After 25 years in Toledo, we've seen what hail can do to roofs. The June 15, 2023 storm that dropped tennis ball-sized hail across Northwest Ohio? We inspected over 200 roofs in the weeks that followed.
What we've learned is this: hail damage isn't always obvious. Some of the worst damage we've found looked minor from the ground. But left alone, it leads to leaks, mold, and thousands in repairs that could have been prevented.
We're sharing what we've learned from thousands of storm damage inspections. This isn't internet research - it's real experience from real storms in our area. If you're dealing with storm damage or want to protect your home, this guide could save you major headaches down the road.
How to tell if roof has hail damage
After a storm, most people look up and think their roof looks fine. But hail damage isn't always visible from the ground.
In our 25 years serving Toledo, we've developed a systematic approach to spotting hail damage. Here's what we look for:
Granule loss on shingles - This shows up as dark spots where the protective granules have been knocked off. On Atlas shingles, which we only install, this damage is easier to spot because of their consistent granule pattern.
Soft spots that feel like bruises - When you press on a damaged shingle, it feels spongy, like pressing on a bruised apple. This means the mat underneath has been damaged.
Random dent patterns - Unlike wear patterns that follow the roof's slope, storm damage creates random dents with no pattern. We've seen this on thousands of roofs after Toledo storms.
Exposed mat or fiberglass - When granules are completely knocked off, you'll see the black asphalt or white fiberglass underneath. This needs immediate attention.
Gutter damage - Dented gutters and downspouts often mean roof damage above. If your gutters are damaged, your roof probably is too.
How much does roof hail damage repair cost?
The cost to fix storm damage depends on how bad it is and how fast you deal with it.
From our experience with insurance claims in Toledo:
Small repairs usually cost $300-$800 and cover small areas of damaged shingles. We often see this with smaller hail (under 1 inch).
Medium damage runs $1,500-$5,000. This usually means replacing several sections of shingles and maybe some flashing work.
Full roof replacement starts around $8,000-$15,000 for average homes. This happens when more than 25% of the roof shows damage.
Insurance usually covers storm damage, but you need the right paperwork. We've helped hundreds of Toledo families work with insurance companies. The key is getting a professional inspection that finds all the damage, not just what's easy to see.
What many people don't know: Small damage that gets ignored often turns into big problems. We've seen $500 repairs turn into $12,000 replacements because water got in and damaged the roof boards.
What does hail damage roof inspection include?
A good inspection means getting on the roof safely. Don't try this yourself.
Here's how we inspect roofs after 25 years:
Check from the ground first - We look at gutters, siding, and outdoor items for impact marks. This tells us how strong the storm was and what roof damage to expect.
Look at the whole roof surface - Our certified team checks every part of the roof for the damage we talked about above. We take photos of everything for insurance paperwork.
Check flashing and roof parts - Roof vents, chimneys, and flashing often get damaged but people miss them. We've found leaks weeks later from damaged flashing that insurance adjusters didn't see.
Look in the attic - We check under the roof for any holes, water stains, or structural damage. Sometimes damage goes all the way through.
Document everything professionally - We give detailed reports with photos and measurements. This paperwork has helped our customers get fair insurance payouts.
Our A+ BBB rating and Atlas Pro Plus certification means insurance companies trust what we find. We know what they're looking for.
What size hail damages roof
Not all hail causes roof damage, but you'd be surprised how small hail can add up over time.
From our storm damage experience in Toledo:
Pea-sized hail (1/4 inch) rarely causes immediate damage to Atlas shingles, which we install exclusively. But repeated storms can cause cumulative damage.
Dime-sized hail (3/4 inch) starts causing granule loss and minor bruising. We recommend inspection after storms with this size hail.
Quarter-sized hail (1 inch) causes noticeable damage to most asphalt shingles. This is when we start seeing insurance claims approved.
Golf ball-sized hail (1.75 inches) causes significant damage. We've rarely seen roofs survive this without needing major repairs.
Tennis ball-sized hail (2.5+ inches) like we saw in the June 2023 Toledo storm causes severe damage. Most roofs need complete replacement.
The Atlas difference: The Atlas Pinnacle Pristine shingles we install have Class 3 impact resistance. Atlas StormMaster Shake offers Class 4 protection - the highest you can get. Both work better than regular shingles in storms.
When do you need roof replacement after hail damage?
Sometimes fixing isn't enough. Here's when we tell people to replace the whole roof based on our 25 years of experience:
When more than 25% of the roof shows damage - This is our rule. Below this, repairs make sense. Above it, replacement usually costs less overall.
