Wind and hail damage often shows up as missing shingles, dented metal, or granule loss you can spot from the ground after a storm. Cleveland’s Lake Erie weather brings frequent high-wind events and seasonal hailstorms, so knowing what to look for helps you catch damage before it turns into a leak.
Signs of Wind Damage on Your Roof
- Missing or lifted shingles: High winds can peel shingles back or tear them off completely, leaving the underlayment exposed.
- Shingles in the yard or gutters: Finding granules or shingle pieces on the ground is a clear sign wind has damaged your roof.
- Damaged flashing or vents: Wind can loosen flashing around chimneys and vents, creating entry points for water.
Signs of Hail Damage on Your Roof
- Dented or bruised shingles: Hail impacts leave circular soft spots or dents that compromise the shingle’s ability to shed water.
- Granule loss in patterns: Hail strikes knock protective granules loose in a scattered pattern, unlike the even wear of normal aging.
- Dented gutters, vents, or siding: Soft metal surfaces around your home often show hail impact even when roof damage is hard to see from the ground.
What to Do If You Suspect Storm Damage
Avoid climbing onto your roof after a storm. Instead, walk your property line and look up for the signs above, then document what you see with photos from the ground. Our list of signs your roof needs replacing before winter covers additional red flags worth checking for, and you can schedule a free roof inspection with ARC to get a professional assessment before small issues turn into leaks.
Filing an Insurance Claim for Storm Damage
Most homeowner’s policies cover wind and hail damage, but documentation and timing matter. Our guide to storm damage roof repair and insurance claims walks through what to photograph, how to work with your adjuster, and how to avoid common claim denials.
Schedule a Free Storm Damage Inspection
ARC Roofing & Home Improvement has helped Cleveland homeowners assess and repair storm damage for over 40 years, backed by an A+ BBB rating. Call (440) 212-2083 for a free, no-obligation inspection.
