How to Protect Your Roof from Spring Hailstorms in the U.S. Midwest

Spring in the U.S. Midwest isn’t all sunshine and blooming flowers — it’s also peak hailstorm season. Hail damage can cost homeowners thousands in repairs, especially when roofs aren’t prepared. This blog dives deep into how to protect your roof before, during, and after spring hailstorms.

Welcome to Hail Season in the Midwest

Ah, spring. A time of renewal, chirping birds, warmer days, and… destructive chunks of ice plummeting from the sky? Yep — if you live in states like Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, or Nebraska, you know exactly what we’re talking about.

Hailstorms in the Midwest aren’t just a nuisance — they’re a major threat to your roof, your wallet, and even your home insurance premiums. They strike suddenly and leave costly damage in their wake. And unless you’re taking proactive steps to protect your roof, you could be caught off guard this spring.

In this ultimate guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know:

• The science behind hail and why the Midwest gets hit so hard
• The best hail-resistant roofing materials to consider
• Step-by-step roof prep tips before hail season
• What to do during and after a hailstorm
• How to identify hail damage you might miss
• Tips for filing a smooth insurance claim
• When and why to bring in the experts (like Reimagine Roofing!)

Let’s get into it — because a hailstorm doesn’t wait for you to get ready. 👇

Why the Midwest Gets Slammed by Hail — and Why It Matters

Hail is created during strong thunderstorms with high updrafts that toss raindrops into freezing air. These droplets freeze, then fall back down as ice — sometimes as small as peas, other times the size of baseballs (or worse!).

According to NOAA:

• The U.S. sees over 4,600 major hailstorms annually
• The Midwest accounts for more than 60% of all hail-related insurance claims
• In 2023, hail caused over $10 billion in damage nationwide

Why so much in the Midwest? Simple:

• Flat terrain: Allows storms to build intensity quickly
• Clashing air masses: Cold air from the north meets warm, humid air from the Gulf
• Frequent thunderstorms: Especially in spring and early summer

In other words, it’s not if you’ll deal with hail — it’s when.

Hail-Resistant Roofing: What Materials Actually Work?

Want to upgrade your roof before storm season? Not all roofing materials are created equal when it comes to hail resistance. Here’s a breakdown of what to consider:

1. Class 4 Impact-Resistant Asphalt Shingles

• Most budget-friendly upgrade
• UL 2218 Class 4 rated — the highest impact-resistance rating
• Tested with 2-inch steel balls dropped from 20 feet

Best for: Suburban homes, first-time roof upgrades

2. Metal Roofing (Steel or Aluminum)

• Long lifespan (40-70 years)
• Resistant to cracking or tearing
• May dent, but usually not structurally compromised

Best for: Modern homes, rural or wind-prone areas

3. Synthetic Roofing (Rubber, Polymer, or Composite Slate)

• Lightweight but tough
• Naturally absorbs impact
• Some are made from recycled materials = eco-friendly!

Best for: High-end homes, environmentally conscious homeowners

4. Concrete or Clay Tile

• Heavy and durable
• Strong resistance to most hail
• Can crack under extreme impacts (3”+ hail)

Best for: Southwestern/Mediterranean-style homes

Avoid These:

• Wood shake shingles: Prone to cracking and splitting
• Cheap 3-tab asphalt: Won’t hold up against moderate hail

 Spring Prep Checklist: Get Your Roof Ready for Hail Season

Want to give your roof its best shot at surviving spring hailstorms? Here’s a checklist to follow every March or April:

 1. Schedule a Spring Roof Inspection

A pro can catch minor issues before they become major ones. They’ll check for:

• Curling or loose shingles
• Damaged flashing
• Sagging rooflines
• Gutter or drainage issues

Pro Tip: Book early — roofers get swamped after the first major storm.

2. Trim Overhanging Branches

Falling limbs can cause more damage than hail itself. Keep trees at least 6–10 feet away from your roofline.

3. Clear Out Gutters

Clogged gutters = water backup = leaks + interior damage. Clean them before storm season.

4. Reinforce Vulnerable Areas

Focus on flashing, roof edges, vents, skylights, and chimney bases — these are where leaks tend to start.

5. Take “Before” Photos

Document the current state of your roof. This helps tremendously if you ever need to file an insurance claim.

During the Storm: How to Stay Safe

Once the hail starts falling, your priority is safety. You can’t protect your roof during a storm, but you can protect your family and minimize damage:

• Stay indoors and away from windows
• Close blinds and curtains to block shattered glass
• Move pets and people to a safe room, preferably without skylights
• Park cars in a garage, if possible
• Use weather apps or NOAA radios for live updates

NEVER attempt to inspect or patch your roof during a storm. It’s not worth the risk.

