Minnesota hailstorms are a fact of life in the Twin Cities. Every year, storms that develop over the Great Plains track northeast through the metro area, dropping hail that can range from the size of a pea to the size of a golf ball or larger. The damage a single storm can cause to a roof, gutters, siding, and windows adds up quickly, and much of it is not visible from the ground.
Knowing what to do in the hours and days after a hailstorm can protect your home, preserve your insurance claim, and prevent small damage from becoming a major structural problem.
Why Hail Damage Is Difficult to Spot
Hail impact creates granule loss on asphalt shingles. Those granules protect the underlying asphalt layer from UV exposure and weathering. When granules are knocked loose, the shingle begins degrading much faster than normal, even though the shingle looks largely intact from the ground. Over months and years, this accelerated degradation leads to cracking, curling, and ultimately leaks.
This is why a professional roof inspection after any significant hailstorm is important, even if your roof appears undamaged from the street.
Signs of Hail Damage on Your Roof and Exterior
Roof Indicators
-
- Dents or bruising on shingles, which may feel soft to the touch
-
- Random patterns of granule loss visible in gutters or on the ground
-
- Dents on metal flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights
-
- Cracked or broken shingles
Exterior Indicators
-
- Dents on aluminum gutters and downspouts
-
- Dings or cracks in siding, particularly vinyl or aluminum
-
- Cracked or broken window screens
-
- Damage to AC condenser fins
Damage to gutters and siding is often a reliable indicator that your roof took hits as well, even when roof damage is not immediately apparent.
What to Do Immediately After a Hailstorm
Document Damage From the Ground
Do not climb onto your roof immediately after a storm. Wet shingles are slippery and potentially compromised. Walk the perimeter of your home with a camera and document visible damage to gutters, siding, windows, and any accessible exterior components. Note the date and approximate time of the storm.
Check Your Attic
If hail has cracked or punctured roofing material, you may see light coming through or find wet insulation after heavy rain. Check your attic space as soon as it is safe to do so.
Call a Qualified Roofing Contractor for an Inspection
A professional inspection from a GAF-certified roofing contractor is the only reliable way to assess the full extent of hail damage. Restoration Network provides free roof inspections for Twin Cities homeowners following storm events. Our team documents all damage with photographs and written reports that support your insurance claim.
Working With Your Insurance Company After Hail Damage
Most homeowner’s policies cover hail damage to roofing and exterior components, subject to your deductible. There are time limits on how long after a storm you can file a claim, and most policies require you to mitigate further damage promptly. This means that if your roof is leaking, you need to have it tarped or temporarily repaired while the claim is processed.
Restoration Network assists our customers through every stage of the insurance process. We work alongside your adjuster, provide comprehensive damage documentation, and make sure your claim reflects the full scope of the damage.
The Difference Between Repair and Replacement
Not every hail-damaged roof needs to be replaced. Restoration Network evaluates each roof individually to determine whether repair or replacement makes more sense for your specific situation. Factors include the age of the roof, the extent of granule loss, the number of shingles affected, and the presence of pre-existing wear.
As a GAF-certified company, we can offer a range of warranty options on replacement roofing systems, including lifetime warranties on qualifying installations.
Preventing Additional Damage After a Storm
If your roof sustained damage during a storm, do not wait for your adjuster to visit before taking protective action. Restoration Network provides emergency tarping services to prevent rain from entering your home while the insurance process moves forward. Failing to protect a storm-damaged roof can result in interior water damage that your insurer may consider a preventable secondary loss.
If a hailstorm has hit your Twin Cities home, call Restoration Network at 612-564-0202 for a free roof inspection. We are available 24/7 and ready to protect your property and guide you through the insurance process from inspection to final restoration.
