By ACE Restoration Pros Inc. | Serving Huntersville, Mooresville & Charlotte, NC
If you just rode out a hail storm in the Charlotte or Lake Norman area, you're probably wondering what to do next. The good news: if you act quickly and follow the right steps, you can protect your home from further damage and maximize your insurance coverage. Here's exactly what to do - step by step.
Step 1: Stay Safe First
Before you go outside or climb on anything, wait until the storm has completely passed. Hail can resume without warning, and wet surfaces are slippery.
Once it's safe, do a quick visual sweep from the ground. Look for:
- Obvious missing or displaced shingles
- Dents in gutters, downspouts, or AC unit fins
- Damaged window screens or broken skylights
- Debris or tree branches on the roof
Do not get on the roof yourself. It's dangerous even for professionals right after a storm. That's what we're here for.
Step 2: Document Everything - Before Anything Is Touched
This is the most important step for your insurance claim. Take photos and video of all visible damage **before any cleanup or repairs**.
Walk the perimeter of your home and photograph:
- Gutters and downspouts (look for dents and dings)
- Siding (look for cracks, chips, or holes)
- Window screens and trim
- Any outdoor items that were damaged (furniture, vehicles, AC unit)
- Any water spots on ceilings inside your home
The more documentation you have, the stronger your insurance claim. Date and timestamp everything if possible.
Step 3: Check Inside for Water Damage
Head up to your attic if you have one and look for any signs of water intrusion - wet insulation, water stains on the decking, or daylight coming through. Also check ceilings in upper-floor rooms for any new stains or soft spots.
If you find active water coming in, place buckets and try to minimize damage to flooring and furniture. Save any damaged items - don't throw anything away until your adjuster has seen it.
Step 4: Call a Local Roofing Contractor for a Free Inspection
Here's the thing about hail damage — most of it isn't visible from the ground. Hail bruises shingles in a way that looks minor on the surface but compromises the protective granules that keep water out. Without a professional eye, you could have significant damage and not know it for months — until a leak shows up.
Call ACE Restoration Pros at (704) 794-7973 for a free roof inspection. We'll get on the roof, document everything, and give you an honest assessment of the damage and whether it's worth filing a claim.
Don't wait on this. Insurance companies have filing deadlines, and the longer you wait, the harder it can be to prove that damage was storm-related.
Step 5: Contact Your Insurance Company
Once you have your inspection report and photos in hand, call your homeowners insurance company to open a claim. You'll want to have ready:
- Your policy number
- The date of the storm
- A description of the damage
- Your inspection report and photos
Your insurer will assign an adjuster to come out and assess the damage. This is a critical step - and one where having ACE in your corner makes a big difference.
Step 6: Don't Face the Adjuster Alone
Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company - not for you. They're not trying to cheat you, but they are trained to identify what the policy requires them to cover, and they can miss things.
At ACE Restoration Pros, we meet with your adjuster on-site and walk through the damage together. We know what hail damage looks like, we know what to point out, and we know how to make sure nothing gets missed. Most of our customers end up paying only their deductible - because we help them get the full coverage they're entitled to.
Step 7: Avoid Storm Chasers
After any major storm in the Charlotte area, out-of-town contractors flood the region offering quick, cheap repairs. These "storm chasers" often do substandard work, take your insurance money, and disappear - leaving you with a roof that fails within a few years and no warranty to fall back on.
Always choose a local, licensed contractor with verifiable reviews and a permanent business address. ACE Restoration Pros is based right here in Charlotte, has been serving the Lake Norman area for over 10 years, and is BBB accredited. We're not going anywhere.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim in NC?
Most homeowners insurance policies in North Carolina require you to file a claim within one year of the date of loss, though some policies may have shorter windows. Don't assume you have time - if you suspect storm damage, get an inspection within 30 days and file promptly.
Signs Your Roof Has Hail Damage (Even If It Looks Fine from the Ground)
Have a professional look for these:
- Soft spots or bruising on asphalt shingles - feels spongy when pressed
- Missing granules - shows up as dark, bare patches on shingles or granule buildup in gutters
- Cracked or split shingles - often at impact points
- Dented metal flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights
- Damaged gutters and downspouts - hail almost always hits these and leaves clear evidence
Call ACE Restoration Pros After Any Storm
If a hail storm has hit your neighborhood in Huntersville, Mooresville, Cornelius, Davidson, or Charlotte - don't wait. Call ACE Restoration Pros for a free, no-obligation roof inspection. We'll tell you honestly what we find and walk you through your options.
(704) 794-7973
Schedule Online
We're local, we're licensed, and we've got your back.
ACE Restoration Pros Inc. | 8833 Arbor Creek Dr, Charlotte, NC 28269 | (704) 794-7973
Serving Huntersville, Mooresville, Charlotte, Cornelius, Davidson & the Lake Norman area
