How to Do a DIY Hail Inspection
Hailstorms can strike with little warning—and often, damage isn’t obvious until leaks appear. But you don’t need a professional inspector to do a basic damage check around your home. Armed with a single stick of chalk and this step-by-step guide, you can spot hail impacts on key exterior surfaces. Here’s how to conduct a safe, effective DIY hail inspection—and when it’s time to call a pro.
1. Start at the Downspout
Your gutter system serves as the first line of defense—but it also reveals hidden damage.
Grab a stick of chalk and rub it up and down the flat surface of your downspouts.
Hail dents won’t just ripple the metal—they’ll show areas where the chalk fades or doesn’t stick.
Mark each dented spot clearly.
Why it matters:
Downspouts are made of softer metal and exposed during storms. If they ding, chances are the roof or other components took a hit too.
2. Check the Outdoor Air (HVAC) Unit
Next, head over to your outdoor HVAC condenser—its top, sides, and vent openings are just as prone to hail impact.
Gently rub chalk over the curved top and vents.
Any areas where chalk skips or disappears indicate dents.
Inspect surrounding panels for similar damage.
Why this works:
Metal surfaces on HVAC units react like gutters—chalk shows where the surface isn’t perfectly flat.
3. Examine Window Screens
Window screens are surprisingly good hail detectors:
Look closely for tiny, raindrop-shaped pulls or punctures.
Even a small collection of these suggests hail hit your entire siding area.
These subtle marks are usually overlooked, but spotting them early may mean you missed hail hitting your roof or trim.
4. Inspect Your Satellite Dish
If your home uses a satellite dish:
Hail impact appears as small, dark “teardrop” dents on the metal disc.
The effect is easy to spot—even from ground level.
Note the locations: dents opposite the storm’s flight path likely match impacts on your home.
5. Move to the Roof—but Be Safe
Now, let’s talk about the roof—but please, do not climb unless you’re trained and equipped. It’s often safer to inspect from the ground or hire a trained professional.
For professionals:
They may walk your roof or use aerial photography.
They rub chalk over individual shingles to reveal hail pits—if chalk skips in a circular dent, that’s hail damage.
Roof chalking reveals damage that’s nearly invisible amid granules
Common indicators on shingles include:
Bruising or circular indentations
Granule loss (you’ll often see granules in gutters)
Splits, tears, or curled edges
Cracked seam lines around vents, chimneys, valley flashing
The general rule: even small hail can damage shingles—similar to how dented downspouts signal wider damage
6. Know What Real Hail Damage Looks Like
Here’s a breakdown of the telltale signs:
| Surface | What to Look For | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Chimney cap | Circular impressions, dents around perimeter | Metal dents show impact zones |
| Siding | Small dents or cracked paint chips | Hail sizes vary—siding dents often precede roof issues |
| Gutters | Dents, chalk fading lines | These often pinpoint storm direction |
| Roof | Discolored spots, missing granules, fractures | Crucial roofs signs after major hail |
| Outdoor unit | Circular indentations | HVAC damage often overlooked |
| Window screen | Raindrop-shaped pulls | Clear visual indicator |
| Satellite dish | Darkened “teardrop” dents | Impact orientation confirmed |
7. Document Everything for Insurance Claims
Photos matter—chalk markings help:
After you mark each dent with chalk, quietly snap crisp, well-lit photos.
Include your phone’s date-stamp in both day and shadow settings.
Document multiple surfaces—gutters, HVAC, siding, and any low-slope sections of roof visible from ground.
Pro tip:
Make a numbered list: 1 on downspout, 2 at HVAC vent, 3 on window screen, etc., and photograph accordingly.
8. When to Call a Professional Roofer
Even after your DIY check, make sure you:
Call a licensed roofer certified in hail inspection.
Opt for someone experienced with insurance and storm claims.
Their team will:
Complete a full roof inspection—possibly using aerial drones or binoculars.
Chalk code all damaged areas.
Generate a detailed report for insurance adjusters.
Why it’s important:
Safety: Roof climbing is risky for amateurs.
Accuracy: Pros identify functional vs. cosmetic damage and know how many hail strikes per area trigger replacement.
Insurance savvy: Proper documentation boosts approval chances and compensation.
9. After the Inspection: Next Steps
Once the inspection is complete:
Review the report with your contractor. Understand if repairs or replacements are recommended.
Contact your insurance to file a storm-damage claim. Provide them with photographs and the inspection report.
Meet the adjuster—ideally with your roofer present to ensure they see all marked damage.
Get multiple quotes if you plan to go outside insurance options.
Schedule the repairs as soon as approval comes through.
10. Summing It All Up
A single stick of chalk → instant dent detection.
Inspect at key damage hotspots: gutters, downspouts, HVAC unit, windows, and dish.
Mark and photograph everything thoroughly.
DIY inspection informs—but pros are essential for roof evaluation, documentation, and insurance claims.
Hailstorms are unpredictable—but your response shouldn’t be. With chalk, some elbow grease, and a qualified roofer, you’ll know exactly what needs attention—and what’s just cosmetic.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If your chalk reveals any damage—or even just if you’re unsure—it’s best to contact a reputable roofer for a professional hail inspection and insurance assistance.
Call Restoration Roofing at 901-854-3402 to schedule your free roof inspection and digital report. Our experts will assess the damage, guide you through the claims process, and ensure your home is protected long-term.
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