What to Do After a Hailstorm in St. Louis

Hailstorms are a fact of life in the St. Louis area. When they hit, the damage is not always obvious, and the wrong next step can cost homeowners time, money, and insurance coverage. If your neighborhood just saw hail, here is what to do next, in the right order.

1. Make Sure Your Home Is Safe

Start with safety, not inspection.

Stay inside until the storm fully passes
Watch for downed power lines or broken tree limbs
Check ceilings and walls for active leaks
Move vehicles out of damaged areas if possible

If water is entering the home, place buckets and towels immediately. Temporary protection matters if you later need to document storm-related damage.

2. Do a Ground-Level Walkaround

You do not need to climb the roof to spot warning signs.

Look for:

Dented gutters, downspouts, and window wraps
Cracked or chipped siding
Hail marks on AC units or metal vents
Shingle pieces or granules near downspouts

In St. Louis, hail often damages soft metals before shingles show visible failure. These exterior clues matter during insurance evaluations.

3. Take Photos Right Away

Documentation starts now, not after a leak appears.

Photograph hailstones if they are still visible
Capture wide shots of all roof slopes from the ground
Take close-up photos of gutters, siding, vents, and flashing
Note the date, time, and location of the storm

Clear photos taken early help establish storm timing, which insurance carriers rely on when reviewing claims.

4. Avoid Quick Signatures and Door-to-Door Offers

After major St. Louis hail events, out-of-town contractors move fast.

Do not:

Sign contracts on the spot
Agree to let anyone file a claim on your behalf
Accept pressure tactics or promises of a free roof

A legitimate contractor will inspect first, explain findings clearly, and let you decide the next step.

5. Schedule a Professional Storm Damage Inspection

Hail damage is not always visible from the ground or days later.

A proper inspection checks:

Shingle bruising and fractures
Wind-lifted or unsealed shingles
Flashing damage around chimneys and walls
Vent boots and soft metal components
Decking concerns where impact transferred below

In the St. Louis region, freeze and thaw cycles can worsen hail damage quickly. Early inspections help prevent delayed failures.

6. Decide When to Contact Your Insurance Company

You do not need to file a claim before understanding the damage.

A professional inspection helps you:

Confirm whether damage meets claim thresholds
Avoid unnecessary claims on your record
Present clear documentation if you proceed

Once you open a claim, the process starts. Knowing the condition of your roof first puts you in control.

7. Protect the Roof If Damage Is Confirmed

If the inspection shows exposed areas or active risk, temporary protection may be necessary.

This can include:

Emergency tarping
Securing loose shingles
Sealing vulnerable flashing points

Temporary measures help prevent interior damage and show responsible homeowner action.

8. Monitor the Home Over the Next Few Weeks

Some storm damage shows up later.

Watch for:

Ceiling stains or drywall bubbling
Musty odors in the attic
Dripping during heavy rain
Shingles shifting or lifting after wind events

Delayed symptoms are common after hailstorms in Missouri, especially on older roofs.

Why Local Experience Matters After a Hailstorm

St. Louis homes face unique conditions.

Frequent hail and wind events
Older roofing systems throughout the metro area
Insurance scrutiny after regional storms

A local contractor understands how adjusters evaluate damage in this market and how Midwestern weather accelerates roof failure.

Take the Right Next Step

If your home was in the path of a recent hailstorm, do not wait for a leak to appear. A professional inspection gives you clarity, protects your home, and helps you make informed decisions without pressure.

Family First Exteriors provides storm damage inspections for homeowners across the St. Louis area, with clear documentation and straightforward guidance at every step.