Sitting inside during a hailstorm might keep you safe, but it can also be painful as a homeowner as you hear each piece of hail crash into your house. It's understandable if you are concerned about damage to your roof or property, but sit tight until the storm is over. When it clears, you'll want to go outside and conduct an inspection, with special attention paid to your roof. Here's how to check your roof for damage after a hail storm.

Start on the Ground

Don't grab the ladder right away. When you first go outside, walk around the entire house. You are looking at not just the house itself but the ground around it. Look for fallen branches, and, most importantly, broken shingles or anything else that might have fallen off of your roof. If you do see some significant damage, you'll have a better idea of where to begin when you do go up top.

Check for Dents

Once up top, you'll want to pay special attention to not just your shingles but also your gutter system and any roof installations like the flashing around the satellite dish. If a shingle is just plain missing, it will be obvious, but you are also looking for small dents that could create an opening or possibly redirect the flow of water as it moves off of your roof.

While you are up there looking for dents, also take a peak at the gutters for any small tree branches or debris. A clog in the wrong spot will send water directly down towards your Home's foundation, possibly causing water damage in your basement.

Check for Leaks

If you do have an obvious dent or missing shingle, chances are you also have a leak. Head into your attic with a flashlight and look up. You are looking for any tell tale signs of water damage. Sometimes it might be obvious in the form of a drip but other times you might have to look closely to see if your roof insulation looks damp.

Hire a Contractor

If you do notice any signs of trouble, you need to reach out to a contractor who offers home roof services. He or she will be able to assess the situation and make any needed repairs, including the fixing of a leak or the replacement of a lost shingle. You'll then know who to call the next time there's a major storm or you are due for regular roof maintenance.