Spring Storm Season Prompts Roof Inspection Advisory for Indiana Homeowners

With spring storms already producing hail and high winds across southern Indiana this month, roofing professionals are urging homeowners to inspect their roofs before the severe weather season intensifies. Water damage and freezing account for nearly 30 percent of all homeowners insurance claims nationwide, according to data cited by Mercury Insurance in an April 2026 advisory, making roof maintenance one of the most effective steps homeowners can take to protect their properties.

Matt Hunsucker, owner of Urban Shield Roofing in Bloomington, said the weeks between late April and early June represent a critical window for Indiana homeowners.

‘Winter takes a toll on every roof, whether you can see it or not,’ Hunsucker said. ‘Ice dams, freeze-thaw cycles, and heavy snow loads can loosen shingles, crack flashing, and create entry points for water. If those issues aren’t caught before spring storms hit, a minor problem can turn into a major repair.’

Indiana experienced multiple severe weather events in early 2026. The National Weather Service reported that storms on March 10 and 11 produced hail reports exceeding two inches in diameter across portions of the state, and additional severe thunderstorms with damaging winds and flooding moved through the region in early April. These events underscore that the state’s storm season is already underway.

The freeze-thaw cycle common in Indiana’s climate is particularly damaging to roofing systems. When water seeps into small cracks in shingles or around flashing during the day, it freezes overnight and expands, widening those gaps. Over the course of a winter, this process can loosen shingles, break the seal on asphalt tabs, and compromise the waterproof barrier beneath the roofing material.

By the time spring rains arrive, the roof may have dozens of small vulnerabilities that are invisible from the ground. A professional inspection can identify these issues before they lead to interior water damage, mold growth, or structural deterioration.

The financial case for early inspection is significant. In 2024, State Farm reported paying over $3.8 billion in home repairs for hail damage claims alone, according to data compiled by This Old House citing the State Farm newsroom. While not every homeowner will face a claim of that magnitude, the average water damage claim can exceed $10,000 — a figure that often dwarfs the cost of a preventive inspection and minor repair.

Hunsucker noted that most issues identified during a spring inspection are relatively straightforward to address. ‘We’re usually talking about replacing a few shingles, resealing flashing around a chimney, or clearing gutters that backed up over the winter,’ Hunsucker said. ‘Those are simple fixes. But if you wait until water is coming through your ceiling, you’re looking at drywall repair, potential mold remediation, and a much bigger bill.’

While a professional inspection provides the most thorough assessment, homeowners can perform a basic visual check from the ground to identify potential concerns. Signs that warrant a professional evaluation include missing, cracked, or curling shingles visible from ground level; granule accumulation in gutters or at the base of downspouts, which indicates shingle deterioration; sagging or uneven sections along the roofline; and water stains on interior ceilings or walls, particularly in upper-floor rooms.

Homeowners should also check for daylight visible through attic roof boards and examine flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights for separation or corrosion. Hunsucker recommends inspecting gutters and downspouts for blockages as well. Clogged drainage systems can force water back under roofing materials during heavy rain, accelerating damage to the deck and underlayment.

For homeowners whose inspections reveal the need for roof replacement in Bloomington, material selection plays an important role in long-term durability. Asphalt shingles remain the most common residential roofing material in the Midwest, with modern architectural shingles offering improved wind resistance and longer lifespans compared to three-tab varieties. Atlas shingles, for example, are engineered with a polymer-modified asphalt formula that provides enhanced flexibility in cold temperatures and improved resistance to thermal cracking — a significant consideration in Indiana’s climate, where winter temperatures routinely drop below freezing. Metal roofing systems have also gained traction in the region. According to industry experts cited by This Old House, new construction is trending away from asphalt shingles and toward metal roofing due to its resistance to severe weather, fire, and overall durability, with metal roofs lasting 40 to 70 years compared to 20 to 30 years for standard asphalt.

Roofing contractors across the Midwest typically see their busiest periods between May and September, when storm damage claims peak and homeowners compete for available crews. Scheduling an inspection in late April or early May gives homeowners the advantage of shorter wait times and more flexibility in scheduling any necessary repairs.

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