Minnesota is known for its beautiful landscapes and harsh weather, which include frequent hailstorms. While these strong storms might be intriguing to watch, they frequently leave a trail of destruction, particularly to roofs. If you’ve recently experienced a hailstorm and suspect your roof has been damaged, you must act quickly to avoid further problems.
This blog post will explain everything you need to know about identifying, assessing, and managing hail damage to your Minnesota roof.
Step #1. Identify Hail Damage

It is important to keep an eye out for the most common signs of roof hail damage to your Minnesota roof:
1. Cracked or Broken Shingles
Shingle damage from impacts can result in cracks, fractures, or complete breakage, exposing the underlying roof materials and compromising its weatherproofing. This damage is especially noticeable on smooth-surfaced shingles and may coincide with the loss of granules, further weakening their protective capability.
2. Granule Loss

Asphalt shingles can lose protective granules due to hail impacts, resulting in a patchy appearance and accelerated aging. These granules play a huge role in shielding shingles from UV rays and weathering, making them more vulnerable to damage and deterioration without adequate coverage.
3. Exposed Underlayment
Severe hail can penetrate shingles, exposing the underlayment material. This exposure invites water damage, potential mold growth, and further roof deterioration, and is often noticeable as discolored areas on the roof surface.
4. Damaged Gutters and Downspouts

