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The storm has passed, the hail has stopped battering your windows, and the wind has finally stopped shrieking. Now comes the part where you walk outside and wonder what, exactly, all of that did to your roof.
Sometimes, the answer is pretty obvious. There might be shingles littered in the yard or a section of roofing that looks worse for wear. But that might not always be the case. Some hail and wind damage can be much harder to see, especially when your feet are safely parked on the ground.
So, where do you start looking? There are a handful of places around your home that can give you clues about what happened up on the roof, and — most importantly — you don’t need to climb a ladder or put yourself at risk to check them.
What Hail Damage Looks Like on a Roof
Hail can leave behind a few clues of its passing, even if your shingles are still perched where they’re supposed to be.
A few of the most common signs of hail damage on Ohio roofs include:
- Bare or Dark Spots On Your Shingles: Hail can knock granules loose and expose the darker material underneath.
- Cracked or Bruised Shingles: A direct hit can damage a shingle without knocking it loose or tearing it off.
- Dents in Gutters and Downspouts: If your gutters suddenly have little dents or dimples, there’s a good chance your roof took some hits, too.
- Dings in Vents or Flashing: Metal pieces on the roof might sport a few new impact marks that are easier to see than damage to the shingles themselves.
- Granules Near Your Downspouts: A fresh pile of granules near your downspouts are a good sign that your shingles have taken a pounding.
Signs of Wind Damage to Look For
Wind damage looks a little different than hail damage. Strong winds can catch the edge of shingles, loosen them, or rip them away completely.
After a windstorm, keep an eye peeled for:
- Missing Shingles: Bare patches on the roof or shingles scattered around your yard are pretty clear indicators of wind damage.
- Lifted Shingles: A shingle might still be attached but sit perched a little higher than the ones around it after the wind wiggles it a bit.
- Creased or Curled Shingles: Shingles that have been bent backward by the wind might develop a visible crease or no longer lie flat.
- Loose Flashing or Ridge Caps: Check for pieces that look shifted, raised, or out of place along roof edges, ridges, chimneys, and vents.
- Damage From Branches or Debris: If the wind throws branches or debris onto your roof, you might notice cracked shingles, damaged flashing, or punctures in the roofing material.
| Wind Damage Can Leave Subtle Clues One of the tricky things about wind damage is that a lifted shingle can settle back down after the storm. It might look totally normal from the yard even though the seal underneath it is broken, leaving that spot more vulnerable the next time the wind or rain picks up. |
Don’t Forget to Look Inside Your Home
The exterior of your home isn’t the only place to check after a storm. In some cases, storms may even create signs you’ll notice inside your home.
Here’s what to check for:
| What to Check | What You Might Notice |
| Ceilings and walls | New yellow or brown stains, damp spots, or bubbling paint |
| Attic insulation | Wet, damp, or matted insulation |
| Roof decking | Darkened or damp areas on the underside of the roof |
| Active leaks | Dripping water or moisture that wasn’t there before the storm |
| Unusual odors | A new damp or musty smell in the attic or upstairs rooms |
Sometimes, these signs take a while to actually show themselves. A small opening in the roof may only let in a little water at first, and it can take time for that moisture to soak through enough to leave a visible spot.
So, an apparently dry ceiling or lack of a musty odor doesn’t necessarily tell you everything about how your roof weathered the storm.
When Does Storm Damage Necessitate a Professional Roof Inspection?
Some storm damage makes it pretty obvious that you need professional help. A tree draped across your roof or water dribbling from the ceiling clearly warrants a closer look.
But some damage isn’t so easy to judge from the ground. So, it might be time to call a pro if you notice:
- Shingles or pieces of roofing material around your yard
- Fresh dents on gutters, downspouts, or other exterior surfaces
- A branch or other debris hit the roof
- New water stains, dampness, or leaks inside
- Sections of roof that look lifted, uneven, or out of place
- A significant hail or windstorm came through, even if you don’t see obvious damage
You don’t have to do any up-close sleuthing on your roof before you call a roofer. It’s actually best to avoid clambering up there. Roofs are dangerous on a regular day without know-how, and they’re even more dangerous after a storm.
But a professional inspection can help you identify any damage your roof might’ve taken and give you a better idea of what, if anything, needs to be repaired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about how to spot storm damage? You’re not alone — many homeowners have more questions than answers following severe weather. Here are a few of the most common ones we hear from our clients.
How much does it cost to repair hail or wind damage?
Storm damage, including hail and wind damage, can cost anywhere from $2,600 to $22,100 to repair, though especially serious damage may cost even more to address. But most homeowners pay somewhere around $12,300 for storm damage roof repairs.
Should I get on my roof to check for storm damage?
Nope. Leave that to the pros. You can spot plenty of warning signs of roof storm damage — such as dented gutters and water spots on the ceiling — with your feet firmly planted on the ground.
How big does hail have to be to damage a roof?
The National Weather Service classifies hail that’s 1 inch in diameter or larger as severe. There isn’t one exact size at which hail starts damaging every roof, though. The roofing material, age and condition of the roof, wind, and the density of the hailstones can all affect how much damage a storm causes.
Can you see hail damage from the ground?
Sometimes. Missing granules, dark spots, or obvious damage may be visible from below, but smaller impact marks can be tough to see. Dents in gutters, downspouts, vents, or other metal surfaces around your home can be good indicators of potential roof damage.
Can wind damage a roof without blowing shingles off?
It sure can. Wind can lift a shingle enough to loosen or break its seal without tearing it away from the roof. The shingle may settle back into place afterward, making the damage tough to see from the yard.
How soon after a storm should I have my roof inspected?
If you notice signs of damage after a storm, it makes sense to schedule an inspection promptly rather than waiting for a leak to show itself. That’ll give you a chance to find and take care of damaged areas before another round of rain or wind comes through.
Does homeowners insurance cover hail and wind damage in Ohio?
Ohio homeowners insurance might cover hail and wind damage to your roof, but whether or not it does depends on the specifics of your policy. Check with your insurer to find out what your policy covers.
Have Your Roof Checked After an Ohio Storm
If hail or high winds have rolled through the area, you don’t have to guess about what happened to your roof. Asbury Home Improvements can inspect it to figure out what kind of damage, if any, you’re dealing with. If your roof needs repairs, we’ll walk you through what needs to be done.
We’ve been serving homeowners throughout Northeast Ohio for more than 20 years, and we’re here to help after the storm passes. Contact us today to schedule your roof inspection.
Sources & References
- HomeAdvisor – “How Much Does It Cost to Repair Storm or Wind Damage?”
Provides cost estimates for repairing storm and wind damage and explains the factors that can affect repair costs.
https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/disaster-recovery/repair-storm-or-wind-damage - National Weather Service – “Hail Threat Defined”
Defines hail sizes and explains how damage potential changes as hailstones become larger.
https://www.weather.gov/mlb/hail_threat - Ohio Department of Insurance – “Roof Insurance: Repair vs. Replacement”
Explains how roof damage, repairs, replacement, and homeowners insurance claims are handled in Ohio.
https://insurance.ohio.gov/consumers/homeowner/roof-insurance-repair-replacement
