How to Spot Hail & Storm Damage After a Chicago Summer Storm

Spring and summer in Chicago bring severe convective thunderstorms that frequently produce damaging winds, torrential rains, and large hail. Whether you reside in Cook County, DuPage County, or Lake County, these storms can inflict severe damage on your roof that is invisible from the ground. Left unaddressed, storm damage can lead to slow water leaks, attic mold, and deteriorated sheathing. Knowing how to identify storm damage early ensures you can file insurance claims within the required timelines and prevent long-term structural issues.

Hail damage on asphalt shingles manifests differently than wind damage. Hailstones strike the roof at high speeds, creating physical impact marks or bruises. On an asphalt shingle, a hail hit looks like a dark circular spot where the protective colored granules have been knocked away, exposing the black asphalt underneath. In some cases, the hit is severe enough to fracture the fiberglass mat backing of the shingle. To the untrained eye, these marks may look like natural weathering, but a professional inspector will feel the shingle for soft spots (similar to a bruise on an apple) and look for a pattern of damage across the roof that aligns with the direction of the storm.

Wind damage, on the other hand, is characterized by lifted, creased, or completely missing shingles. High winds can get underneath shingles that have lost their adhesive seal, folding them upward and creasing the shingle material. A creased shingle is permanently compromised because the internal fiberglass mat is broken, allowing wind-driven rain to blow underneath. In extreme cases, sections of shingles are completely torn away, exposing the underlayment and plywood deck directly to the elements. Wind can also damage metal valley flashing, drip edges, and ridge vents, lifting them out of place.

Inside the home, check for signs of active water intrusion. Inspect your attic with a flashlight, looking for damp rafters, water droplets, or dark water stains on the underside of the roof deck. Pay close attention to the areas around chimneys, skylights, and vents, as these are the most common entry points for water. On the living levels, look for discolored water spots on your ceilings, peeling paint, or bubbling drywall, which indicate water has penetrated the attic and is pooling above your ceiling boards.

Documenting the damage immediately is crucial for insurance purposes. Take clear photographs of any damage you find from the ground, as well as gutters, siding, and debris in your yard. Note the exact date and time of the storm event, as insurance adjusters rely on weather databases to verify hail and wind reports for your specific address. Most insurance policies in Illinois require you to file a storm damage claim within one to two years of the storm occurrence, making prompt action essential.

We strongly advise against climbing onto your roof to inspect the damage yourself. Shingles can be slick, and storm-damaged roofs may have weak spots that pose a severe safety hazard. Instead, contact a licensed, local roofing contractor who is trained in storm damage identification. They will conduct a thorough, safe assessment, provide a detailed report with photos, and work with your insurance company to ensure all necessary repairs or replacements are covered, returning your home to a secure and protected state.