What to expect during a hail roof inspection

How long a hail roof inspection usually takes

A thorough hail roof inspection typically takes 30-60 minutes for an average-sized home (1,500-2,500 sq ft). Larger or more complex roofs may take longer. The inspector will:

• Spend 5-10 minutes discussing the recent storm and your concerns
• Spend 20-40 minutes on the roof examining shingles and surfaces
• Spend 10-15 minutes reviewing findings and explaining next steps

You don't need to be home for the entire inspection, though it's helpful to be available at the beginning and end to answer questions and review the results.

What the roofer or adjuster will look at

On the roof surface

The inspector will walk all accessible areas of your roof and check:

• Shingles: Looking for bruises, granule loss, cracks, tears, or impact marks
• Ridge caps: The shingles along roof peaks are more vulnerable to hail
• Valleys: Where two roof planes meet, damage can be more severe
• Slopes and angles: Different roof faces may show varying levels of damage

Metal and soft surfaces

Hail damage to metal components helps confirm the storm's intensity:

• Vents and pipes: Metal roof vents and pipe flashings often show dents
• Gutters and downspouts: Aluminum surfaces will have visible dings
• Flashing: Metal flashing around chimneys, skylights, and walls
• Air conditioning unit: The outdoor AC unit's fins and top

Interior (if needed)

If there are signs of leaks or interior damage, the inspector may look at:

• Attic for water stains or decking damage
• Ceiling for discoloration or sagging
• Walls near roof lines for moisture or mold

Photos, measurements, and documentation

Insurance companies require specific documentation to approve hail damage claims. Professional inspectors will:

Take detailed photos

• Close-ups of damage: Individual impacts, granule loss, cracks
• Wide shots: Showing damage patterns across roof sections
• Test squares: Often use a small marked area to count impacts per square foot
• Metal damage: Dented vents, gutters, and flashings as supporting evidence

Create measurements and diagrams

• Roof square footage: Calculated from measurements or aerial imagery
• Slope calculations: Affects replacement cost and difficulty
• Damage maps: Showing which areas are affected and severity
• Impact density: Number of hits per 10x10 ft section

Write a detailed report

The inspection report typically includes:

• Date and location of the storm
• Description of damage found
• Photos with annotations
• Recommended repairs or replacement
• Preliminary estimate of costs

What happens after the inspection

The outcome depends on what the inspector finds:

How you can prepare for the inspection

To make the process smooth and get the most accurate assessment:

Before the inspector arrives

• Find your insurance policy or carrier info: Have your policy number and carrier name ready
• Note the storm date: When did you notice the hail? Were there weather warnings?
• Take ground-level photos: Dented gutters, shingle granules, AC damage, etc.
• Document any leaks: Interior water stains, drips, or moisture
• Clear roof access: Make sure the inspector can safely access your roof (move cars, open gates)

Questions to ask the inspector

• Do you see hail damage? Where and how severe?
• Is this enough damage for an insurance claim?
• What happens if my insurance denies the claim?
• How long do I have to file with my insurance?
• What's the estimated cost for replacement?
• Do you work directly with insurance adjusters?

Red flags to watch for

While most roofers are honest, be cautious if someone:

• Asks you to sign a contract before the insurance adjuster approves the claim
• Offers to "eat your deductible" or waive it entirely (this is often insurance fraud)
• Pressures you to file a claim when they haven't found clear damage
• Knocks on your door unsolicited without local references or a business license