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Hail damage on asphalt shingle roof in North Atlanta with visible impact marks and granule loss

What to Do After Hail Hits Your Roof in North Atlanta

If your roof was hit by hail, you may still qualify for an insurance-covered replacement—but timing matters.

Hail just hit your home in North Atlanta? You’re not alone. Homeowners in Roswell, Alpharetta, Milton, Canton, Acworth, or surrounding North Atlanta areas deal with storm damage every year, and most of it isn’t visible right away.

The biggest mistake homeowners make is either ignoring the damage or filing an insurance claim too soon.

Here’s exactly what to do after hail hits your roof and how to protect your home and your wallet.

Step 1: Stay Safe and Check for Visible Damage

After the storm passes, start with a quick visual check from the ground. Look for:

  • Shingles on the ground
  • Dents in gutters or downspouts
  • Damage to roof vents or flashing
  • Leaks or water spots inside your home


Even if you don’t see anything obvious, that doesn’t mean your roof is fine. Most hail damage is subtle and not visible from the ground.

Step 2: Do NOT File an Insurance Claim Yet

This is where a lot of homeowners go wrong. Filing a claim too early can:

  • Lead to a denied claim
  • Put unnecessary marks on your insurance history
  • Cost you money if the damage doesn’t qualify

Instead, the first step should always be a professional roof inspection to confirm whether you actually have hail damage.

Step 3: Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection

Hail damage isn’t always obvious, but it can still cause serious problems over time. A proper inspection looks for:

  • Granule loss on shingles
  • Soft spots or bruising
  • Cracked or weakened shingles
  • Hidden damage that can lead to leaks later


Bonner Built
provides free no-obligation inspections and helps homeowners understand exactly what’s going on before making any decisions.

Step 4: Understand If Insurance Will Cover Your Roof

In many cases, hail damage is covered by homeowners insurance, but only if certain conditions are met. You may qualify if:

  • The damage was caused by a storm
  • Your roof is in insurable condition
  • You file within the allowed claim window


This is where working with an experienced, insurance-focused roofing company makes a difference.

Important: The 1-Year Insurance Claim Deadline Most Homeowners Miss​​

Here’s what most homeowners don’t realize: 👉 If your roof is 8+ years old and was hit by hail, you typically have 1 year from the storm date to file an insurance claim before you may have to pay out of pocket.

What Happens During a Professional Roof Inspection

A professional inspection does more than just look at your roof. It determines whether you actually have storm damage and if it qualifies for insurance coverage.

StepWhat We CheckWhy It Matters
Exterior Roof InspectionShingles are checked for hail impact marks, bruising, and granule lossIdentifies visible hail damage that may qualify for insurance coverage
Soft Spot & Structural CheckShingles are tested for soft spots or hidden damage beneath the surfaceFinds damage that isn’t visible from the ground but can lead to leaks later
Flashing & Roof ComponentsVents, flashing, and roof penetrations are inspected for dents or damageMetal components often show the clearest signs of hail impact
Gutter & Downspout InspectionGutters and downspouts are checked for dents and granule buildupConfirms storm activity and supports an insurance claim
Attic & Interior Check (if needed)Interior ceilings and attic areas are checked for moisture or leaksHelps identify damage that has already started affecting the home
Photo DocumentationDetailed photos of all damage are takenProvides proof for insurance and helps support your claim
Insurance Qualification ReviewDamage is reviewed to determine if it meets claim criteriaPrevents unnecessary or denied claims
Next Steps GuidanceHomeowner is given clear recommendations on what to do nextGives you confidence before contacting insurance

Signs You Might Have Hidden Hail Damage​

Even if your roof looks fine, you could still have damage. Common signs include:

Shingle Discoloration

Dark spots or inconsistent color on shingles

Granule Loss

Loss of protective granules on asphalt shingles

Metal Dents

Dents on metal components like vents and flashing

Hidden Damage

No leaks yet, but damage developing underneath

Hail damage often shows up months later as leaks or deterioration.

What Happens If You Wait Too Long

Waiting can turn a covered claim into a full out-of-pocket expense. If you delay:

  • Insurance may deny your claim due to time passed
  • Damage can worsen and spread
  • You may end up paying $10,000 to $20,000 or more for a new roof


Most homeowners who miss the window simply didn’t realize they had damage in the first place.

Get a Free Roof Inspection in North Atlanta

If your home was hit by hail—even last year—it’s not too late to find out where you stand. Bonner Built offers:

âś” Free, no-obligation roof inspections

âś” Honest assessments with no pressure

âś” Insurance claim guidance from start to finish

We are a builder-led, family-owned company focused on helping homeowners make the right decision.

Find Out If Your Roof Still Qualifies Before Time Runs Out

If you live in Roswell, Alpharetta, Milton, Canton, Acworth, or surrounding North Atlanta areas, now is the time to act. A quick inspection can:

  • Catch damage early
  • Help you avoid paying out of pocket
  • Give you clarity on your insurance options


Contact us
today to schedule your free roof inspection and get a personalized timeline for your project! No cost. No obligation. Just a clear answer on your roof.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hail Damage Roofs

If you suspect storm damage to your roof, schedule a professional inspection as soon as possible and avoid climbing on the roof yourself. In Roswell and North Atlanta, storm damage is not always visible from the ground. Bonner Built can inspect your roof, document any damage, and guide you through next steps, including insurance claims if needed.

In many cases, yes - if the damage was caused by a storm and the claim is filed within the allowed timeframe.

As soon as possible. Early inspections increase your chances of a successful claim.

Yes. Even small impacts can weaken shingles and lead to leaks over time.

Yes, Bonner Built is a locally owned and builder-led roofing company serving Roswell and North Atlanta. We provide hands-on oversight and clear communication throughout the entire process, from inspection to installation.