Hail and Storm Damage Roof Inspection in Wichita, KS

Central Kansas is one of the most hail-prone parts of the country, and Wichita sees severe thunderstorms with large hail and damaging wind most springs and summers. After a storm, call (316) 218-1812 and we will connect you with an independent local commercial roofing contractor who can inspect your roof and document what they find. We are a referral service, not a roofing company, an insurance company or a public adjuster.

A note on insurance

Your insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurer. Coverage, deductibles, deadlines and what counts as damage vary by policy. A roofing contractor can inspect the roof, take photos and measurements, and describe the damage they see. Talk with your insurance agent or carrier about whether and how to file a claim. Be cautious of anyone who promises a free roof, offers to cover your deductible, or pressures you to sign a contract on the spot.

Signs your commercial roof took storm damage

• Single-ply membranes. Bruises, cracks or punctures, especially around seams and where the membrane sits over voids in the insulation.
• Built-up and modified bitumen. Displaced gravel, granule loss and fractures in the cap sheet.
• Metal roofs. Dents in panels, ridge caps and trim; damaged coatings.
• Rooftop equipment. Dented HVAC fins, broken skylights, damaged vents and exhaust caps.
• Edge metal and coping. Loose or lifted sections after high wind.
• Inside the building. New stains on ceiling tiles, drips, or water at walls.
• Around the property. Dented cars, gutters, downspouts, signs and AC units are clues that hail was large enough to damage a roof.

What a storm damage inspection includes

1. Ground and perimeter check. Gutters, downspouts, walls, windows and site equipment.
2. Rooftop walk. The roofer checks the membrane or panels, seams, flashings, edge metal, drains and rooftop units, marking and photographing impacts.
3. Test areas and core cuts. On some roofs, a small sample shows whether hail fractured the membrane or crushed the cover board or insulation below.
4. Interior check. Ceiling and deck underside where accessible.
5. Written findings. Photos, roof measurements, and the roofer's recommendation: no action, repair, coating, or replacement.

What it costs

Some contractors offer a basic storm inspection at no charge; others charge, especially for detailed reports, core cuts or infrared scans. Rough national-guide ranges:

Act soon after a storm

Hail damage on a flat roof is not always obvious from the ground, and a small fracture can let water soak the insulation for months before it shows up inside. Wet insulation turns a repairable roof into a replacement. Many insurance policies also have time limits for reporting damage, so check your policy and talk with your agent. Getting an inspection within days or weeks of a major storm gives you the clearest picture.

How long it takes

Most inspections take one to a few hours on site, depending on roof size. A written report often follows within a few days. After a widespread storm, local roofers get very busy, so call early.

Storm chasers and door knockers

After big hail events, out-of-town crews often arrive in Wichita. Some are legitimate; some are not. Protect yourself:

• Ask for the contractor's Kansas Attorney General roofing registration and verify it.
• Ask for a local reference and how long they plan to stay in the area for warranty work.
• Do not sign anything that assigns your insurance benefits or authorizes the contractor to act for you without reading it carefully and, if needed, talking with your agent or attorney.
• Be wary of large upfront payments.
• Make sure the contractor will pull the City of Wichita or county permit.

Wichita storm patterns

Severe weather in Sedgwick County peaks from roughly April through June but can happen any time from March into fall. Storms often bring both hail and straight-line winds, so check the roof for wind damage at edges and coping, not just hail impacts. Big flat roofs on warehouses in north Wichita and Park City, and older roofs with brittle membranes, tend to show the most damage after a strong storm.

Hiring checklist for Kansas commercial roofing

• Kansas roofing registration. Under the Kansas Roofing Registration Act, roofing contractors working in Kansas must register with the Kansas Attorney General's office. Ask for the registration number and look it up before you sign.
• Permits. The City of Wichita and Sedgwick County generally require a building permit for reroofing. Ask the contractor to pull the permit in their name and to schedule the required inspections.
• Insurance. Ask for certificates of general liability and workers' compensation insurance, sent directly from the insurance agent.
• Manufacturer warranty. If you want a manufacturer's system warranty, ask whether the contractor is approved by that manufacturer to install it, and get the warranty terms in writing.
• Written scope. The proposal should name the system, thickness, insulation, attachment method, flashing details, tear-off or recover, and cleanup.

Storm just passed? Call (316) 218-1812 to schedule an inspection with a local roofer.

Frequently asked questions

Areas we serve

We connect callers across Wichita, Derby, Andover, Park City and all of Sedgwick County, Kansas, including:

• Wichita
• Derby
• Andover
• Park City
• Bel Aire
• Maize
• Haysville
• Valley Center
• Goddard
• Mulvane
• Rose Hill
• Kechi
• Augusta
• Sedgwick County
• Butler County

Local pages: Derby, Andover, Park City.

Related services

• Commercial Roof Replacement
• TPO & Single-Ply Roofing
• Commercial Metal Roofing
• Roof Coatings & Restoration
• Commercial Roof Repair