What to do after a hail storm. What to do after a hail storm starts with safety. Wait until severe weather has passed, check for hazards from a safe location, document what you can see, and arrange a professional roof assessment if you have concerns.
TL;DR: After a hail storm in Florida, stay indoors until the severe weather is over, then check your home safely from inside and from the ground. Photograph visible hail, damaged exterior items, roofline changes, and any interior leaks or stains. Do not climb onto the roof. If your property was in the hail path or anything looks unusual, book your free roof inspection with Gravity Roofing or call (407) 461-0234.
Last reviewed: August 2026
Hail is less common in Central Florida than heavy rain and wind, but it can happen quickly during a severe thunderstorm. The National Weather Service Melbourne office notes that Central Florida averages more than 90 thunderstorm days each year, and that quarter-size hail or larger can damage roofs, vehicles, and windows.[1]
The right response is not to panic or make assumptions about your roof. It is to stay safe, document what you can see, and get clear information before deciding what to do next.
What to Do After a Hail Storm: Start With These 6 Steps
If you are unsure what to do after a hail storm, avoid roof-level checks and focus on clear documentation, safe observations, and professional guidance.
Step 1: Make sure the storm is actually over
Your first job is safety. Stay indoors while a severe thunderstorm is active. The National Weather Service advises people to move to a small interior room on the lowest floor and avoid windows when severe thunderstorms threaten.[1]
Do not go outside to inspect hail during lightning, high winds, or heavy rain. Do not climb onto a roof, use a ladder, or walk beneath damaged trees or loose branches once the storm ends. Wait until conditions are calm and check for hazards such as downed power lines, standing water, broken glass, or unstable debris before walking around your property.
Step 2: Check for immediate interior problems
Once it is safe, start inside the home. Look for active drips, new ceiling stains, bubbling paint, damp drywall, or water near a light fixture, outlet, or electrical panel. If water is near electrical components, keep clear of the area and contact an appropriate qualified professional for guidance.
An active leak does not automatically mean hail caused it, but it does mean the source needs attention. If your roof has an exposed area, visible storm damage, or active water intrusion, contact Gravity Roofing to discuss the next appropriate step and the availability of emergency roofing services. The team does not promise overnight or 24/7 response, but it can respond as quickly as possible during business hours.
Step 3: Document what you can safely see
Clear documentation is useful whether you ultimately need repairs, a professional assessment, or a conversation with your insurer. From a safe location, take photos or short videos of the following:
| What to document | Why it may be useful |
|---|---|
| Hail that is still visible on the ground | It establishes that hail was present at your property. |
| Dents on vehicles, gutters, vents, or metal fixtures | These are visible impact clues that can provide useful context for a roof assessment. |
| The roofline from the ground | A wide shot can show the home’s overall condition without unsafe roof access. |
| Broken windows, damaged screens, or exterior materials | It creates a record of visible storm-related property damage. |
| Interior stains, drips, or wet areas | It documents the condition before cleanup or repair work begins. |
The Florida Department of Financial Services advises homeowners after a disaster to assess visible property damage and use photos, videos, or written notes to record it.[2] Make a simple note of the storm date, the time you noticed the damage, and any actions you take afterward. If you hire someone for emergency protective work, keep the invoice and receipts.
Step 4: Understand what hail may do to a roof
Hail damage is not always obvious from the ground. CertainTeed explains that hail can loosen or shed shingle granules and that impact-related damage can affect underlying roof structures even when the surface does not look dramatic.[3]
On an asphalt-shingle roof, a professional may look for bruising, granule displacement, cracked or damaged shingles, and impacts around roof vents or other exposed components. On other roof types, hail can create different concerns, such as cracked tile, dents in metal components, or damage around flashing.
No single clue confirms the extent or cause of roof damage. Granules in a gutter, a dented vent, or a ceiling stain should be treated as information—not a diagnosis. A professional assessment can determine whether the roof was affected and explain what, if anything, needs attention.
Step 5: Do not inspect the roof yourself
It is tempting to get a closer look immediately, especially if you can see signs of hail on cars or gutters. Do not climb onto a wet or potentially damaged roof. CertainTeed advises homeowners to limit themselves to a visual observation from the ground and leave roof-level inspection to trained professionals because accessing a damaged roof can be dangerous.[4]
| Avoid | Do this instead |
|---|---|
| Climbing onto the roof or using a ladder | Photograph the roofline from the ground and arrange a professional inspection. |
| Assuming there is no damage because there is no leak | Document the event and consider an assessment if hail hit your property. |
| Throwing away damaged materials or receipts immediately | Preserve safe, relevant documentation until you understand what happened. |
| Letting urgency turn into pressure | Get clear findings and read your insurance policy before making major decisions. |
Step 6: Schedule a professional hail assessment if you are unsure
Schedule an assessment if you saw hail at your home, have dents on exterior components, find a large accumulation of shingle granules, notice a new interior moisture issue, or simply want to know how your roof handled the storm. CertainTeed specifically recommends professional inspection when a large amount of granules is found after hail or when roof vents show heavy damage.[3]
Gravity Roofing provides inspections and storm damage roof repair for Orlando and surrounding Central Florida communities. The team can inspect the roof, document what it finds, and explain the options in plain language. If the roof is in good shape, you should know that too.
What about insurance after hail?
Start with facts, not assumptions. If you think your property may have hail damage, document visible conditions and review your policy. For questions about coverage or whether to open a claim, contact your insurer or insurance agent directly.
The Florida Department of Financial Services explains that claim outcomes can depend on the policy, the facts of the loss, the investigation, deductibles, prior damage, and other factors.[2] A roofer can document its findings and explain repair recommendations, but cannot guarantee that an insurer will approve or pay a claim.
Protect your home. Protect your peace. If hail hit your neighborhood and you want clear answers about your roof, book your free roof inspection or call (407) 461-0234. No pressure. Just facts.
If you need help deciding what to do after a hail storm, Gravity Roofing can provide a factual roof assessment and explain what is found.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a hail storm?
Stay indoors until the severe weather has passed. Once conditions are safe, check for active leaks or obvious interior damage, then document visible exterior clues from the ground. Do not climb onto your roof or use a ladder to inspect it.
How do I know if hail damaged my roof?
A roof may have hail-related damage even if there is no immediate leak. Dented vents, a large amount of granules after the storm, displaced roofing material, or new moisture clues can justify a professional assessment. Only an inspection can determine the roof’s condition.
Is it safe to inspect my roof after a hail storm?
No. Homeowners should not climb onto a wet or potentially damaged roof. Limit your own check to safe indoor and ground-level observations, and let a trained professional handle the roof-level assessment.
What should I photograph after hail hits my home?
Photograph remaining hail on the ground, dents to vehicles or exterior components, the roofline from the ground, broken windows or screens, and any new interior stains or leaks. Add notes about the storm date and when you first noticed the damage.
Can hail damage a roof without causing an immediate leak?
It can. Hail may affect shingles, protective granules, vents, flashing, or other roof components without creating an immediate interior symptom. A professional inspection can identify whether hail caused a condition that needs attention.
Should I call my insurance company after hail damage?
For coverage questions or to decide whether to open a claim, contact your insurer or agent directly. Before you call, gather clear photos, notes, receipts for any emergency protective work, and a professional inspection report if you have one. Coverage and payment depend on the policy and the insurer’s investigation.
