Hail Damage Roof Repair: What Illinois and Wisconsin Homeowners Should Do After a Hailstorm
Discover how to handle hail damage roof repair step-by-step. Illinois and Wisconsin homeowner guide covering inspection, insurance, and replacement options.
Few weather events strike as suddenly, or cause as much hidden damage, as a hailstorm. In a matter of minutes, golf-ball-sized hail can batter shingles, dent gutters, and compromise an entire roof system. Worse, much of that damage isn't visible from the ground, leaving homeowners unaware until leaks and interior problems begin weeks or even months later. Knowing exactly what to do after a hailstorm is the single best way to protect your home, your insurance claim, and your wallet.
At Avondale Roofing, we have guided Illinois and Wisconsin homeowners through hail damage recovery for over 35 years. Since 1988, our team has inspected, repaired, and replaced thousands of hail-damaged roofs across the region. This guide walks you through exactly what to do after a hailstorm, how to spot hidden damage, and how to get professional hail damage roof repair handled the right way.
Why Hail Is So Damaging to Roofs
Hailstones may look small, but they strike with tremendous force, often exceeding 100 miles per hour during severe storms. Even hailstones the size of a quarter can crack shingles, bruise underlayment, and dislodge the protective granules that keep your roof watertight. According to the Insurance Information Institute, hail causes billions of dollars in property damage across the United States each year, with the Midwest being one of the hardest-hit regions.
Illinois and Wisconsin are particularly vulnerable because of the volatile weather patterns that develop over the Great Lakes during spring and summer. Severe storms can arrive with little warning and leave behind damage that only a trained eye can detect.
The 6 Steps to Take After a Hailstorm
Following the right steps in the right order can make the difference between a smooth repair process and an expensive headache. Here's exactly what to do.
Step 1. Stay Safe and Wait for the Storm to Pass
Before inspecting anything, make sure your family and property are safe. Stay indoors until the storm has fully passed, and keep away from windows. Once it's safe to go outside, do a quick walk-around to check for obvious damage, broken windows, fallen tree limbs, or debris that could pose a hazard.
Never attempt to climb on your roof yourself. Hail-damaged shingles can be fragile, and wet roofs are dangerous. Leave any rooftop inspection to a qualified professional.
Step 2. Document the Storm and Any Visible Damage
Insurance claims hinge on documentation. As soon as it's safe, take the following steps:
Note the date and time of the storm
Photograph visible damage, dented gutters, broken siding, shattered window screens, damaged outdoor furniture, and any ground debris
Save local weather reports confirming hail in your area (news sites, weather apps, or the National Weather Service are reliable sources)
Keep receipts for any temporary repairs or emergency services
This documentation will be invaluable when you file an insurance claim and when your contractor and adjuster assess the damage.
Step 3. Look for Ground-Level Signs of Hail Damage
Even without climbing the roof, you can spot clues that your home has been hit. Walk around your property and look for:
Dents or chipped paint on metal gutters, downspouts, and fascia
Damage to window screens, siding, or outdoor A/C units, if these are dented, your roof likely took a hit too
Shingle granules accumulating in gutters, downspouts, or around the base of your home
Missing or cracked shingles visible from the ground
Dented vents, chimney covers, or roof flashing
If you notice any of these, hail damage roof repair should be your next step.
Step 4. Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection Immediately
This is the most important step. Hail damage is notoriously hard to detect from the ground because it often appears as small "bruises" on the shingle surface, areas where the granules have been knocked loose but the shingle is still in place. These bruises aren't always visible until they begin to fail weeks or months later. By then, water has already started seeping into the roof deck, and what could have been a straightforward repair becomes a much bigger project.
A professional inspection catches these issues while they're still manageable. Avondale Roofing offers free, no-obligation hail damage roof inspections as part of our roof repair services across Illinois and Wisconsin. As a GAF Master Elite and GAF President's Club certified contractor, a distinction earned by less than 2% of roofing companies nationwide, our inspections are thorough, honest, and carry significant weight with insurance adjusters.
Step 5. File Your Insurance Claim Promptly
Most homeowners insurance policies cover hail damage, but they also include deadlines for filing claims. Don't wait. As soon as your contractor confirms that damage is present, contact your insurance company and begin the claim process. For a detailed walkthrough of what to expect, see our guide on how to file a roof insurance claim.
A few key tips for hail damage claims:
Request that your contractor be present when the adjuster inspects the roof. This ensures nothing is missed.
Get a written estimate from your contractor before accepting any settlement.
Don't sign anything with the insurance company until you understand what's covered.
Step 6. Complete the Hail Damage Roof Repair with a Trusted Contractor
Once your claim is approved, it's time to move forward with repairs. Depending on the severity of the damage, your contractor will recommend either targeted repairs or a full roof replacement. Make sure the contractor you choose is:
Locally licensed and insured in Illinois or Wisconsin
Certified by major manufacturers like GAF, Owens Corning, or CertainTeed
Able to provide references from recent customers in your area
Willing to put everything in writing, including scope, materials, timeline, and warranty
Avoid "storm chasers", out-of-state contractors who flood a region after major storms. They often lack local licensing, cut corners on quality, and disappear when warranty issues arise.
Common Signs of Hidden Hail Damage
Even if your roof looks okay at first glance, hidden hail damage can be present. During our inspections, we commonly find:
Soft spots or "bruises" on asphalt shingles where the mat underneath has been damaged
Missing or displaced granules, exposing the asphalt layer to UV damage
Cracks in shingle corners or edges, often invisible from the ground
Damage to roof vents, flashing, and skylights
Compromised underlayment that leads to leaks months after the storm
Ignoring hidden damage leads to bigger problems: leaks, mold, rot, and full structural damage. That's why a professional inspection after every major hailstorm is always worth it, especially when it's free.
Repair or Replace After Hail Damage?
The right choice depends on the severity and spread of the damage. Minor hail impact on a newer roof can often be repaired with targeted shingle replacement. But widespread damage, older roofs, or repeat hail events usually warrant full replacement. A trusted contractor will walk you through the trade-offs honestly and help you make the decision that's best for your home and budget. If you have an active leak or urgent damage, our emergency roof repair team is available to respond quickly.
Why Illinois and Wisconsin Homeowners Trust Avondale Roofing
When hail strikes, the contractor you choose is as important as the insurance coverage you carry. At Avondale Roofing, we bring:
35+ years of Midwestern roofing experience, serving Illinois and Wisconsin since 1988
GAF Master Elite and President's Club certification, the highest honors in the industry
Comprehensive hail damage roof repair and replacement, backed by industry-leading warranties
Direct insurance claim support, including on-site adjuster meetings and supplement claims
Free, no-obligation inspections with transparent, honest assessments
Local knowledge of the specific weather challenges facing our region
We treat every homeowner the way we would want to be treated, with honesty, urgency, and craftsmanship that stands the test of time.
Don't Wait. Schedule Your Free Hail Damage Inspection Today
Hail damage doesn't fix itself, and the longer you wait, the worse it gets. If a recent storm has swept through your Illinois or Wisconsin neighborhood, contact Avondale Roofing today for a free, no-obligation hail damage roof inspection. Our certified team will thoroughly assess your roof, document any damage, and guide you through the insurance claim and repair process from start to finish.
Call us at 855-819-ROOF (7663) or schedule your free inspection online. When hail hits your home, trust the team Illinois and Wisconsin homeowners have relied on since 1988.