What to Do After Hail Damage to Your Roof

After hail hits your roof, the safest next step is to check for visible damage from the ground, document what you can, and schedule a professional roof inspection. Hail damage does not always cause an immediate leak, but it can bruise shingles, loosen granules, dent vents or flashing, and shorten the life of the roof.

All Star Roofing helps homeowners in Orem, Provo, Salt Lake City, Utah County, and Northern Utah after hailstorms with roof inspections, photo documentation, repair or replacement guidance, and insurance claim support when applicable.

Schedule a free hail damage inspection or call (801) 381-0727.

Quick Answer: What Should You Do First After Hail?

First, make sure everyone is safe and avoid climbing onto the roof. Look for visible damage from the ground, check inside for leaks or ceiling stains, take photos of anything you can see safely, and schedule a roof inspection. If water is actively entering the home, call for help right away.

A professional inspection can determine whether the roof appears undamaged, needs a targeted repair, requires replacement planning, or should be documented for a possible insurance claim.

Step 1: Stay Off the Roof

Do not climb onto the roof after a hailstorm. Roofing surfaces can be slick, damaged, unstable, or covered with loose granules, rain, snow, or ice. Damage can also be hard to identify without roofing experience.

Use the ground, windows, or other safe viewing points to check for obvious issues. If there is electrical danger, structural movement, heavy interior water intrusion, or another safety risk, contact the appropriate emergency service before addressing the roof.

Step 2: Check for Visible Damage From the Ground

Hail damage can show up on more than shingles. Look around the home for clues that the storm may have affected the roof system.

  • Dented gutters or downspouts
  • Dented roof vents, flashing, or metal roof components
  • Granules collecting near downspouts or in gutters
  • Shingles that look cracked, bruised, marked, or uneven
  • Loose shingles or roofing debris in the yard
  • Damage to siding, window screens, fascia, or outdoor fixtures
  • Broken branches or debris impact near the roof

Step 3: Check Inside for Leaks or Water Stains

Look at ceilings, walls, attic areas, and light fixtures for signs of new water intrusion. A leak may appear during the storm, after the next rain, or during snowmelt if the hail damage exposed a vulnerable part of the roofing system.

If water is actively dripping, move furniture, electronics, and valuables away from the area if it is safe to do so. Place a bucket or container under the drip and call All Star Roofing for guidance. For urgent water intrusion, visit our emergency roof repair page.

Step 4: Take Photos and Keep Notes

Documentation is helpful after hail, especially if insurance may be involved. Take photos from safe locations only.

Helpful records may include:

  • Photos of dented gutters, vents, flashing, or siding
  • Photos of granules, roofing debris, or damaged shingles visible from the ground
  • Photos of ceiling stains or interior leaks
  • The date and approximate time of the hailstorm
  • Notes about hail size, wind, and visible property damage
  • Any communication with your insurance carrier

Step 5: Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection

A hail-damaged roof may look normal from the ground. Hail can bruise shingles, loosen protective granules, crack materials, or damage vents and flashing before water shows up inside the home.

All Star Roofing provides free hail damage roof inspections. We review visible roof conditions, document concerns with photos when damage is present, and explain whether repair, replacement, or monitoring should be considered.

Learn more about hail damage roofing.

Step 6: Decide Whether to File an Insurance Claim

After the inspection, you can decide whether to contact your insurance carrier. Your insurance agent or carrier can answer policy-specific questions about deductibles, coverage, exclusions, depreciation, timelines, and claim requirements.

All Star Roofing can explain the roofing side of the issue and provide documentation of visible damage, but we do not approve claims, determine coverage, or promise that insurance will pay. Coverage decisions are made by your insurance carrier.

For step-by-step guidance, visit our roof insurance claim process page.

Step 7: Compare Repair vs. Replacement

Hail damage does not always mean a full roof replacement is needed. A focused roof repair may be enough when damage is isolated and the rest of the roof is still in good condition.

