Hail is a recurring threat to commercial roofs in North Dakota and Minnesota, mainly from late spring through summer. The most effective documentation strategy has two parts: create a dated baseline of the roof before hail season, then document promptly and systematically after any significant storm. A baseline makes it far easier to separate new hail damage from existing wear, which helps insurance claims, contractor bids and warranty conversations. This guide covers both steps and the first 72 hours after a storm.
Hail in the northern Plains
NOAA's Storm Events Database records hail reports across Cass County, North Dakota, and Clay County, Minnesota, in most years, and the National Weather Service office in Grand Forks issues severe thunderstorm warnings that include hail size estimates. Nationally, the Insurance Information Institute reports hail among the leading causes of property insurance losses. For commercial owners, a single storm can damage roofs, rooftop units, skylights, siding, signage and vehicles across a whole area at once.
Why commercial roofs are vulnerable
- Membranes can puncture, fracture or bruise, sometimes without obvious surface signs
- Rooftop units have soft metal fins and housings that dent easily
- Skylights and vents can crack or break
- Metal flashings, copings and gutters show dents
- Older, sun-aged roofs become more brittle and more easily damaged
Some hail damage is immediately visible. Some only becomes a leak months later. Documentation helps either way.
Step 1: Build a pre-season baseline
Before hail season, typically in spring after snow melt, document:
- Overview images of every roof section
- Detail images of rooftop units, skylights, drains, flashings and edges
- Existing damage, patches and wear, clearly noted
- Exterior walls, signage and site features likely to be hit
Store it with the date. A drone roof inspection is an efficient way to capture a consistent baseline without anyone climbing.
Step 2: The first 72 hours after a storm
The timing below is a planning example, not an insurance deadline. Follow your policy's notice and mitigation requirements, and keep people away from damaged areas. Weather and airspace restrictions may delay drone flights.
Hour 0–24
- Make sure people are safe; check for active leaks inside
- Take dated interior photos of any leaks or water damage
- Note the date and time of the storm and any hail size reported locally
- Make temporary protections inside, such as buckets and tarps on contents, without going on the roof
- Notify your insurer according to your policy
Hour 24–72
- Arrange systematic documentation of the roof, rooftop equipment, walls and site, ideally compared against your baseline. See hail and storm damage documentation
- Contact a roofing contractor for assessment of findings
- Keep records of all communications, invoices and photos
Avoid sending untrained people onto a wet or damaged roof. Drone documentation reduces that need.
Working with insurers and contractors
- Insurers and adjusters make coverage and damage determinations. Dated imagery supports their review. The NAIC's consumer resources explain general claim processes.
- Roofing contractors diagnose damage and propose repairs. Clear imagery helps them prioritize.
- Be cautious of storm chasers. After widespread hail, out-of-area contractors often arrive. Verify local presence, insurance and references before signing anything.
What documentation should show
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Date and location of each image | Ties evidence to the storm |
| Overview and detail views | Shows extent and specifics |
| Comparison to baseline | Separates new damage from old |
| Rooftop equipment | Often damaged and costly |
| Collateral indicators | Dented vents, gutters or vehicles help show hail size and direction |
After repairs
Document the completed repair and update the baseline. Over time, a series of dated images becomes a full roof history, valuable for warranties, budgets and sale due diligence. Many owners add it to property condition reports.
For local service, see drone inspection in Fargo. For a comparison of inspection methods, see drone vs manual roof inspection.
Portfolio owners
Owners and managers with several buildings should prioritize after a widespread storm: document the buildings with the oldest roofs, the most rooftop equipment and any reported leaks first, then work through the rest. A pre-season baseline for every roof makes that triage faster and the claims process more orderly.
Frequently asked questions
When is hail season in North Dakota and Minnesota?
Mainly late spring through summer, though severe storms can occur outside that window.
Why should I document my roof before hail season?
A dated baseline makes it much easier to show which damage is new after a storm.
Should I go on the roof after a hailstorm?
Avoid it unless trained and equipped. Wet, damaged roofs are hazardous. Drone documentation and qualified roofers reduce the need.
Who decides whether hail damage is covered?
Your insurer and adjuster make coverage determinations under your policy.
Sources
Published · Updated · Northmark Facility Services.