Hail and Wind Damage in Rock County: How to Tell If Your Roof Was Hit

Southern Wisconsin gets its share of severe weather every spring and summer, and Rock County sits right in the path of many of the storm lines that roll across northern Illinois. After a storm passes, the question is always the same: did my roof actually get damaged, and how would I know?

Start from the ground, safely. Never climb onto a roof after a storm. Instead, walk the property and look for clues: dents in gutters, downspouts, and window screens; spatter marks on siding or fences; shingle pieces or granules in the yard; and dents on your mailbox or the hood of a car. If soft metals show hail marks, the roof was hit too.

Hail damage on asphalt shingles is often invisible from the street. It shows up as random dark spots where granules have been knocked loose, soft "bruises" in the mat, and cracked or fractured shingles. Over time those spots lose protection from the sun and start to leak, often a year or two after the storm, when it may be too late to file a claim.

Wind damage looks different. Wisconsin shingles are typically rated for high winds when properly installed, but older roofs, poorly nailed shingles, and edges lose their seal over time. Look for missing tabs, shingles that are creased or lifted, and exposed underlayment along ridges and rakes. A creased shingle may still be in place but has lost its seal and will fail in the next blow.

Timing matters with insurance. Most homeowner policies require damage to be reported within a set window after the storm, and some carriers in Wisconsin enforce a one-year limit. Documenting damage quickly, with dated photos, protects your claim. This is exactly why we fly a drone on every inspection: it gives you a timestamped, high-resolution record of every slope without anyone walking on a damaged roof.

Be careful of storm chasers. After a big hail event, out-of-state crews knock on doors across Beloit, Janesville, and the surrounding towns. Ask for a Wisconsin Dwelling Contractor credential, proof of insurance, and a local address. Never sign a contract that gives a contractor control of your insurance claim before you've seen an inspection report.

If you're not sure whether a recent storm hit your neighborhood, our storm damage page includes a storm date finder you can check against your address. If it shows a hail or wind event near you, schedule a free drone inspection and we'll tell you honestly whether there's a claim worth filing.