When several roof parts are damaged - If shingles, flashing, gutters, and vents all need work, replacement often costs less than fixing everything one by one.
When the roof is already old - If your roof is over 15 years old and has storm damage, replacement might make more sense than patching an aging system.
When there's structural damage - If hail went through to the roof boards, we usually recommend replacement to make sure everything is properly sealed and protected.
Insurance considerations - Most insurance companies will pay for replacement when damage is bad enough. We help document everything needed for claim approval.
Our replacement process uses only Atlas shingles with Scotchgard Protector to fight algae growth - a common problem in our humid Midwest weather. Our Lifetime Workmanship Warranty backs every job.
How bad is hail storm damage in Toledo?
Our area gets hit with severe weather a lot, and we've dealt with major storms for 25 years.
Toledo storm patterns - Lake Erie creates weird weather. We see intense storms with big hail, often with high winds too. The June 2023 storm was just the latest in a bunch of bad weather events.
Why our experience helps - We know which neighborhoods get hit worst, which roof types work best, and what insurance companies want to see. This local knowledge helps our customers get better results.
Emergency response - We provide 24/7 storm response because we know damage gets worse with time. Our trucks are loaded and ready when bad weather hits.
Atlas Pro Plus benefits - Our certification means we can offer better warranties and have direct access to Atlas technical support for tough damage assessments.
What emergency roof repair steps should you take after hail damage?
When hail damages your roof, quick action stops bigger problems.
Stay safe first:
Don't go on the roof until weather is clear
Take photos of damage from the ground
Check your attic for any water coming in
Cover any obvious holes with tarps held down securely
Quick fixes we suggest:
Roofing cement for small holes or loose shingles
Tarps for bigger damaged areas (go past damage by 3 feet)
Clean debris from gutters to prevent backup
Call professionals right away when you see:
Any water getting inside your home
Big sections of missing shingles
Damaged flashing around chimneys or vents
Sagging or structural damage
Our emergency service includes temporary protection while insurance claims get processed. We've learned that fast response keeps minor damage from becoming major disasters.
How do Atlas shingles resist hail damage?
We only install Atlas shingles because of how well they work in Midwest storms.
Atlas Pinnacle Pristine features:
Class 3 impact resistance for hail protection
130 mph wind warranty
Scotchgard Protector prevents algae staining
HP42 Technology for better durability
Atlas StormMaster Shake advantages:
Class 4 impact resistance - highest you can get
150 mph wind warranty
Core4 Enhanced Polymer Technology
Lifetime limited warranty coverage
Why Atlas works better than regular shingles:
Stronger mat construction fights tearing
Better granule sticking means less loss in storms
Advanced materials stay flexible longer
Better impact resistance that's tested and proven
Real-world results - In the dozens of Atlas roof checks we've done after major storms, we always see less damage compared to regular shingles. This means lower repair costs and better insurance claim results.
How do you file insurance claims for hail damage roof?
We've helped hundreds of Toledo families work with insurance companies successfully.
Documentation is everything - Insurance companies need proof. We give detailed inspection reports with photos and measurements that clearly show storm damage versus normal wear.
Working with adjusters - Our A+ BBB rating and manufacturer certifications mean adjusters trust what we find. We often go to adjuster meetings to make sure nothing gets missed.
Common claim mistakes:
Waiting too long to file
Not documenting all damage well enough
Taking the first settlement without checking it
Missing hidden damage that shows up later
Add to claims when needed - First settlements often miss damage. We help find additional items that should be covered, like damaged gutters, flashing, or underlayment.
How we help your claim - We're not public adjusters, but we give the technical expertise to make sure your roof gets properly fixed. Insurance companies respect our professional assessments.
Protecting your home investment
Storm damage is a fact of life in Toledo. The key is quick response and working with experienced professionals who understand our local weather.
After 25 years and thousands of storm damage inspections, we've seen what works and what doesn't. Atlas shingles work better in our weather. Professional inspection catches damage others miss. Quick response keeps small problems from becoming disasters.
Don't wait for minor damage to become a major problem. Whether you need emergency storm response, complete damage assessment, or want to upgrade to impact-resistant Atlas shingles, we bring 25 years of local expertise to protect your most important investment.
Our A+ BBB rating, Atlas Pro Plus certification, and Lifetime Workmanship Warranty give you confidence that your roof will be properly restored.
Get professional storm damage assessment
Contact Integrity Home Exteriors today for your free storm damage inspection. Our certified team serves Toledo and surrounding communities with 24/7 emergency response backed by 25 years of local storm experience.
Call now for immediate response or schedule your complete roof assessment. Your home's protection is our priority.
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