After a Winnipeg hailstorm, damage may be easy to miss from the ground. Hail can leave dents, loosen roofing materials, or damage exterior features without causing an immediate leak. A careful visual check can help you identify warning signs and decide what to do next. Stay on the ground, avoid damaged areas, and record what you can see. If you spot concerning signs—or cannot safely assess the property—arrange a professional inspection.
Start With a Safe Ground Check
Walk around the property only if conditions are safe. Look for shingles or roofing pieces on the ground, dented downspouts, damaged screens, and fresh marks on siding or window trim. Check for branches or debris that may have struck the roof. These clues do not confirm roof damage, but they can help you decide whether to call a roofing professional.
Do not climb onto the roof or use a ladder after a storm. Wet surfaces, loose granules, and hidden structural damage can make access hazardous. Use binoculars or a phone camera with zoom to inspect visible roof sections from the ground. Keep clear of downed wires, unstable branches, and any area where water is entering near electrical equipment.
Look for Roof Warning Signs
From the ground, look for missing, lifted, curled, or visibly cracked shingles. Check whether roof edges, ridges, and valleys appear uneven or exposed. Hail may also leave bruised or fractured shingles that are difficult to identify without close inspection. Do not assume a roof is undamaged just because you cannot see dents from the ground.
Inside the home, check ceilings, attic spaces, and upper walls for new stains, damp insulation, dripping, or a musty smell. Water may take time to show indoors, so note any changes after rainfall. If you find active leaking, place a container beneath the drip if it is safe, move belongings away, and contact a qualified roofer promptly.
Check Other Exterior Surfaces
Inspect gutters, downspouts, metal flashing, vents, and skylight frames for fresh dents or loosened sections. Look at siding, fascia, soffits, window screens, and exterior doors for chips, punctures, or impact marks. Hail can affect several materials around a home, and damage to these areas may provide useful context during a roof inspection.
Photograph visible signs from a safe distance, including the wider area and close-up details. Record when the storm occurred and which parts of the property you checked. Avoid removing debris from the roof or making repairs before documenting the condition, unless immediate action is needed to protect people or prevent further damage.
Know When to Call a Roofer
Arrange a professional inspection if you see missing or damaged shingles, dents on roof components, fallen roofing material, or signs of a leak. An inspection is also sensible when hail was severe nearby but the roof is difficult to view, or when you notice damage to several exterior surfaces. A trained roofer can assess areas that are not visible from the ground.
Ask the roofer to explain what they inspected and show you any findings with photos. Keep copies of your storm documentation and inspection notes. If you plan to contact your insurer, review your policy and follow its claim process; avoid assuming that every dent or mark is hail damage. Prairie Shield Roofing can help Winnipeg homeowners assess suspected storm damage and discuss practical next steps.
A safe visual check can reveal clues, but it cannot rule out hidden damage. Document what you see, watch for leaks, and avoid climbing onto the roof. When signs are present or access is limited, arrange a professional inspection to understand the roof’s condition and plan appropriate repairs.