What Roof Inspectors Look For After Hail

A qualified inspector doesn't just glance at your roof and declare "hail damage." They follow a systematic assessment that examines every component and documents findings for your insurance claim. Here's the full checklist so you know what a thorough inspection should cover.

Before Going on the Roof

The inspector starts at ground level, checking collateral damage that confirms hail occurred at the property. Dented gutters and downspouts establish hail presence. Damaged window screens, siding marks, and equipment dents confirm stone size and intensity. The inspector notes the storm direction based on which side of the property shows the most collateral damage.

On the Roof: Shingle Assessment

The inspector walks the roof surface examining shingles on every slope. They look for granule displacement — dark spots where ceramic granules have been knocked off by hail impacts, exposing the asphalt mat. They test for mat bruising by pressing on impact points with a thumb — bruised areas feel soft or give way while undamaged areas feel firm. They check for cracking — visible splits through the granule layer and into the mat. They look for missing material — chunks of shingle knocked away by large impacts.

The inspector notes the pattern: legitimate hail damage appears as random impacts across multiple slopes, not concentrated in one area or aligned in rows. They estimate the number of impacts per "test square" (a 10x10 foot area) on each slope. Insurance thresholds typically require a minimum number of impacts per square to warrant replacement.

Flashing Points

Every flashing location gets checked — chimney, walls, pipes, vents. Hail can dent, displace, or crack flashing, creating water entry points that aren't obvious from a distance. The inspector checks that flashing is still properly sealed and positioned.

Penetrations

Pipe boots, vent caps, and skylight flashing are vulnerable to hail impact. A cracked pipe boot collar creates a direct path for water. A dented vent cap may still function but could be insurance-claimable.

Ridge and Hip Caps

Cap shingles along the ridge and hips are checked for the same damage types as field shingles — granule loss, bruising, and cracking. Caps are often more exposed and sustain proportionally more damage.

Valleys

Valley areas where two slopes meet collect extra water flow. Hail damage to valley flashing or valley shingles is especially concerning because any failure here produces leaks faster than damage elsewhere.

Gutters From the Roof

The inspector verifies gutter damage from above — confirming that dents visible from the ground are consistent with hail rather than mechanical damage (ladder marks, etc.).

The Written Report

After the inspection, you should receive a report documenting the number and type of impacts found on each roof plane, the overall damage assessment (minor, moderate, severe), whether the damage is functional (affecting waterproofing) or cosmetic, a recommendation for repair, partial replacement, or full replacement, and supporting photographs.

This report is your primary evidence for the insurance claim. A thorough report makes the adjuster's job easier and leads to faster, more complete claim approval.

Get a free inspection or call (260) 255-4551.