Spring is a relief for many people! More sunshine, warmer weather, and longer days all give a sense of relief once winter is over. However, as we all know, spring isn’t just sunshine and rainbows. Spring storms can cause serious problems for your roof. Hail, strong winds, and heavy rain can cause severe roof damage that may not be immediately visible. It’s essential to keep tabs on your roof after a storm. Without repairing a damaged roof, you can end up with long-term problems. In this guide, we'll show you how to prepare for spring storms, how to spot hail damage on your roof, and what to do if hail damage to your roof occurs.

Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

Getting ahead of storm season can help prevent roof damage and reduce the risk of damaged shingles. Use these spring home maintenance steps to protect your roof and reduce the risk of damage.

  • Inspect your roof: Look for missing, cracked, or curling shingles. These weak spots can easily give way in high winds or heavy rain.
  • Clean out gutters and downspouts: Clogged gutters can cause water to back up under your shingles and overflow onto your siding and foundation.
  • Trim overhanging trees: Branches that hang over your home can break during storms and cause severe damage if they fall on your roof.
  • Secure loose flashing or sealant: Pay close attention to areas around chimneys, skylights, and vents. These spots are especially vulnerable during storms. You should not attempt this at home. Due to safety risks and the need for experience, a professional is the best for this job.
  • Schedule a professional inspection: If you're unsure about the condition of your roof, hire a hail damage roofing contractor to assess it.

Checking all these major areas at the start of spring will help ensure your home is ready to withstand the changing seasons.

How to Prepare for a Hail Storm

Spring weather can be unpredictable, so it's best to prepare well before the season’s first thunderstorm or hail event. Here are the most important steps to take.

1. Create a Roof Emergency Kit

A home emergency kit is essential for everyone to have, whether you rent or own. It will make sure you are prepared during bouts of inclement weather. Keep these items handy in case of an emergency:

  • Flashlight & batteries
  • Safety gloves
  • Buckets

Having these supplies ready can help you act quickly if your roof is damaged or you lose power mid-storm. We don’t recommend going outside to do repairs during a storm; instead, safely make sure internal leaks or damage are covered with a bucket to reduce damage and stop water flow inside.

If there is more rain in the forecast, a professional contractor can tarp your roof in the meantime. See more about roof repairs.

2. Clean and Secure Gutters

Clear out all debris from gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up under your shingles or overflow near your foundation. Secure all brackets so that the gutters are tightly attached to the home.

We recommend that gutter services be done by a professional to ensure that the gutters are not damaged and that you do not risk falling.

3. Trim Shrubs and Branches Near Home and Power Lines

Have branches that hang over your roof or shrubs that have grown against your siding cut back. High winds can turn small branches into a hazard, especially if they are near power lines. If branches fall on power lines, you risk losing electricity.

Fallen live wires can create electric hazards, or worse, fires. Dead or diseased trees should be removed completely if they pose a risk of falling.

4. Check Your Attic and Ventilation

Poor ventilation and insulation can lead to moisture buildup and roof rot. If your attic is not easily accessible, contractors can do a full home energy and moisture check; we call this a Home Energy Audit. If your attic is easily accessible, look for:

  • Water stains or mold in the attic
  • Inadequate airflow
  • Wet or compressed insulation

Addressing these issues intends to prevent mold growth, which can lead to health issues for residents, as well as reduce the lifespan of the roof decks and materials.

5. Get Your Roof Inspected 

You should reach out to a professional roofing contractor for a well-informed opinion on your roof. A professional roof inspection is suggested for people with roofs over 20 years old. They’ll check for:

  • Missing, cracked, or curling shingles
  • Loose or corroded flashing
  • Soft spots that may indicate rot or trapped moisture
  • Signs of previous hail or wind damage
  • Damage or dampness in the interior of your attic (if you have one)

This inspection can catch minor issues before they become major problems during or after a storm.

What to Do During a Storm

When a storm hits, your priority is staying safe. However, you can take a few smart precautions to reduce damage.

