Hail Damage Roof Inspection in Cincinnati: What to Do Next
A plain-English checklist for the first days after a hailstorm — what damage looks like, what to photograph, when to call your insurance company, and how to avoid getting burned by a storm chaser.
Signs of hail damage
Most hail damage cannot be seen from the yard. These are the clues that tell you it is time for a closer look.
- Dark spots or bruises on shingles where granules were knocked off
- Granules piling up in gutters or at downspout exits
- Cracked, split or torn shingles after high wind
- Dents in gutters, downspouts, vents and AC fins
- Chips or holes in siding, especially on the storm-facing side
- New ceiling stains or attic leaks after the storm
What to do after a hailstorm
- 01
Stay safe, then look from the ground
Do not climb on the roof. Walk the yard and look for dented gutters, downspouts, AC fins, mailbox and window wraps, and shingle granules collecting at downspout exits.
- 02
Take photos and note the storm date
Photograph anything dented or broken, plus any hail on the ground with a coin or ruler for size. Write down the date and time of the storm — your claim will be tied to it.
- 03
Stop active leaks
If water is coming in, protect the area and call us for an emergency tarp. Reasonable steps to prevent further damage are usually expected by your policy.
- 04
Get a free inspection before you call your carrier
We check every slope, plus gutters, siding and soft metals, and send you a photo report the same day. You will know whether you actually have a claim.
- 05
Open the claim with documentation in hand
If there is real damage, you report it to your insurance company with the storm date and photos. We meet your adjuster on the roof so nothing is missed.
- 06
Pick a local contractor — not a storm chaser
Check for a local address, proof of insurance, and real Google reviews. A roofer who will still answer the phone next year matters for your warranty.
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Hail damage questions
What size hail damages a roof?
Hail around 1 inch and larger commonly damages asphalt shingles. Smaller hail can still dent gutters, vents and siding, and can damage older or worn roofs. Wind, roof age and shingle type all matter, so an inspection is the only way to know.
Can I see hail damage from the ground?
Usually not. Hail bruises and granule loss on shingles are hard to see from the yard. Dented gutters, downspouts, AC fins and window wraps are the easiest warning signs to spot from the ground.
Should I call my insurance company or a roofer first?
Get a free inspection first. A roofer can tell you whether there is real storm damage before you open a claim, and you will have photos ready when you call your carrier.
How long do I have to file a hail claim?
It depends on your policy. Many policies set a time limit from the date of the storm, so check your policy and document damage as soon as you can.
How do I spot a storm chaser?
Be careful with out-of-area crews that knock right after a storm, pressure you to sign that day, ask for large payments upfront, or have no local address or reviews. Ask for a local address, proof of insurance, and real reviews before signing anything.
We inspect hail damage across the Tri-State
Cincinnati · Dayton · West Chester · Mason · Northern Kentucky
Free hail damage inspection.
About an hour on your roof, a full photo report the same day, and a straight answer on whether you have storm damage. No cost, no pressure.