Signs of Hail Damage After an Ohio Storm

Hail storms roll through the Dayton, Cincinnati and Columbus areas every year, and Northern Kentucky gets its share too. The tricky part is that hail damage often isn’t obvious from the ground. A roof can look fine from the driveway and still have damage that leads to leaks months later. Here’s what to look for after a storm, and when it’s time to call a pro.

Start on the ground (stay off the roof)

Climbing on a roof after a storm is dangerous, especially when it’s wet. You can learn a lot without a ladder:

Gutters and downspouts: small dents or dings in metal gutters are a good sign hail was big enough to hit your shingles too.
Granules in the gutters: a pile of sandy, gravel-like bits at the bottom of your downspouts means hail may have knocked the protective granules off your shingles.
Siding and window trim: look for cracks, chips or holes in vinyl siding, and dents in aluminum trim or window wraps.
Outdoor items: dents on your A/C unit, mailbox, grill or car are clues to how hard the hail hit.
Deck and fence: fresh splatter marks or chipped paint show the size and direction of the hail.

What hail damage looks like on shingles

Dark spots where granules have been knocked off, often in a random pattern
Bruises that feel soft, like the spot on an apple
Cracked, split or broken shingles
Exposed fiberglass mat under the granules
Dents in metal vents, flashing or roof caps

Wind often comes with hail, so also look for shingles that are lifted, creased or missing entirely.

Check inside, too

Take a quick look at your ceilings and the attic, if you can get to it safely. Water stains, damp insulation or daylight coming through the roof boards all mean water may be getting in.

Why you shouldn’t wait

Damaged shingles don’t always leak right away. Once the granules are gone, the sun and Ohio’s freeze-thaw winters wear them down faster. A small problem this fall can turn into a leak, rotted decking or mold by spring. Many homeowner insurance policies also have time limits for reporting storm damage, so it’s smart to get it looked at soon after the storm.

What to do next

Take photos of anything you notice, plus the date of the storm.
Get a free roof inspection. A trained roofer can spot damage you can’t see from the ground and tell you honestly whether it’s worth filing a claim.
Cover any active leaks with a tarp or bucket to limit damage inside.
Call your insurance company if the inspection finds storm damage. We can help walk you through the claim process.