A full roof replacement may be considered when hail damage is widespread, the roof is already aging, shingles are brittle, granule loss is heavy, or damage affects multiple roof slopes.

What Hail Damage Can Look Like

Hail damage can vary depending on hail size, wind direction, roof age, shingle type, slope, and storm intensity. Common signs include:

  • Dark impact marks or bruised shingles
  • Granule loss exposing the asphalt layer
  • Cracked or softened shingle areas
  • Dented vents, flashing, gutters, or metal components
  • Damage that appears worse on certain roof slopes
  • Leaks that appear after the storm or during later weather

Some signs are difficult to confirm without a close inspection, which is why professional documentation matters.

What Not to Do After Hail Damage

  • Do not climb onto the roof yourself
  • Do not ignore the roof because there is no immediate leak
  • Do not throw away photos, notes, or claim-related records
  • Do not assume all hail damage is automatically covered by insurance
  • Do not work with anyone who promises guaranteed claim approval
  • Do not authorize major work without understanding the scope

Why Hail Damage Matters in Utah

Utah roofs already deal with snow, ice, wind, freeze/thaw cycles, and strong summer sun. Hail damage can weaken shingles and roof components, making the roof more vulnerable to future leaks and weather-related wear.

Even if the roof is not leaking today, an inspection can help you understand whether the storm caused damage that should be repaired, documented, or monitored.

How All Star Roofing Helps After Hail

Free Hail Damage Inspection

We inspect visible roof conditions and common hail damage areas, including shingles, vents, flashing, gutters, roof edges, valleys, and penetrations.

Photo Documentation

If damage is visible, we can provide photos and notes so you understand what was found and have records for next steps.

Repair or Replacement Guidance

We explain whether the damage appears isolated, widespread, urgent, or tied to broader roof age or condition concerns.

Insurance Claim Support

If you choose to file a claim, we can help you understand the roofing side of the process and meet with your adjuster when applicable.

Why Choose All Star Roofing?

All Star Roofing is a family-owned roofing company based in Orem, Utah. We bring 30+ years of roofing experience to hail damage inspections, storm repair, roof replacement, and insurance claim support across Northern Utah.

  • 30+ years of roofing experience
  • 145+ Google reviews with a 4.9 rating
  • Licensed and insured in Utah
  • 30-year warranty
  • Free hail damage roof inspections
  • Photo documentation and adjuster meeting support when applicable
  • Local service across Utah County and Northern Utah

Serving Homeowners Across Northern Utah

All Star Roofing helps homeowners after hail damage throughout Orem, Provo, Salt Lake City, Utah County, and surrounding Northern Utah communities. Visit our roofing service areas page to see more locations we serve.

Schedule a Free Hail Damage Roof Inspection

If hail recently hit your home, do not wait for a leak to find out whether the roof was damaged. Start with a free inspection and get clear answers about repair, replacement, documentation, and next steps.

Call All Star Roofing at (801) 381-0727 or schedule a free hail damage inspection.

After Hail Damage FAQs

Should I inspect my roof after a hailstorm?

Yes. Hail damage may affect shingles, vents, flashing, and gutters before a leak appears inside the home. A professional inspection can help identify visible damage safely.

What should I do first after hail hits my roof?

Stay off the roof, check safely from the ground, look inside for leaks or ceiling stains, take photos of visible damage, and schedule a professional roof inspection.

Can hail damage a roof without causing a leak?

Yes. Hail can bruise shingles, loosen granules, and damage roof components before water appears inside the home.

Should I file an insurance claim after hail damage?

That depends on the visible damage, your policy, deductible, and your insurance carrier’s requirements. A roof inspection can help you understand the roofing condition before you decide.

Can All Star Roofing help with insurance documentation?

Yes. We can inspect visible damage, provide photos, explain roofing concerns, and meet with your adjuster when applicable. Coverage decisions are made by your insurance carrier.

Does hail damage always require roof replacement?

No. Some hail damage can be repaired if it is isolated. Replacement may be considered when damage is widespread or the roof already has age-related wear.