After the Storm: What to Check (and What to Avoid)

Once it’s safe to go outside, it’s time to assess the damage. Here’s your post-storm checklist:

Visual Damage Signs:

• Shingles missing or curled
• Granule buildup near downspouts
• Dents in metal flashing, vents, or gutters
• Cracked skylights or chimney caps
• Indoor leaks or water stains on ceilings

If you spot any of these, it’s time to call Reimagine Roofing for a full inspection.

What NOT to Do:

• Don’t climb on your roof unless you’re trained — it’s slippery and dangerous
• Don’t delay inspections — damage worsens over time
• Don’t accept help from unlicensed “storm chasers”

Hail Damage & Insurance: Filing a Claim the Right Way

Hail damage is one of the most commonly covered claims in homeowners insurance — but that doesn’t mean it’s easy.

Here’s how to navigate the process:

1. Review Your Policy

Look for coverage details like:

• Replacement cost vs. actual cash value
• Hail-specific exclusions or deductibles
• Required timelines for claims

2. Call a Local Roofer First

Don’t call your insurer before getting a professional roof inspection. A licensed contractor (like us 👷) can:

• Assess the real damage
• Document findings with photos and notes
• Help you understand what’s worth claiming

3. File the Claim

Once you’ve got the inspection, contact your insurance company. An adjuster will schedule a visit — your roofer should be present to advocate for you.

4. Get It in Writing

Make sure all agreements, repairs, and costs are documented. Insurance can get messy — don’t rely on verbal approvals.

Pro Tip: Understand Depreciation

Let’s say your roof is 15 years old and only has 5 years of life left. If your policy is ACV (actual cash value), you’ll only be reimbursed for that reduced value — not a full replacement.

Policies with RCV (replacement cost value) are better — they cover what it actually costs to install a new roof.

Talk to your insurance agent or broker about switching to RCV coverage before storm season.

Extra Credit: Advanced Hail Defense Tips

Want to go the extra mile in protecting your home?

Add a Roof Deck Protection Barrier

A secondary water-resistant barrier adds more defense against leaks if your shingles fail.

Install Impact-Resistant Skylights

These use laminated glass and can handle larger hail without shattering.

Consider Roof Anchors

If you’re in a high-wind zone, these help prevent roof uplift — often paired with hurricane clips.

Ventilate & Insulate

Proper ventilation extends the life of your roof and helps prevent moisture damage after storms.

Final Thoughts: Be Ready Before It Hits

Spring hailstorms are just part of life in the Midwest — but surprise repairs, water damage, and insurance headaches don’t have to be.

By:

• Investing in hail-resistant materials
• Performing regular roof inspections
• Documenting your roof condition
• Knowing how to file insurance claims correctly
• Partnering with Reimagine Roofing

…you can stay ahead of the storm.

The best roof protection plan? Starting today.

Ready to Reimagine Your Roof?

Let’s make sure your roof is hail-ready before the next big storm hits.

What We Offer:

• ✔️ Free roof inspections
• ✔️ Storm-resistant material upgrades
• ✔️ Insurance claim assistance
• ✔️ Fast, quality installation
• ✔️ Long-term peace of mind

👉 Book Your Free Roof Inspection 

👉 Use Fast Quote Tool for Roof Estimate

Why Choose Reimagine Roofing?

If you’re in the Midwest, you need a local roofing partner who understands the unique challenges of hail season.

Here’s why homeowners trust Reimagine Roofing:

• ✅ Local, licensed, and insured
• ✅ Free inspections with detailed photo reports
• ✅ Hail-resistant material experts
• ✅ Guidance with insurance claims
• ✅ Work guaranteed with top warranties
• ✅ Quick turnarounds (especially post-storm!)

🏆 Don’t wait for the next hailstorm to roll through. Let’s protect your roof together.

👉 Schedule a Free Roof Inspection with Reimagine Roofing

FAQs

Q: Is hail damage always visible?
Not always. Many signs are subtle — like bruising or granule loss — and only pros can identify them.

Q: How quickly should I act after a hailstorm?
Immediately. Even minor damage can lead to serious leaks within weeks.

Q: Does my insurance go up if I file a hail claim?
It depends on your provider and location. In many states, hail claims don’t raise rates because they’re considered “Acts of God.”

Q: Can I prevent hail damage entirely?
No — but you can drastically reduce the risk with the right materials and prep.