1. Stay Indoors and Monitor Conditions

Avoid going outside, especially during high winds or lightning. Keep an eye on:

  • Local weather alerts
  • News and emergency broadcasts
  • Any signs of leaks or unusual noises in your home

Keep a phone or a portable charger powered in case of an emergency.

2. Protect the Inside of Your Home

If you notice water dripping from the ceiling or wet spots on the wall:

  • Place buckets or containers under leaks
  • Move valuables and electronics away from affected areas
  • If safe, access the attic to contain the leak or lay a tarp underneath the roof deck

Do not attempt to climb on the roof during the storm.

3. Keep a Camera Ready

If safe to do so, document any damage as it occurs. Quick snapshots of developing leaks or broken windows can be helpful later for insurance claims.

What to do After the Storm

Once the storm passes, you’ll want to assess any damage quickly to prevent further problems.

1. Inspect Your Property

Start with a general look around your property and grounds. We do not suggest climbing up on your roof after a storm, since conditions could worsen or the materials can become slick and dangerous.

Walk around your home and look for:

  • Missing or damaged shingles
  • Dents or cracks in metal flashing or gutters
  • Debris (like tree limbs) on the roof
  • Water stains on ceilings or walls inside the house

If you have binoculars, you can use them to get a closer look without climbing up yourself.

2. Check the Attic

Water stains, musty odors, or soaked insulation are all signs that moisture has entered. Take photos of anything that looks damaged or out of place.

3. Document Everything

Take detailed photos of both the exterior and interior damage. Include:

  • Wide shots of the affected area
  • Close-ups of damaged shingles, gutters, or flashing
  • Pictures of water damage indoors

Keep a written list of what you find. This will be helpful if you need to make an insurance claim.

4. Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection

Even if you don’t see obvious damage, storms can create subtle problems that worsen over time. A licensed roofer can check for:

  • Hidden leaks
  • Damaged underlayment
  • Lifted shingles that are not visible from the ground

Many companies offer free or low-cost post-storm inspections, which can help you decide whether a roof repair or replacement is needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How serious is hail damage to a roof?

In short, it depends on the hail's size and the storm's ferocity. Hail over 1 inch in diameter can cause damage to your house, and hail over two inches in diameter can cause extensive damage. Sometimes, hail can cause only surface-level damage, mainly impacting the look of your home. Large hail can cause deep damage that can lead to roof leaks and structural issues, which are very serious. After a hailstorm, it is best to have your roof inspected by a roofing company to survey for damage or collect information for an insurance claim.

How much hail damage is needed to replace a roof? 

Hail damage leading to roof replacement varies depending on the size of the hail, the type of roof materials, and the roof's age. Generally speaking, hail larger than 1 inch in diameter will cause enough roof damage to warrant filing an insurance claim. 

What does hail damage look like on a roof? 

Dents and marks on shingles, gutters, and downspouts indicate that the hail was strong enough to cause roof damage. There can be dark circular marks on shingles left behind where the hail hit. Hiring a roofing company is the best way to identify storm damage.

How large does hail have to be to damage a roof? 

In general, hail about 1 inch in diameter (the size of a quarter) can damage your home. Hail is not perfectly circular; it can have sharp or rough edges, and the larger the edge, the larger the risk of damage. Hail 2 inches or more in diameter will cause large-scale damage to your home.

Is a roof leak an emergency? 

Yes, a roof leak is an emergency that needs immediate attention. Water damage is serious business, whether it is a small water stain growing on a ceiling tile or a large leak causing a puddle on the floor. Water damage can lead to property damage that can destroy personal belongings and the structure of your home. 

Graves Brothers Home Improvement: Quality You Can Trust

 If your home needs siding replacement, contact Graves Brothers Home Improvement. We have over 40 years of experience in the exterior home improvement industry. When you book an estimate with us, we’ll connect you with one of our expert teammates who can walk you through the siding selection process. Get started today!