Hail Damage on Your Roof? What Twin Cities Homeowners Should Do Next

After a hailstorm, write down the date and time, photograph dents on gutters, downspouts, and vents, look for bruised or pockmarked shingles and fresh granule loss in the gutters, and schedule a professional roof inspection within a few weeks. Most Minnesota policies give you a limited window to file a hail claim, so don't wait to see whether the roof starts leaking.

When does hail hit the Twin Cities?

Severe hail and straight-line wind season in Minnesota runs roughly May through August, when afternoon highs in the 80s°F feed thunderstorms that drop hail from pea size to golf-ball size or larger. A single storm cell can pass over Blaine, Coon Rapids, and Andover in minutes and leave thousands of roofs with damage the homeowner never hears or sees from the ground.

What hail damage actually looks like on a roof

• Round black or shiny bruises where granules are knocked off the shingle
• Soft spots that feel like a bruise on an apple when pressed
• Cracked or split shingles, especially on older roofs stiffened by cold
• A sudden layer of granules in the gutters and at the base of downspouts

The soft-metal test

Hail leaves obvious dents in soft metal. Check the gutters, downspout elbows, metal roof vents, valley flashing, and the fins on your air conditioner. If those are freshly dented, your shingles almost certainly took hits too.

Document everything before you call anyone

Photograph the dented metal, any shingle damage you can safely see, and hail on the ground if it's still there. Note the storm date. This record is what supports your claim later.

Get a professional inspection

A roofer will chalk-mark hits, count strikes per test square, and check flashing, vents, and soft-metal accessories. You get a written report with photos. See hail damage repair.

Filing your insurance claim

Once damage is confirmed, open a claim with your insurer and ask for an adjuster visit. Having your contractor there keeps everyone measuring the same roof. We do this every storm season — see insurance claims assistance.

Why "it's not leaking" doesn't mean it's fine

Hail bruises strip the protective granules and fracture the mat underneath. The shingle keeps water out for a season or two, then fails early — often after your claim deadline has passed and on your dime.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to file a hail claim in Minnesota? Many policies set one year from the date of loss; some are shorter. Check your policy language.

Will a hail claim raise my rates? Weather claims are generally non-fault, but talk to your agent about your specific policy.

Does hail always mean a full roof replacement? No. It depends on how many strikes per square the adjuster finds and the roof's age and condition.

What does an inspection cost? Our storm inspections are free.

Get a free hail damage inspection

Total Home Exteriors has handled north metro hail claims since 2000. Call 612-388-7795 or request a free inspection after the next storm.