Kansas City gets hail most years, mostly in spring and summer. Before storm season: get a roof inspection, review your insurance deductible, trim overhanging trees, and clean your gutters. After a storm: document damage with photos, report it to your insurer promptly if you plan to claim, and schedule a professional inspection before authorizing any repair work.
How much damage hail does depends on the size of the stones, the wind behind them, and the age and type of the roof and siding. Small hail can knock granules off older shingles; larger hail can crack shingles, dent gutters and siding, and break windows.
How to Prepare Your Home for Kansas City Hail Season in 2026
Most of Kansas City's hail falls in spring and summer, and some storms produce very large stones. Preparing your home before storms hit can reduce damage and make the recovery process faster.
Before Hail Season: Prevention Steps
Schedule a Roof Inspection
The single most important thing you can do before hail season is get a professional roof inspection. An inspector can identify:
- Missing, cracked, or curling shingles that are vulnerable to storm damage
- Exposed nail heads or lifted flashing
- Deteriorated sealant around vents, chimneys, and skylights
- Gutter damage or improper drainage that could worsen during a storm
Addressing these issues before a storm prevents small problems from becoming major damage. At Tucci Roofing Co., estimates are free for KC-area homeowners.
Check Your Insurance Coverage
Review your homeowner's insurance policy before storm season:
- Know your deductible amount (it may have changed at renewal)
- Understand whether you have ACV (Actual Cash Value) or RCV (Replacement Cost Value) coverage
- Check if your policy has a separate wind/hail deductible
- Document your roof's current condition with dated photos
Knowing this ahead of time makes things easier if damage occurs.
Trim Trees and Secure Outdoor Items
- Cut back branches that overhang your roof — wind can drive them into shingles
- Remove dead or weakened trees that could fall during storms
- Secure patio furniture, trash cans, and outdoor equipment
- Store vehicles in the garage when storms are forecasted
Inspect and Clean Gutters
Clear gutters and downspouts so water drains properly during heavy rain that accompanies hail. Clogged gutters cause water to back up under shingles, creating leaks. Consider installing gutter guards to reduce maintenance and prevent blockages during storms.
During a Hail Storm
- Stay indoors. Large hail can cause serious injury.
- Move vehicles to covered parking if you have time before the storm arrives.
- Close blinds and curtains near windows to protect against broken glass.
- Document the storm from inside if possible — video of hail size and duration is a useful record.
After a Hail Storm: Damage Assessment
What to Check First
Walk your property after the storm passes and look for:
Roof (from ground level — do not climb on a damaged roof):
- Dents or dark spots on shingles
- Missing shingles or shingle fragments in the yard
- Damaged or dented ridge caps
- Cracked or broken skylights
Siding:
- Dents, cracks, or holes in vinyl, aluminum, or fiber cement siding
- Chipped or cracked paint revealing bare material beneath
- Loose or shifted panels
Gutters and Downspouts:
- Dents along the length of gutters
- Crushed or bent downspout sections
- Gutter seams pulled apart or sagging
Other areas:
- Damaged window screens or frames
- Dents in air conditioning units
- Damage to fences, decks, or outdoor structures
Document Everything
Take photos and video of all visible damage. Include:
- Wide shots showing the overall area
- Close-ups of specific damage points
- Photos of hail stones next to a ruler or coin for size reference
- Date and time stamps (your phone does this automatically)
This gives you your own record if you file an insurance claim.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Report the damage promptly. Check your policy, or ask your insurer, for how long you have. Your insurer may send an adjuster to look at the damage. You file the claim and deal with your insurer.
Get a Professional Inspection
Contact a local roofing contractor for a thorough inspection. A professional can identify damage that is not visible from the ground, including:
- Granule loss on shingles (indicates impact damage even without visible cracks)
- Bruised shingles that will fail prematurely
- Compromised flashing or underlayment
- Damage patterns that show what hit the roof
At Tucci Roofing Co., we document the damage with photos and a written report you can give your insurer. Call 816-589-8629 for a free estimate.
After a hail storm, read our hail damage repair guide or learn how a roof insurance claim works. Get a free estimate — call 816-589-8629.