On the evening of Tuesday, March 10, severe storms tore through the Kansas City metro, dropping hailstones up to 4 inches in diameter—roughly the size of a softball. The hardest-hit areas included Weatherby Lake, Lake Waukomis, Platte Woods, Parkville, and much of the Northland, though damage reports have come in from across Johnson County, Wyandotte County, and beyond.
If you live anywhere in the KC metro, your roof may have sustained serious damage—even if you can’t see it from the ground.
How Hail This Size Damages Your Roof
The National Weather Service confirms that hailstones as small as one inch (quarter-sized) can damage roofs, siding, and gutters. At 4 inches, the destruction is far more severe. Here’s what hail of this magnitude does to common roofing materials:
- Asphalt shingles: Hail knocks loose the protective granule layer, exposing the underlying mat to UV rays and moisture. This dramatically shortens your roof’s lifespan and leads to leaks.
- Wood shakes: Large hail splits and cracks wood shingles, creating immediate entry points for water.
- Metal roofing: Dents and punctures compromise the finish and can lead to rust and corrosion over time.
- Gutters and downspouts: Dented or crushed gutters can’t channel water properly, leading to foundation issues and basement flooding.
- Siding and windows: Cracked vinyl siding and broken window seals are common with hail over 2 inches.
The danger with hail damage is that it often doesn’t look catastrophic at first glance. Granule loss, hairline fractures, and compromised seals may go unnoticed for weeks—until a leak appears in your ceiling.
5 Steps Every KC Homeowner Should Take Now
- Document everything. Walk around your property and photograph any visible damage to your roof, siding, gutters, windows, vehicles, and outdoor furniture. Take wide shots and close-ups. This evidence is critical for your insurance claim.
- Do NOT climb on your roof. Hail-damaged shingles can be slippery and structurally weakened. Leave the inspection to professionals.
- Contact your insurance company. File your claim as soon as possible. Most homeowners policies cover hail damage, but there are deadlines. Ask about your wind/hail deductible—it may differ from your standard deductible.
- Schedule a professional roof inspection. A qualified roofing contractor can identify damage that isn’t visible from the ground, including bruised shingles, compromised flashing, and vent damage. American Commercial Roofing offers free post-storm inspections to all Kansas City homeowners.
- Be cautious of storm chasers. After every major hail event, out-of-town contractors flood the area with door-to-door pitches. These companies often lack local licensing, offer no long-term warranty, and may disappear before the job is done right. Work with a trusted local roofer.
Filing Your Insurance Claim: What to Know
Navigating a hail damage claim can be stressful, especially if you’ve never done it before. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Your wind/hail deductible may be a separate, higher amount than your standard deductible. Check your policy.
- Ask your insurance company whether your policy covers replacement cost or only actual cash value (depreciated). This can make a significant difference in your payout.
- When the adjuster visits, have your roofing contractor present. A knowledgeable contractor can point out damage the adjuster might miss and ensure a fair assessment.
- Keep records of all communication with your insurance company, including dates, names, and claim numbers.
Why Choose American Commercial Roofing
American Commercial Roofing is a locally owned Kansas roofing company with deep experience in hail and storm damage restoration. We’ve helped hundreds of KC families get back to normal after severe weather—and we’re ready to help you too.
- Free, no-obligation roof inspections
- We work directly with your insurance company
- Licensed, bonded, and insured in Missouri and Kansas
- Industry-leading warranties on materials and workmanship
- Local team—we live and work in the Kansas City area