Hail damage isn’t limited to shingles but can also dent or damage gutters, downspouts, and other roof accessories. These issues indicate potential roof damage and may disrupt proper water drainage, potentially leading to additional structural issues if not addressed promptly.
5. Roof Surface Discoloration
Discoloration on the roof surface, such as dark spots or streaks, can result from hail impacts, indicating potential damage to shingles or underlayment. Such discoloration may also signal mold or mildew growth that requires assessment and remediation.
6. Increased Roof Noise
Following hail damage, roofs may emit unusual noises like creaks or cracks during windy or rainy conditions, indicating potential damage to shingles, underlayment, or the roof deck that should be inspected and repaired promptly.
7. Roof Leaks or Water Spots
Hail damage can cause roof leaks or visible water spots on ceilings and walls, signaling compromised roof integrity that requires immediate attention to prevent further structural damage. It can also cause the roof to sag or become uneven, necessitating costly repairs to prevent mold issues with the roof and surrounding structures.
8. Increased Energy Bills
Roof damage from hail can compromise insulation and weatherproofing, resulting in higher energy bills and reduced comfort indoors. This damage diminishes the roof’s ability to regulate temperatures effectively against extreme weather conditions.
Step #2. Record the Hail Storm
Documentation of a hail storm serves several crucial purposes:
Evidence of Damage:
Keeping a detailed record of the hail storm provides evidence of the damage caused when filing a claim with your insurance company. It substantiates the extent of the damage and supports your claim for repairs or replacements.
Insurance Claim:
Accurate documentation ensures that your insurance company has all the necessary information to process your claim efficiently. It helps assess the claim’s validity and speeds up the insurance process.
How to Record the Hail Storm
- Date and Time: Record the hail storm’s precise date and time to verify its occurrence and correlate it with potential damage claims.
- Relevant Details: Record additional details like wind speed, direction, and other weather conditions that contributed to the damage. These specifics help assess the extent of the damage accurately.
Step #3. Search For Damage and Document It
Carefully inspect your home, vehicles, and yard to identify hailstorm damage. Check your home’s exterior and interior along with any outdoor structures or appliances.
Take clear photos of the following:
- Hail on the Ground: Document remaining hail to assess storm severity.
- Roof Damage: Capture images of missing or damaged shingles, dents, punctures, and water damage.
- Broken Windows: Show the extent of damage and any water infiltration.
- Outdoor Appliances: Photograph damaged air conditioning units, patio furniture, and other equipment.
- Yard Damage: Record damage to plants, broken branches, and signs of erosion.
Step #4. File Your Claim
Once you’ve documented the damage and determined its extent, you can file a claim with your insurance company. Call your insurance agent and give them an explanation of what happened. Save all your receipts for temporary repairs or inspections and send them to your insurance company. This ensures that you get the compensation you deserve for the hail damage.
Step #5. Hire A Qualified Roofing Contractor
Hiring a roofing contractor is essential for hail damage roof repair because it ensures that the damage is properly assessed, documented, and addressed to avoid further damage and ensure a successful insurance claim.
A qualified contractor can accurately assess the damage, document it, and do the necessary repairs. Here are some tips for finding the right contractor for the job:
- Expertise: Research local contractors experienced in hail damage repairs in Minnesota.
- Verify Credentials: Check if they’re licensed, insured, and bonded, and review references and online feedback.
- Get Multiple Estimates: Compare quotes from different contractors, focusing on quality and reliability rather than just the lowest price.
#6. Make Temporary Repairs
Though hiring a professional is always better, temporary repairs are sometimes required to protect your property from further damage and ensure your safety while you wait for a professional to arrive. These temporary repairs will help prevent further damage until permanent repairs are completed.
- Emergency Roof Tarping: To prevent water damage, cover holes with a strong tarp and secure them with heavy objects.
- Quick Fixes for Leaky Roofs: Use sealants or caulk to stop leaks and secure loose shingles until professional repairs are done.
- Applying Sealants for Quick Repairs: Use sealants to stop minor leaks and cracks around areas like chimneys, vents, or skylights until permanent repairs are possible.
#7. Maintenance After The Repairs
1. Schedule Regular Inspections:
Get a professional roofer to inspect your roof regularly to catch potential issues early, such as wear, damage, or deterioration.
2. Keep Your Gutters Clean:
Cleaning your gutters and downspouts on a regular basis, either manually or with professional assistance, will help to prevent water buildup and roof damage.
3. Inspect and Repair Flashing:
Ensure flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights is inspected and repaired as needed to prevent water seepage and damage.
4. Monitor for Leaks:
Regularly check your roof for signs of leaks, such as water stains or discoloration on ceilings and walls, and promptly address any issues.
5. Maintain Proper Roof Ventilation:
Make sure your attic and roof have adequate ventilation to reduce moisture buildup, promoting a healthy roof environment.
6. Trim Tree Branches:
Trim any trees near your roof to prevent damage from falling branches and minimize debris accumulation, especially after hailstorms.
7. Consider Impact-Resistant Shingles:
Install impact-resistant shingles designed to withstand hail and other impacts, enhancing your roof’s durability and protection against damage.
Also Read: Is Your Roof Hail Storm Ready?
Will Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Roof Hail Damage In Minnesota?
Yes, Minnesota homeowner’s insurance typically covers hail damage to a roof. Standard policies typically cover hail damage to the roof and other parts of the home. However, the extent of your coverage can differ depending on any policy terms and insurance provider. Homeowners should thoroughly review their policy documents to ensure they are aware of any exclusions or limitations.
What Size Hailstone Can Cause Damage?
It is important to notice the size of hail common in your area and the damage it can cause:
- Pea-sized hail (¼ inch): Usually harmless, but your roof should be inspected for potential issues.
- Marble-sized hail (½ inch): Causes minor damage like small divots or dents on shingles.
- Dime to quarter-sized hail (¾ inch to 1 inch): Creates dents and cracks in roofs, needing immediate inspection.
- Golf ball-sized hail (1 ¾ inches to 4 ½ inches): Causes substantial damage to roofs, cars, and homes.
- Baseball-sized hail (2 ½ inches and above): Can severely damage roofs, potentially causing structural issues.
- Softball-sized hail (4 inches and above): Causes extensive structural damage, posing a significant risk of roof collapse.
Conclusion
To sum up, hail damage to your roof can have serious consequences, but taking precautions can make all the difference. Through the points we have mentioned above, the importance of prompt repairs and maintenance for keeping your home safe and secure is clear.
Experience peace of mind with Clear Cut Xteriors, we specialize in storm damage roof repair services. Our prompt repairs and maintenance services ensure your home remains safe and secure from hail and wind damage. Give us a call at (651) 340-3410 to protect your home with confidence.