Storm Season in Southwest Virginia: How to Spot Wind & Hail Damage and When to Call Your Insurance

Weather Map of Service area from ABC 13.

At Mason Company Roofing, we help homeowners throughout Smith Mountain Lake, Roanoke, and Lynchburg identify storm damage early, prevent further problems, and navigate the insurance process when necessary.

If your home was in the path of today's storms, here is what you should know.

How Wind Can Damage Your Roof

High winds can lift and loosen shingles, especially on roofs that are older or already nearing the end of their lifespan.

Common signs of wind damage include:

• Missing shingles• Creased or lifted shingles• Loose ridge caps• Exposed nails or flashing• Shingles found in your yard after the storm

Even if shingles are not completely blown off, wind can break the seal that keeps them attached, which allows water to work underneath the roofing system over time.

This kind of damage often goes unnoticed until leaks begin appearing inside the home.

What Hail Damage Looks Like

Hail damage can be harder for homeowners to identify from the ground.

Typical signs of hail damage include:

• Small circular impact marks on shingles

• Loss of granules on asphalt shingles

• Soft spots where hail struck the shingle surface

• Damage to gutters, downspouts, or metal roof components

• Dents in roof vents, flashing, or gutter systems

When granules are knocked loose from shingles, the roof loses an important layer of protection against UV rays and water penetration.

Over time, this can dramatically shorten the lifespan of your roof.

When Should You Call Your Insurance Company?

Not every storm requires an insurance claim. However, you should consider contacting your insurance provider if:

• You notice missing shingles or visible roof damage

• There are water stains or leaks inside your home

• Neighbors are reporting hail damage claims

• You see dented gutters, flashing, or vents

• Your roof is already older and storms may have accelerated damage

Before filing a claim, many homeowners choose to schedule a professional roof inspection to confirm whether damage exists.

This helps prevent unnecessary claims while also ensuring legitimate storm damage is properly documented.

How Mason Company Roofing Can Help

After severe weather, our team provides professional storm damage inspections to help homeowners understand the condition of their roof.

Our process includes:

• Full roof inspection

• Photo documentation of any damage

• Honest assessment of repair vs replacement needs

• Assistance with insurance documentation if a claim is appropriate

If an insurance claim is approved, we can work directly with homeowners to ensure the roof is replaced or repaired according to manufacturer specifications and local code.

Our goal is simple: make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible for homeowners.

Schedule a Storm Damage Inspection

If your home experienced strong winds or hail today, it may be worth having a professional inspection performed.

Catching damage early can prevent leaks, structural damage, and costly repairs down the road.

Mason Company Roofing proudly serves homeowners across:

Smith Mountain Lake, Roanoke, Lynchburg, Bedford County and surrounding communities

If you would like us to take a look at your roof, reach out today to schedule an inspection.