Home Roofing Guide Hail Damage
Roofing Guide

Hail Damage: Identifying, Documenting, and Repairing Your Roof

Southeastern Wisconsin averages 3-4 significant hail events per year. Here's how to protect your home and your investment.

$2M Insured OC Preferred 287+ Reviews Lifetime Warranty
Quick Answer

Hail damage often isn't visible from the ground but can compromise your roof's waterproofing. Signs include dented gutters, bruised shingles (dark spots), cracked shingle edges, and damaged siding or window screens. Most Wisconsin homeowner's policies cover hail damage with a 1-year filing deadline. DT Exteriors provides free hail damage inspections with a 98% insurance claim approval rate.

How to Identify Hail Damage on Your Roof

Hail damage is deceptive. A roof can look fine from the ground while having hundreds of impact points that compromise its waterproofing layer. Here's what professionals look for:

On Asphalt Shingles

  • Bruised spots — Dark circles where the granules have been knocked loose, exposing the asphalt mat underneath. These areas absorb UV radiation and deteriorate rapidly.
  • Cracked shingles — Large hail (1"+) can crack shingle surfaces, creating direct water entry points.
  • Random pattern — Unlike wind damage (which follows a directional pattern), hail damage appears randomly across the roof face.
  • Soft spots — Press on a suspected impact point. If the underlying mat feels soft or spongy, it's damaged.

Collateral Evidence (Ground-Level Indicators)

  • Dented gutters and downspouts — Aluminum gutters show hail impacts clearly
  • Damaged siding — Vinyl siding cracks, fiber cement chips
  • Window screen damage — Torn or dented screens
  • Dents on AC units, mailboxes, or outdoor furniture
  • Pockmarks on wood decks or fences
Do NOT climb on your roof. Hail damage assessment requires professional training and fall protection. DT Exteriors provides free hail damage inspections — our certified inspectors document everything with photos and measurements.

Filing a Hail Damage Insurance Claim

Insurance claims for hail damage follow a specific process. Doing it correctly is the difference between a full approval and a denied claim.

Step 1: Document the Storm

Note the date, time, and severity of the hail event. Check NOAA storm reports for official hail size measurements in your area. Larger documented hail strengthens your claim.

Step 2: Get a Professional Inspection (Free)

Call DT Exteriors for a free inspection. We document hail impacts on your roof, siding, gutters, and other exterior components using detailed photos, measurements, and industry-standard reporting.

Step 3: File Your Claim

Contact your insurance company and file a claim. You'll receive a claim number and adjuster assignment. Do this within the 1-year deadline.

Step 4: Adjuster Meeting (We Attend)

Your insurance adjuster visits the property. Our project manager meets them on your roof. This is critical — adjusters often miss damage when inspecting alone. Our on-site presence increases claim approval by an estimated 40%.

Step 5: Claim Approval and Restoration

Once approved, insurance issues payment for the repair/replacement minus your deductible. DT Exteriors completes the work to Owens Corning Preferred standards with a Lifetime Workmanship Warranty.

Our Track Record: 98% Claim Approval Rate across hundreds of insurance claims processed in Southeastern Wisconsin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not always. Minor hail (under 1") may only cause cosmetic damage. However, hail 1" or larger typically causes functional damage that warrants replacement. Your insurance adjuster — with input from our project manager — will determine the scope. Even "minor" hail damage should be documented, as cumulative damage from multiple events adds up.

Most Wisconsin homeowner's policies allow 1 year from the date of the hail event to file a claim. Some policies have shorter windows. Check your policy or call your agent. Do not wait — even if the damage looks minor. Get a free inspection from DT Exteriors to create a documented record.

Hail damage claims are considered "Acts of God" and typically do not increase your premiums. This is different from liability claims. Your insurance exists for exactly this purpose — you've been paying premiums for protection, and you should use it when damage occurs.

Free Tools

Ready to Get Started?

Free inspections. Transparent pricing. Lifetime warranty on every project.

Call Now Free Estimate