After the Hailstorm: A Kansas City Roof Inspection Checklist
Hail and high wind can leave obvious missing shingles, subtle impacts or no functional damage at all. A safe, organized inspection creates better information for both the replacement decision and any insurance conversation.
Ground-level checklist
- Note the storm date and keep relevant weather reports.
- Photograph gutters, downspouts, siding, screens and fallen branches from safe ground.
- Photograph interior stains or active water entry without disturbing necessary evidence.
- Do not climb onto a wet, steep or damaged roof.
Professional inspection checklist
- Every roof slope, including garage and porch areas
- Shingles or panels, ridge materials and exposed fasteners
- Vent caps and other soft-metal indicators
- Flashing at walls, chimneys, valleys and skylights
- Accessible attic evidence and ventilation
- Labeled photographs with a written condition summary
Documents to keep together
Save the original inspection, insurer correspondence, claim number, contractor estimate, supplements, product data and signed change orders. Coverage and construction scope are related but separate: the insurer interprets the policy, while the contractor specifies the work.
Before agreeing to replacement
Ask whether the findings support repair or full replacement, what remains unknown until tear-off and how wood extras will be approved. Verify the legal contractor, insurance and warranty contacts. A calm review usually produces a better project than signing with the first person knocking after a storm.