How to Spot Hail Damage on Your Roof (And What to Do Next)

Why Hail Damage Is Tricky

Unlike wind damage where you can clearly see missing shingles, hail damage is often invisible from the ground. Hailstones don't always knock shingles off — instead they crack the surface, dislodge protective granules, and create weak spots that leak months later. Many homeowners in Hinsdale, Oak Brook, Elmhurst, and across the Chicago suburbs don't realize their roof was damaged until the next heavy rain.

That's why a professional inspection after any hailstorm is critical — even if everything looks fine from your yard.

What Hail Damage Looks Like on Shingles

Dark spots or bruises — hailstones compress the shingle and knock off the protective granules, leaving dark exposed patches. These spots are soft to the touch compared to the surrounding shingle.

Cracked shingles — larger hailstones can crack the shingle mat itself, creating an immediate entry point for water.

Granule loss in gutters — after a hailstorm, check your gutters and downspout splash pads. Piles of dark granules mean the shingles took hits.

Dented flashing or vents — metal components show hail damage clearly. Dented pipe boots, ridge vents, and chimney flashing are easy indicators that the shingles also took damage.

Dented gutters — look along the top edge of your gutters. If the gutter itself is dented, your roof definitely got hit too.

What to Do After a Hailstorm

Step 1: Document from the ground. Take photos of any visible damage — dented gutters, debris on the ground, cracked siding. Note the date and time of the storm.

Step 2: Check for interior damage. Look at ceilings and walls for new water stains, especially in the attic. Fresh moisture after a storm is a clear sign of roof penetration.

Step 3: Call a roofing contractor for a free inspection. A professional will get on the roof and document every impact point with photos. This documentation is essential for your insurance claim.

Step 4: File your insurance claim. Illinois law gives you one year to file, but sooner is better. Your contractor's inspection report gives you leverage with the adjuster.

Step 5: Don't sign with storm chasers. After major hailstorms, out-of-town crews flood Chicago suburbs knocking on doors. They offer cheap repairs, do poor work, and disappear. Stick with a local, licensed contractor with real Google reviews and a physical presence in the community.

Does Insurance Cover Hail Damage?

Yes — hail damage is covered under virtually every standard Illinois homeowner's insurance policy. It's considered a sudden weather event, not wear and tear. Your insurance company will send an adjuster to inspect the damage, and if approved, they'll cover the replacement minus your deductible.

At GSKI Construction, we handle the entire insurance claims process. We inspect your roof for free, document all damage, meet with the adjuster on-site, and file supplemental claims if additional damage is found during tear-off. Our goal is to make sure you get every dollar of coverage you deserve.

We serve homeowners across Chicago, Hinsdale, Oak Brook, Elmhurst, Oak Park, Highland Park, Park Ridge, Wilmette, Glencoe, and Northbrook.