The short answer
Look for Visible Signs
Begin your inspection on a sunny day when shadows make dents and cracks easier to see. Walk slowly around the entire house, scanning each wall from top to bottom. Hail impacts often leave round dents in vinyl or aluminum siding, or small cracks in fiber cement boards.
Pay extra attention to areas where hail tends to strike hardest, like the sides facing the storm's path. Check corners and edges where siding meets trim, as these spots absorb impact differently. A flashlight held at a low angle can reveal shallow dents that are hard to see in flat light.
Run your hand along the siding in a grid pattern. Your fingers can feel small dents and rough edges that your eyes might miss. Note any spots where the paint is chipped or the surface feels uneven, as these can be entry points for moisture.
Check for Cracks and Gaps
Hail can crack siding without leaving an obvious dent. Look closely at the seams where two panels meet, and along the edges of each board. A crack may be thin and hairline, so use a magnifying glass if you have one. Pay attention to any spot where the siding feels loose or moves slightly when pressed.
Gaps between siding panels are a red flag. Hail impacts can push panels apart, creating openings for water to seep behind the siding. Check the caulking around windows, doors, and corners, as hail can dislodge or crack these seals. Any gap you find should be noted for repair.
If your siding is wood, look for splintering or raised grain. Hail can knock off the protective paint layer, leaving raw wood exposed. This matters because moisture can quickly penetrate unprotected wood, leading to rot and other issues.
Inspect the Ground and Gutters
Hail damage is not always limited to the siding itself. Check the ground around your home for pieces of siding, paint chips, or fragments of trim. Finding debris suggests that the hail hit hard enough to break material off the house. Also inspect your gutters and downspouts for dents or cracks.
Look at the roof edges and soffits, as these areas often take the brunt of a hailstorm. A dented gutter or a cracked soffit can direct water toward the siding, causing damage that looks like hail impact but is actually water-related. Note any issues you find, as they may need separate attention.
Use a Simple Touch Test
Your hands are a useful tool for finding hail damage. Wear a thin glove and run your palm over the siding in a slow, overlapping pattern. Hail dents create shallow depressions that are often too subtle to see but easy to feel. Mark any suspicious spots with a piece of chalk or painter's tape.
For higher areas, use a step ladder carefully. Have someone hold the ladder steady while you check the siding above the first floor. Do not lean too far or stretch; it is safer to use a pair of binoculars from the ground to inspect upper walls. If you spot damage from a distance, note its location for a closer look later.
Decide If You Need Help
After your inspection, you will have a list of dents, cracks, and gaps. Some of these may be minor cosmetic issues, but others can let water in. If you see many dents, deep cracks, or any signs of moisture behind the siding, it is wise to have a professional assess the damage.
Local water damage pros can inspect the siding and the areas behind it, such as the house wrap or sheathing. They look for hidden moisture that you cannot see from the outside. Their work usually involves identifying the extent of the damage and advising on the right approach for repair.
Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. If you plan to file a claim, document the damage with photos and notes before any repairs begin. Check your policy to see what is included, and keep records of your inspection.
- Dents or dimples in the siding surface
- Cracks running along the length of a panel
- Chipped or peeling paint at impact points
- Gaps between siding panels or at corners
- Loose or warped sections of siding
- Debris like paint chips or trim pieces on the ground
Water damage does not wait
Water keeps spreading into floors and walls, so it is worth acting early. Calls are answered 24/7.
Call Now (425) 407-5186Frequently asked questions
Can I repair small hail dents myself?
Small dents in vinyl or aluminum siding can sometimes be repaired with a heat gun and a plunger, but this takes care and practice. For cracks or gaps, a patch may hold temporarily. If the siding is broken or water is getting in, it is safer to have a pro handle it.
How do I know if hail damage is severe enough to report?
Look for any opening that lets water reach the wall behind the siding. Cracks, gaps, or holes are serious. Also check if the siding is loose or warped. If you see these, it is worth having a professional inspect the area. Document everything with photos.
Should I check the siding after every hailstorm?
Yes, a quick walk around after any hailstorm is a good habit. Even small hail can cause dents that later become cracks. Early detection helps you catch problems before moisture gets in. If you are unsure, a professional inspection can give you peace of mind.