Hailstorms usually hit Wisconsin hard from April to September. Knowing what to expect and how to respond will help you feel prepared come hail season.

In episode 15 of Under Construction: Renovating a Home, Redeeming an Industry, Erik and Tanya break down the truth about hail damage and the current climate of roofing and insurance work. Whether you have already been approached by a roofing company or are just trying to understand what real hail damage is and what is not, this guide brings clarity straight from the Big Fish team.

It is easy to assume that hail automatically means something is broken. The noise alone makes it feel like shingles, siding, and gutters are being torn apart. But hail varies widely in both size and density.

Two key factors determine damage:

• Size – Smaller-sized hail is less likely to cause damage than larger, golf-ball-sized hail.
• Density – Soft hail has a snow cone texture and may not damage anything. Dense cold hail behaves like ice balls and can fracture shingles.

Because every storm is different, the first step is simply determining whether the hail was severe enough to create actual damage.

Hail damage is not always obvious to a homeowner. Older shingles naturally blister and pit over time, and these marks can look similar to hail hits. True hail damage has a very specific pattern.

Signs of genuine hail impact include:

• Granular loss in a circular pattern
• A visible spot where the shingle mat has fractured
• Premature aging as UV rays penetrate the damaged area over time

In severe storms, hail can punch straight through shingles, but this is rare. Most damage is subtle and requires a trained eye to differentiate from normal wear.

Roofing experts also inspect soft metals around the home because they show damage more clearly. These include:

• Gutters
• Downspouts
• Vent caps
• Pipe flashings
• Furnace and water heater vents

If soft metals are dented, it provides clues about what the roof likely experienced.

If you suspect hail damage, you have two options:

• Call your insurance company – They will send an adjuster to evaluate the roof.
• Call a local roofing contractor – A reputable roofer can tell you whether the damage is legitimate before you start a claim.

Erik recommends finding a contractor who is established in your community and truly understands hail inspections. Not every roofer has experience distinguishing between storm damage and general aging.

After a hail storm, many homeowners notice a flood of roofing trucks driving through their neighborhood. These are often storm chasers. They follow hailstorms across the country and set up short-term operations in newly impacted cities.

Important things to know:

• Storm chasers often tell every homeowner they have damage, even without inspecting the roof.
• Some companies are owned by private equity firms operating multiple brands under one umbrella.
• They stay only as long as they can find work and then move on.
• Many homeowners later report being unable to reach the company that installed their roof.

Not all storm chasers are inherently bad, but it is difficult for homeowners to know who is trustworthy until it is too late.

The most eye-opening part of this episode is the shift in how insurance claims are viewed today. Erik explains that older generations rarely filed claims and took pride in never using their homeowners’ insurance.

Today, the mindset is different. Many homeowners, especially younger ones, actively wait for hail so insurance will cover a replacement.

Insurance companies are also approving more marginal damage than ever before, which has fueled the growth of storm chaser models nationwide. As a result, insurance-driven roofing has become the norm in many regions.

Erik and Tanya emphasize that being aware of this shift helps homeowners make informed decisions rather than reacting out of fear or pressure when canvassers begin knocking on doors.

Whether you choose to file a claim or not, the most important step is choosing the right contractor.

Ask questions like:

• How long have you been working in this community?
• Do you have experience with hail and insurance claims?
• What do your reviews look like?
• Do you handle the work with your own crews or subcontract to unknown teams?

Even local companies can appear overnight and disappear just as quickly. Working with a stable, established contractor ensures that if anything comes up later, such as warranty work or follow-up repairs, you will have someone to call.

After a big local hail storm, there’s a good chance you will be approached. Someone will likely knock on your door claiming there is damage. They may be right. They may not.

Big Fish Contracting’s goal is to educate homeowners before that moment arrives so you can navigate the situation confidently. If your home truly has damage, your insurance company may approve a replacement. If not, you should not be pressured into filing a claim.

If a storm recently hit your neighborhood and you want a professional opinion, the Big Fish team is here to help.

Contact Big Fish Contracting to schedule a hail inspection from a local expert who understands both roofing and insurance processes and will be here long after the storm chasers leave your area.

Further Reading on Hail Damage, Roof Repairs, and Insurance Claims

• Understanding the Insurance Claim Process After a Storm
• What to Do After a Hailstorm Damages Your Home