By Omer Okic, owner of Ultimate Exteriors · 28 years on Des Moines roofsUpdated October 2026
After a hailstorm in Des Moines, check from the ground first, photograph everything right away and get a free inspection before you file an insurance claim.
- Look for dented gutters, vents and siding from the ground
- Never walk a damaged roof yourself
- Date-stamped photos help your insurance claim
- Many hail bruises aren't visible until they leak
Central Iowa gets hail every year, usually from spring into summer. Some storms leave obvious damage. Many leave bruised shingles and dented metal that you won't notice until a leak shows up months later.
Start on the ground
You don't need to climb on the roof to get a good first look, and you shouldn't. Walk around the house and check:
- Gutters and downspouts for new dents or dings
- Shingle granules piling up at the bottom of downspouts
- Dents on metal roof vents, flashing and window wraps
- Cracks, holes or chips in vinyl siding
- Damage to cars, sheds or patio furniture, which tells you how big the hail was
Take photos right away
Photograph anything you find, along with the date. If you plan to file an insurance claim, photos taken soon after the storm help. Keep any large hailstones you find in the freezer next to a coin or ruler for scale.
When to call for an inspection
If you see dented gutters, piles of granules or siding damage, get your roof inspected. Hail can crack the mat inside a shingle without knocking it loose, and that damage spreads with every freeze-thaw cycle. We'll inspect your roof for free and tell you honestly whether there's damage worth repairing.
Think a storm damaged your roof?
Read how storm damage inspections and insurance claims work in the Des Moines area, or schedule a free inspection.
If hail means a new roof, see what a new roof costs in Des Moines and how impact-resistant shingles can lower your insurance premium.