In This Article
Utah is one of the most hail-active states in the country. The Wasatch Front — including Salt Lake City, Provo, and Ogden — experiences significant hailstorms every year, many producing hail large enough to damage roofs, gutters, siding, and windows. For Utah homeowners, understanding what to do after a storm can be the difference between a smooth insurance claim and a costly, drawn-out dispute.
This guide walks you through the entire process — from identifying damage and documenting it, to working with your insurer and selecting a roofing contractor you can trust.
Don't wait to have your roof inspected after a major hailstorm. Many insurance policies have time limits on storm damage claims, and some damage — particularly to asphalt shingles — isn't visible from the ground.
Utah and Hail: What You're Dealing With
Utah sits in what meteorologists call "Hail Alley" — a band of the western United States that experiences disproportionately frequent hail events. The Salt Lake Valley, Davis County, Utah County, and Washington County (St. George area) are particularly active hail corridors.
Hail as small as 1 inch in diameter can damage asphalt shingles. Larger hail — 1.5 inches and above, which Utah sees regularly — can crack shingles, puncture older roofs, and destroy metal flashings and gutters in a single storm. Wind-driven hail at an angle can cause damage that's only visible when inspected up close.
How to Identify Hail Damage
What to Look For on Your Roof
From the ground, look for these signs after a storm:
- Dented or cracked gutters and downspouts — metal is easy to assess visually
- Granules in gutters or at downspout exits — a heavy flush of granules after a storm is a red flag
- Dents on metal vents, flashing, AC units, or fascia
- Cracked or broken window screens
- Bruised or spattered marks on soft metals (AC fins, gutters)
What Hail Damage Looks Like on Shingles
Up close, hail damage on asphalt shingles typically appears as:
- Circular dark spots where granules have been displaced, exposing the asphalt underlayer
- Soft spots that feel spongy when pressed (the mat beneath has been fractured)
- Random, scattered impact marks (as opposed to wear patterns which are more uniform)
- Cracks or splits, more common on older brittle shingles
Important: Never get on your own roof for a post-storm inspection — it's dangerous, especially when wet. Call a professional roofer for a proper assessment.
Immediate Steps After a Major Storm
- Document the date and storm details. Note the date, time, and any reports from NOAA or local news about hail size. This establishes the storm event for your insurance claim.
- Photograph visible damage from the ground. Damaged gutters, dented AC units, and broken window screens all document that a storm event occurred.
- Apply temporary protection if there's active leaking. If water is getting in, contact a roofing company for emergency tarping to prevent interior damage while you wait for a full inspection.
- Schedule a professional roof inspection. Do this before calling your insurance company, so you have an independent assessment of what was damaged.
- File your insurance claim promptly. Most policies have time limits on storm damage claims. File as soon as you have documentation.
Navigating Your Insurance Claim
ACV vs. RCV: Know the Difference
Your policy will pay out on one of two bases:
- Actual Cash Value (ACV): Pays for the depreciated value of the roof. A 15-year-old roof gets significantly less than a new one. Many policies default to ACV.
- Replacement Cost Value (RCV): Pays to replace the roof with a new one of like kind and quality. If you have RCV coverage, this is the better outcome.
Review your policy now, before you need it — and consider upgrading to RCV if you're currently on ACV.
Working With the Insurance Adjuster
Your insurer will send an adjuster to inspect the damage. Having a roofing contractor present during the adjuster's visit is highly recommended — they can point out damage that a non-specialist adjuster might miss, and ensure the scope of work is complete.
The Supplement Process
Insurance adjusters sometimes underestimate repair costs or miss line items. A reputable contractor will review the adjuster's scope and, if items are missing, submit a supplement to your insurer. This is a normal part of the insurance roofing process and does not constitute fraud.
Choosing the Right Contractor After a Storm
After major hailstorms, Utah homeowners are often inundated with door-to-door contractors — many from out of state — offering quick fixes. Be cautious.
What to Look For
- Local, licensed, and insured: Verify Utah contractor licensing. Out-of-state storm chasers often leave before warranty issues arise.
- Established reviews: Look for a consistent history of Google reviews, not a sudden batch of 5-star reviews after a storm.
- No-pressure approach: Reputable contractors give you time to make decisions — they don't pressure you to sign on the spot.
- Experience with insurance work: Ask specifically if they've worked on insurance claims and whether they'll be present at the adjuster inspection.
At Relentless Construction, we've helped hundreds of Utah homeowners through the insurance process — from the initial inspection through final payment. We don't chase storms and we don't use high-pressure tactics. Learn more about our roofing services.
