Homeowners across Greensboro, Burlington and the rest of the Piedmont Triad have all weathered their share of hailstorms. Hopefully you've come through our frequent summer storms without too much damage. But hail can and does cause real harm to your property — and your roof is the most exposed part of all, especially when the hailstones get large.
Hail doesn't just shorten the lifespan of your roof. It can compromise the roof's structural integrity and lead to leaks, which means repairs or even a full replacement may come sooner than you planned. The tricky part is that hail damage is hard to spot from the ground. That ground-level view is the safest vantage point for a homeowner, but a thorough inspection is best left to your trusted local roofer.
Can You Spot Hail Damage From the Ground?
You might assume the only way to check for hail damage is to climb up onto the roof. While that's the most complete way to inspect it, it isn't safe for the average homeowner. Roofs are best left to professional roofers and insurance adjusters, who know how to access and walk a roof safely.
That said, you can often spot visible hail damage from the ground at a safe distance — a pair of binoculars helps. And don't stop at the roof. Walk your whole property and look for telltale signs:
- Dents on the mailbox
- Dents on the hood of your car
- Damaged downspouts (keep in mind that if the damage is below five feet, an insurance company may attribute it to a lawnmower rather than hail)
- Dings or strikes on the garage door
- Dings to painted wood trim or exterior shutters
- Holes in window screens
- Splatter marks or dents on grills, electric meters, or AC units
If hail left its mark on these everyday objects, there's a good chance it found your roof too.
What Does Hail Damage on a Roof Look Like?
Hail damage on a roof is trickier to detect. It can be glaringly obvious or extremely difficult to see. When hailstones measure more than an inch in diameter, your shingles will usually show dents and dings. But even if you can't see any damage from the ground, don't assume your roof escaped unscathed.
Most often, roof hail damage shows up as dents, dings, and splatter marks on gutters, roof vents, and flashing. If you notice any of these signs, you may have grounds for a homeowners insurance claim. The smartest first move is to call a local roofer for a professional inspection and a written report documenting the damage.
"Redeem Roofing did a terrific job replacing our roof and gutters with architectural shingles after hail damage. I highly recommend them for any roof replacements and roofing needs in the Piedmont Triad." — Google review
The Right Order of Operations
Once damage is confirmed, the sequence matters. Always file your claim with the insurance company before any repair work begins. Your roofer can start the repairs only after the insurance adjuster has reviewed and approved the claim. Jumping ahead and starting work too early can complicate — or even jeopardize — your claim.
Because we handle insurance claims every day, we can walk the roof with the adjuster, document the damage properly, and make sure nothing legitimate gets overlooked. If you'd like a closer look at how that process works, see our roof repair and roof replacement pages.
Roof Inspection After a Storm in Burlington, NC
Just rode out a hailstorm and suspect your roof took a hit? We can take the guesswork out of it. Our Greensboro and Burlington roofers will inspect your roof, document any storm damage, and tell you honestly where you stand — at no cost and with no pressure.
Ready to know for sure? Request your free roof inspection and estimate online, or call us at (336) 350-1450. We'll handle the inspection, the report, and the insurance claim — so your roof is back in shape before the next storm rolls through the Triad.