B&M Hail Damage Inspection Checklist

As we approach the end of winter and as we get closer to prime hail season (March through June), you’re probably wondering what the spring and summer weather will do to your roof. Spring and summer in Colorado bring beautiful colors and temperatures, but with them come severe thunderstorms that are capable of causing significant damage to your home and roof.  

Colorado Hail Damage

When we get hail in Colorado, it hits hard and fast, leaving its mark on your roof that can be difficult to see. The type of hail that will fall differs from region to region, affecting our service areas. Depending on the size, shape, and hardness of the hail, damage can come in the form of small indents or actual tears in your roof. If you live in Colorado, chances are you’ll see some sizable hail this spring, which is where it comes in handy to know how to spot damage, so proper roof repairs may be done.

If you know your roof really can’t take another storm season, take a look at our hail damage inspection checklist that walks you through what you need to know and do to ensure your roof replacement goes smoothly. No matter the amount of damage, B&M Roofing can help give estimates on repairs and/or even roof replacement.

Usually, you can’t spot hail damage from the ground because of the small indents it creates on shingles.  After the storm, you may see obvious damage to things such as your car or home siding so it is safe to assume the storm also affected your roof.  Because the damage from hail is often invisible from the ground, it’s important to have an experienced, professional inspector and insurance claim specialist check your roof as soon as possible.

Until then, here is a quick guide on what to do when a hailstorm hits:

Hail Damage Inspection Checklist

Hail damage can sometimes be hard to spot. However, even hail damage that may seem insignificant can prove to be costly. Staying proactive by properly inspecting your roof will help you minimize damage and repair costs.

 Assess your roof for storm damage

We do NOT advise climbing up on your roof to do this. Instead, walk around the perimeter of your home and photograph any visible damage. Fairly obvious signs of damage may include dented, discolored, torn, curled, or missing shingles. Given you have 2nd-floor windows that overlook the lower part of the roof, this may be a good vantage point to estimate the amount of hail damage, as you can see flashing and gutters from above instead of below.

 Look for leaks & water spots in your attic and ceilings

Roof damage can be deceiving. Even if your roof looks undamaged from the outside, wind and hail may have caused significant leaks internally. Be sure to check your ceilings and light fixtures for signs of water damage. Inspect your attic closely with a flashlight to really get a sense of any hidden damage.

 Check your gutters and windows

While your roof shingles may look fully intact, look for dented gutters and downspouts. Dents in other areas, like gutters and roof vents, may point to hidden and serious damage on your rooftop, as well. Do not forget to inspect windows for cracks, loose weatherstripping, and torn screens.

 Inspect the area around your home

While some things may be obvious, like fallen tree limbs or broken fences, total damage may be hidden. Assess any damage to lawn furniture and exterior decorations. Check all flat surfaces such as patios and decks for additional signs of hail damage. Another good sign that you may have hail damage on your roof is by checking for damage on other things around the perimeter of your home, like umbrellas, tables, and even your air conditioner. Any dents or hail splatter can mean your roof may also have damage.

 Call your insurance company

Refer to your notes, report a claim with your insurance company, and arrange for a more detailed inspection. Remember to save a copy of each picture you take for reference or in case you ever have a problem with the claim (we can help with that, too).

Remember, after a storm, there will likely be a number of roofing contractors and storm chasers competing for your attention. To REALLY be prepared for hail damage, get to know roofers around town and which roofers your neighbors are using. Finding a contractor you trust is a crucial aspect of a smooth roof repair or replacement.

If you need an expert to come and further inspect your roof for hail damage, call B&M Roofing and we’ll inspect your roof. No matter the amount of damage, B&M Roofing can help give estimates on repairs and/or even roof replacement. At B&M Roofing, we come equipped with extensive knowledge and comprehensive industry experience. With more than 60 years of experience, we’re not here to scam you; we’re here to make sure your roof is safe and sturdy.

For more information on B&M Roofing or to simply get to know us before hail season hits, give us a call at 303-443-5843.