Free State hailstorms leave damage you can't always see from the ground. Here's what to check, and how to handle the insurance side.
Immediately after the storm
From the ground, look for broken tiles, dented sheeting, damaged gutters and debris. Inside, check ceilings for new stains or drips. Photograph everything with your phone, including the date, this documentation matters for insurance.
The damage you can't see
Hail bruises tile surfaces and dents metal sheeting in ways that don't leak immediately but shorten the roof's life and void its weather resistance. Skylights, flashings and whirlybirds are especially vulnerable.
Handling the insurance claim
Most policies cover hail damage, but insurers want prompt notification and proper documentation. A professional inspection report with photos strengthens your claim substantially, and distinguishes storm damage from pre-existing wear.
Beware the storm chasers
After big storms, fly-by-night 'roofers' canvass damaged neighbourhoods for deposits, do superficial patchwork and disappear. Use an established local company with a physical address and a track record you can verify.
Frequently Asked Questions
My roof looks fine after the hail, should I still have it checked?
If the hail was large (bigger than a R5 coin) or prolonged, yes. Bruising and fastener damage aren't visible from the ground but show up in the next rainy season.
Will an inspection help my insurance claim?
Significantly, a written assessment with photos documents the damage professionally and speeds up the claim.
How soon after a storm should I act?
Notify your insurer promptly (check your policy's time limits) and have the roof assessed within days, before the next rain turns hidden damage into interior damage.