What to Do After a Hailstorm Damages Your Roof in Illinois
If you live in Chicagoland, hailstorms aren't a matter of if — they're a matter of when. Cook, DuPage, Lake and Will Counties sit squarely in the Midwest hail belt, and a single storm can cause thousands of dollars in roof damage that isn't always visible from the ground.
Assess Safety First
Don't climb on your roof immediately after a storm. If there's any structural concern — visible sagging, debris impact, or a compromised attic — call a professional before going up. Once conditions are safe, a quick walk around the perimeter can reveal obvious signs like dented gutters, broken fascia, or granules washed into the downspouts.
Document Everything Before Touching Anything
Take photos and video of every area of damage you can see — gutters, siding, windowsills, and any visible shingle damage. Date-stamp your photos. This documentation is critical if you file an insurance claim, and the more thorough it is, the smoother the process.
Call Your Insurance Company
Most homeowner policies cover hail damage, but you typically have a limited window to file a claim after a storm — often one year in Illinois, though it varies by policy. Call your insurer to start the process and ask about their inspection timeline. Don't let that window close.
Get a Roof Inspection from a Licensed Contractor
Insurance adjusters assess damage from a liability standpoint. A licensed roofing contractor will give you a full picture of what actually needs to be repaired or replaced — including damage that may not be visible until the next rain. In Illinois, contractors must be licensed by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
Watch Out for Storm Chasers
After major storms, out-of-town contractors flood the Chicago suburbs offering quick fixes. Be cautious of any contractor who shows up unsolicited, asks for full payment upfront, or can't provide a local license and proof of insurance. Established local contractors have a reputation to protect and will be around if problems arise later.
How Leaders Roofing Can Help
Leaders Roofing has been serving Chicagoland homeowners since 1996. We provide free post-storm inspections, work directly with insurance adjusters, and only recommend what your roof actually needs. Call us at (847) 312-2727 or visit leadersroof.com/contact to schedule your free inspection.
Chicagoland's Hail Belt: Why We're Especially Vulnerable
The Chicago metropolitan area sits in one of the most active hail corridors in the United States. Cook, DuPage, Lake, and Will Counties experience an average of 3-5 significant hail events per year, typically between April and August. Communities like Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, Lake Zurich, and Skokie are regularly impacted.
Hail as small as 1 inch in diameter can damage asphalt shingles, while 1.5-inch hail can dent metal flashing and damage cedar shake roofs. The damage often is not visible from the ground, which is why a professional inspection after any hailstorm is critical.
Common Hail Damage by Roofing Material
Asphalt shingles: Bruising (soft spots), granule loss, cracked or missing shingles
Cedar shake: Splitting, cracking along grain lines, punctures
Metal roofing: Denting, loosened fasteners, compromised sealant
Flat roof membranes (TPO/EPDM): Punctures, seam separation, membrane tears
Slate: Cracking, chipping, broken tiles
If you have a flat commercial roof, understanding your roofing system matters - read our TPO vs. modified bitumen comparison.
Working with Insurance: Step by Step
Document immediately - photos, videos, date-stamped before any cleanup
File your claim promptly - Illinois policies typically allow 1 year, but sooner is better
Get an independent contractor inspection - do not rely solely on the insurance adjuster
Review the adjuster's report - compare their scope to your contractor's findings
Understand your deductible - this is your out-of-pocket cost; legitimate contractors never offer to waive it
Get repairs done by a licensed local contractor - avoid storm chasers
Leaders Roofing has handled hundreds of insurance claims across Glenview, Northbrook, Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, and throughout Chicagoland. We document findings thoroughly and work directly with adjusters.
Emergency Steps While Waiting for Repair
Place buckets under any active interior leaks
Move valuables away from leak areas
Do not attempt roof repairs yourself - wet roofs are extremely dangerous
Leaders Roofing offers same-day or next-day emergency tarping for storm damage
To understand whether storm damage means repair or replacement, see our repair vs. replacement guide. For pricing expectations, check our 2026 cost guide.
Need step-by-step help navigating your insurance claim? See our complete roof insurance claims guide — from documentation and filing to working with adjusters and scheduling repairs.
Call (847) 312-2727 for emergency storm response or visit our contact page. We serve all 18 Chicagoland communities.
