How to do the walk-around
Go out in the low-angle light
Early morning or late afternoon sun makes dents in metal and siding much easier to see than midday glare.
Start on the storm-facing side
Most hail arrives with wind, so one or two sides of the house usually take the hardest hits. Debris piled against one side is a clue.
Work clockwise around the house
Use the table below as your route. Photograph each item with something for scale.
Note what is missing hits
If the north side shows nothing and the west side is battered, write that down. Direction helps an inspector focus.
Decide on a roof inspection
Dents in gutters, vents or a painted fence on the same side are a reasonable trigger for a professional roof inspection.
What to look at and what it tells you
| Item | What hail leaves | What it suggests |
|---|---|---|
| Gutters and downspouts | Round dents, sometimes crushed downspout elbows | Hail size and direction; likely similar hits on the roof edge |
| Window screens | Small tears or dents in the mesh, bent frames | Wind-driven hail on that side |
| Vinyl siding | Cracks or holes, often in cold weather when vinyl is brittle | Hard impacts; siding may need replacement |
| Painted wood fence or deck rail | Fresh chips or spatter marks in the paint | Fresh hail versus old wear |
| AC condenser | Folded fins, dented top | Equipment check needed |
| Mailbox, grill, light fixtures | Dents and cracked lenses | Collateral evidence of hail size |
| Plants and trees | Shredded leaves, stripped bark on one side | Direction and intensity |
| Cars parked outside | Dents on hood and roof | Separate auto claim; also a hail size clue |
Before you leave the yard
- Photos of every side, close-ups of each dented item, and a wide shot for context.
- A note of the date and approximate time the storm passed.
- A list of which sides had the most damage.
- Any signs of water entry inside, checked right after.
- A reminder to look again after the next rain for new ceiling stains.
- Nothing cleaned up, straightened or thrown out yet.
Common questions
Does dented siding mean my roof is damaged?
Not always, but it raises the odds. Siding is vertical and takes wind-driven hail differently. Dents on horizontal surfaces like gutters and vent caps are a closer match to what the roof experienced.
Should I file a claim based on the walk-around?
Many people use the walk-around to decide whether to get a professional inspection first. Ask your insurer whether reporting a possible loss affects your policy before filing.
General information for Colorado Springs, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.