3. Step-by-Step: How to Perform a Hail Damage Roof Inspection

You can do a safe, basic inspection yourself — just stay on the ground or use binoculars.
Leave climbing to professionals, especially if the roof is wet or steep.

Here’s a simple checklist:

Step 1: Start on the Ground

• Check your gutters, downspouts, and siding for dents or paint chips.

• Look for granules on the ground or in the gutters — that’s a sure sign shingles were hit.

• Inspect outdoor furniture or vehicles for dents (helps prove the size and direction of hail impact).

Step 2: Inspect the Roof Perimeter

Walk around your home and look up at eaves, flashing, and vents.
If you see small dark marks or shiny metal exposed, that’s where hail struck hardest.

Step 3: Look at the Attic

Inside the attic, use a flashlight to find any damp insulation, water stains, or light peeking through small cracks.
Hail damage sometimes leads to micro-leaks that take weeks to appear indoors.

Step 4: Document Everything

Take wide and close-up photos from multiple angles.
If you plan to file an insurance claim later, this documentation is gold.

And when in doubt, schedule a professional inspection with All Roofing Advantages — they use advanced tools to confirm whether the damage is cosmetic or structural.

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4. Professional Tools Used in 2025 Roof Inspections

Roofing technology has come a long way.
In 2025, professionals use a mix of traditional and high-tech methods to detect hail impact accurately.

• Drones capture 4K aerial images for complete roof coverage.

• Infrared scanners detect heat loss and moisture beneath shingles.

• Moisture meters identify soaked decking or insulation.

• Impact testing tools measure how deep hail dents have penetrated.

This technology removes guesswork and ensures that your inspection results are reliable — something insurance adjusters respect.

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5. How Hail Size Affects Damage

You’d be surprised how much difference a few millimeters make.

If the hail was larger than a quarter, schedule a professional inspection no matter what your roof looks like from the ground.

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6. How to Tell If You Need Repairs or Replacement

Not all hail damage requires a full replacement.
But some does — and waiting too long can make things worse.

Here’s a quick rule of thumb:

• Minor damage: A few surface bruises or dents — repairable.

• Moderate damage: Missing granules, multiple bruises — partial replacement.

• Severe damage: Leaks, cracked decking, or visible holes — full replacement needed.

Your roofer will evaluate the extent of structural harm and help you decide what’s cost-effective long-term.

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7. Filing a Roof Insurance Claim for Hail Damage

If your hail damage roof inspection confirms impact, you’ll want to contact your insurer right away.

Here’s what to do:

1. Notify your insurance company within a few days of the storm.

2. Submit your photos and inspection report.

3. Schedule the adjuster inspection.

4. Have your roofer present to ensure nothing is missed.

5. Keep copies of all communication and receipts.

If your claim is approved, insurance typically pays for replacement minus your deductible.
If denied, don’t panic — you can request a reinspection with supporting evidence.

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8. Why You Should Always Have a Roofer at the Adjuster Visit

Insurance adjusters aren’t roofing specialists — they’re there to minimize payouts.
When you have a roofer like All Roofing Advantages present, they can:

• Point out subtle hail impacts that adjusters might overlook.

• Provide technical proof with moisture and drone data.

• Explain why “minor” damage may need repair now to avoid future leaks.

Homeowners who have professional representation typically receive 30–40% higher claim settlements than those who don’t.

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9. Repair vs. Replacement: What’s Smarter in 2025?

In 2025, roofing materials have evolved — and so have replacement costs.
If your roof is over 15 years old, replacement is usually more practical because:

• Warranties on repairs rarely cover old shingles.

• Mixing old and new materials can shorten overall roof life.

• New roofing systems are far more energy-efficient.

That’s also the perfect time to consider solar integration.
If you’re replacing your roof, you can offset costs and future energy bills through Energy Run Solar.

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10. Long-Term Prevention Tips

You can’t stop hail, but you can prepare your roof to withstand it better.
Here’s what I recommend to every homeowner:

• Install impact-resistant shingles (Class 4). They can resist hail up to 2 inches wide.

• Trim nearby branches. Falling debris causes additional impact damage.

• Inspect annually. Especially before and after storm season.

• Clean gutters regularly. Keeps water from backing up under shingles.

• Upgrade attic ventilation. Reduces temperature swings that weaken shingles.

A small investment in prevention now saves huge costs later.

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11. Real Story from the Field

Last spring, I inspected a 10-year-old roof after a hailstorm in Colorado.
From the ground, everything looked fine — no missing shingles, no obvious damage.
But when I climbed up, I found over 200 tiny impact marks scattered across the surface.

The homeowner almost skipped calling their insurance. After our report, they got full coverage for replacement — nearly $14,000 worth of work.

That’s why you should never assume “no visible damage” means “no damage at all.”

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12. Final Thoughts

Hailstorms are unpredictable, but your response doesn’t have to be.
A professional hail damage roof inspection is the single best way to protect your investment and avoid surprises later.

Document early, hire a trusted roofer, and don’t wait for leaks to show up before taking action.
If you’ve recently experienced a hailstorm, schedule a free inspection today with All Roofing Advantages.
They’ll assess your roof honestly, document everything for insurance, and help you decide whether you need repairs or replacement.

Because when it comes to hail — what you can’t see can hurt you.