
- Walk the Perimeter: Walk around your entire home and look for any shingles that may have been blown off and are now in your yard.
- Check Your Gutters: Look for any obvious dents or dings in your gutters and downspouts.
- Inspect Other Structures: Check your mailbox, your shed, or any other structures on your property for signs of hail impact.
Step 4: Contact Your Insurance Company
Once you have your initial documentation, it’s time to call your insurance agent or the claims hotline for your provider. Let them know the date and time of the storm and that you have sustained hail damage. They will assign an adjuster to your case and explain the next steps in the process.
The Most Important Step: Call a Professional Roofer
While you can handle the initial documentation, you need a professional to assess the full extent of the damage. At Richardson Roofing, we offer a free, no-obligation Storm Damage Repair inspection. Here’s why this is so crucial:
- Expert Identification: We are trained to spot the subtle signs of hail damage that are often missed by an untrained eye. These “bruises” on your shingles can crack over time and lead to slow leaks months or even years down the road.
- Insurance Advocacy: We will meet with your insurance adjuster on-site to ensure that all damage is properly identified and included in their report. We speak their language and can advocate on your behalf to ensure you get a fair assessment.
- Preventing Scams: After a major storm, “storm chaser” roofing companies from out of town often flood the area. They may offer a low price but often perform shoddy work and will be gone when you need them for warranty issues. As a local company, we are committed to our community and stand by our work.
If your home has been hit by hail, don’t wait. Contact Richardson Roofing today for a free, comprehensive inspection. We’ll help you navigate the entire process, from documentation to repair or replacement, and restore your peace of mind. For more information on local roofing regulations, check out our article on Arkansas Roofing Laws.