Has Your Home Been Hit by Hail? Here’s What to Look For After a Storm
How to Spot Hail Damage and What to Do Next
On March 28th, our area was hit by a hailstorm—and while the damage might not be obvious at first glance, hail can take a serious toll on your home’s exterior. Knowing what to look for can help you protect your home (and your wallet) before problems escalate.
Common Signs of Hail or Storm Damage
If your home was in the path of the storm, here are a few key indicators to check for:
- Bruised or Cracked Shingles: Look for shingles that appear darker in spots or have visible cracks. These bruises can weaken your roof’s integrity and lead to leaks.
- Granule Loss in Gutters or Downspouts: If you notice excessive roofing granules collecting in your gutters, it may be a sign your shingles took a beating and are starting to degrade.
- Dents on Gutters, Flashing, or Vents: Even minor dents can indicate the force of hail impact and warrant a closer look at surrounding roofing materials.
- Chips or Cracks in Siding: Siding damage might include cracks, breaks, or small holes—especially on the side of the house facing the storm.
- Damage to Decks, Windows, or Outdoor Furniture: Hail that damages outdoor items may have also affected your roofing and siding.
Why a Professional Inspection Matters
At first glance, bruising on shingles might not seem like a major issue—just a small dark spot or subtle indentation—but it can be the beginning of serious long-term damage to your roof. Bruised shingles occur when hail impacts the surface and knocks off protective granules, leaving the underlying asphalt exposed. This weakens the shingle’s ability to protect your home from UV rays and moisture. Over time, that unprotected area can crack, deteriorate, and eventually lead to roof leaks, mold growth, water damage in your attic, and even structural rot. Unfortunately, by the time these problems become visible, it’s often too late to trace them back to the hailstorm, meaning your window to file an insurance claim has likely closed. That’s why it’s so important to have a professional inspect your roof after a storm—even if the damage seems minor. Catching bruising early can save you thousands in future repairs and ensure your claim is filed while you're still covered.
You don’t have to figure this out alone. A free hail inspection by a professional contractor like Badgerland Restoration & Remodeling can determine if the damage is significant enough to warrant an insurance claim. Even if you’re unsure, a qualified inspection brings peace of mind—and could prevent future headaches.
If the damage is insurance-claim worthy, it’s smart to coordinate your contractor and your insurance adjuster to be present at the same time during the adjuster’s inspection. Why? Your contractor acts as your advocate, pointing out damage that might otherwise be missed or undervalued in your claim.
Beware of “Storm Chasers”
After major weather events, it’s common for out-of-town companies to show up claiming to be local. While not all are bad actors, some disappear just as quickly as they arrived—leaving you without recourse if issues arise later.
✅ Do your homework.
✅ Read reviews.
✅ Hire a trusted local company with a reputation for quality and follow-through.
At Badgerland Restoration & Remodeling, we’ve been helping Wisconsin homeowners with storm damage repairs since 1994. We’re certified, experienced, and local—based right here in North Central Wisconsin.
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