Is the hail inspection really free?

Yes. We provide free hail inspections across California with full photo documentation, written assessment, and insurance-ready damage attribution. No obligation to file a claim or hire us for the repair.

How long after a hail event do I have to file?

Insurance policies typically allow 1 year from the event to file. Practically, you should file within 60 days — beyond that, insurers argue the damage came from a later event or wear-and-tear. NOAA storm data lets us prove the date even for older events.

My roof looks fine from the ground — could it still have hail damage?

Most hail damage is invisible from the ground. The bruising and granule loss are visible only when standing on the roof or with a drone inspection. This is why ground-level visual self-checks miss the majority of hail claims that would otherwise be covered.

Will my insurance cover hail damage?

Yes, hail is a named covered peril in nearly all California homeowner policies. Coverage applies less your deductible. The challenge isn't coverage — it's getting the adjuster to document the damage at full scope, which is why having a licensed roofer present at the inspection matters.

Can hail damage be repaired or does the roof need replacement?

Depends on extent. Isolated hail strikes (1–3 damaged shingles) can be repaired. Widespread damage (every slope, ridge caps, flashing) requires full replacement. Insurance typically pays for replacement when more than 25% of the roof shows hail damage, or when the damaged shingles' color/style is no longer manufactured.

STORM GUIDE · 7 MIN READ

Hail damage roof repair — California licensed inspector.

Hail damage in California is rarer than in the Midwest but more often missed — adjusters and homeowners aren't looking for it. Even pea-size hail can crack tile roofs, bruise asphalt shingles, and fracture flashing. The damage is often invisible from the ground but accelerates deterioration over the next 2–5 years until full failure. Cali #1 Roofing's hail inspections are free and documented for insurance.

What hail damage actually looks like

Quick answer

On asphalt shingles: round, dark bruises where granules have been knocked off, exposing the asphalt mat. On tile roofs: hairline cracks, chipped corners, or pieces dislodged. On metal: round dimpling. On flashing: punctures or dimpling at chimneys, skylights, and vents. Granule loss in gutters is the most reliable early warning sign.

Hail strikes don't always make holes — they bruise. On asphalt shingles, the impact knocks granules off and damages the asphalt mat underneath. The shingle stays in place but UV damage accelerates 5–10× until premature failure. On tile, the impact creates hairline cracks that pass water immediately but aren't visible until the underlayment soaks through and ceiling stains appear weeks later.

California hail events worth checking

Hail in California is concentrated in foothill and inland-valley regions during atmospheric river events (Dec–Mar) and afternoon thunderstorms (May–Aug). Notable recent events: 2023-03-14 atmospheric river produced widespread quarter-to-golf-ball hail across LA County foothills; 2024-06-21 thunderstorm produced pea-to-marble hail across San Gabriel Valley; 2025-02-04 mid-storm hail across the Inland Empire. If your home is in an affected region and your roof is more than 5 years old, a free hail inspection is worth scheduling.

The free Cali #1 Roofing hail inspection

We send a licensed inspector with a chalk-test kit, granule-loss documentation forms, and an Xactimate-compatible scope template. Inspection takes 45–90 minutes. We provide: (1) photo report of every damaged section, (2) written estimate of replacement scope, (3) insurance-ready damage attribution to specific storm dates from NOAA records, (4) recommendation on whether filing a claim makes economic sense given your deductible.

What hail damage costs to repair

Spot repair (single shingle replacement): $300–800. Single-slope replacement: $2,500–6,000. Full roof replacement after widespread hail: $14,000–55,000 depending on size and material. Insurance pays most of the cost less your deductible. Older roofs (15+ years) are typically full-replacement candidates because spot repair voids manufacturer warranties.

QUESTIONS WE GET

About hail damage roof repair.

Is the hail inspection really free?: Yes. We provide free hail inspections across California with full photo documentation, written assessment, and insurance-ready damage attribution. No obligation to file a claim or hire us for the repair.
How long after a hail event do I have to file?: Insurance policies typically allow 1 year from the event to file. Practically, you should file within 60 days — beyond that, insurers argue the damage came from a later event or wear-and-tear. NOAA storm data lets us prove the date even for older events.
My roof looks fine from the ground — could it still have hail damage?: Most hail damage is invisible from the ground. The bruising and granule loss are visible only when standing on the roof or with a drone inspection. This is why ground-level visual self-checks miss the majority of hail claims that would otherwise be covered.
Will my insurance cover hail damage?: Yes, hail is a named covered peril in nearly all California homeowner policies. Coverage applies less your deductible. The challenge isn't coverage — it's getting the adjuster to document the damage at full scope, which is why having a licensed roofer present at the inspection matters.
Can hail damage be repaired or does the roof need replacement?: Depends on extent. Isolated hail strikes (1–3 damaged shingles) can be repaired. Widespread damage (every slope, ridge caps, flashing) requires full replacement. Insurance typically pays for replacement when more than 25% of the roof shows hail damage, or when the damaged shingles' color/style is no longer manufactured.

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