Tucson and Oro Valley were surprised by a hail storm on November 19, just as many homeowners were starting to pull out their holiday lights. While people are used to sudden weather changes in southern Arizona, hail like this can be rare, and it happened right when folks were focused on festive decorating. It’s hard to switch straight back into decorating mode when you don’t know whether your roof took a hit. If you’re getting ready to hang Christmas lights, this moment offers the perfect opportunity to check for hail damage while you’re already outside setting up ladders and looking at your roof.
A quick check today can prevent leaks, electrical problems, and unsafe decorating situations later. Hail damage isn’t always obvious, as it can start as a small spot and grow quietly into a much bigger issue, like a leaky ceiling or a short in your outdoor wiring. Even small dents or cracks from hail can grow into expensive repairs if they’re not caught early. This doesn’t have to be complicated or cost you a lot of time. Most of what you need to look for can be done safely from the ground, with a few extra tips for getting a closer view if you’re careful and prepared.
What to Look For After the Hail Storm
After the storm passes and before you haul out your decorations, take a few minutes to look over your roof. Spotting hail damage now helps you protect not just your house, but also your holiday lights, cords, and even your family’s safety.
Tile roofs are very common in Tucson and Oro Valley. Their curved shapes are good for the hot desert, and tiles can last for many years. But hail can damage them in subtle ways, and you might not discover problems until the next heavy rain. Look for:
- Cracked or chipped tiles. Hail can hit hard enough to break tiles, sometimes just at the edges or in the middle.
- Tiles that have shifted out of place. Even if nothing is broken, hail can knock tiles loose or unhook them, making room for water to sneak underneath.
- Impact marks or round dents. You may see round “bruises” where hailstones hit, especially after a big storm.
- Bent or dented flashing around chimneys, vents, and edges. Flashing is the thin metal that seals up edges. If you see dents or waving metal, take it seriously.
Even small cracks can allow water into the underlayment, leading to leaks after the next rain. Water that gets trapped below the surface does more than just cause leaks, as it can create mold, weaken your roof, and cause costly surprises down the road.
Flat Roofs
Flat roofs are also very popular on Tucson homes and businesses. These use special waterproof materials like foam, rubber, or tar-and-gravel systems. While flat roofs are sturdy, hail can bruise and dent them.
Check for:
- Dents or soft spots. Press gently with a broom handle (not your foot), as a soft spot could signal hidden damage.
- Blistering or torn surface areas. Hail can make small holes or peel away the top layer.
- Ponding water that wasn’t there before. If rains create puddles that don’t go away, the roof may be uneven because of hail damage.
- Debris blocking scuppers or drains. Clear these so water doesn’t pool.
- Dents around roof edges or metal components. Sometimes you’ll see dings on the metal at the edge of the roof.
Flat roofs can hide damage beneath the surface, so anything that looks unusual deserves a closer look by a professional.
Shingled Roofs
While less common in Oro Valley and Tucson, some homes do have shingle sections or full shingled roofs, especially in newer neighborhoods or remodeled homes. Hail can damage shingles in ways you might not see at first glance.
Watch for:
- Missing or cracked shingles. Look for odd-looking rows or gaps in the pattern.
- Dark “bruised” spots where hail hit. These areas lose granules, the gritty top layer that protects shingles from sunlight.
- Granules collecting in gutters or at the base of downspouts. If you spot muddy, sandy bits at ground level or in gutters, it’s a sign the shingles are deteriorating.
- Dents in metal edging or gutters. Check all metalwork, as some damage is easiest to see here.
Granule loss is especially important. It means the protective coating has been knocked off and the shingle may fail faster, exposing your home to sun, rain, and more hail damage in the future.
How to Check Safely Before Hanging Lights
Most hail damage can be seen without climbing directly onto the roof. Make safety your top priority, especially right after a storm when surfaces may be slippery or loose.
- Walk your property and scan the roof using binoculars or a drone, if you have one.
- Inspect gutters and downspouts for dents, cracks, granules or tile fragments.
- Look closely at the roof surface from a ladder or upstairs window. Never step on the roof if you see damage or moisture, and be sure the ladder is placed on solid, dry ground.
- Check inside your home for new stains on ceilings or walls. If your home has an attic, look for damp insulation, musty smells, sagging spots, or light shining through roof joints.
- Be careful around electrical connections for your lights or extension cords. Water and electricity don’t mix!
If you see anything unusual, do not continue hanging lights. Damaged areas may not support your weight or the pressure of clips and decorations.
What to Do If You See Damage
If you spot anything that even looks like damage, avoid stepping onto the roof, especially if it is wet, slick, or visibly compromised. Hold off on hanging holiday lights until the area has been properly inspected. Instead, take photos from the ground to document what you noticed, date them with your phone, and then call a qualified roofing professional who can assess the situation and explain your repair options clearly.
If you are unsure what you’re seeing or simply don’t feel safe climbing a ladder, Commercial Cleaning and Restoration is available to help. Our team is trained to identify hail damage on tile, flat, and shingled roofs, even when the signs are subtle. We can take photos for insurance, offer repair guidance, and make the whole process easier to manage. We know how important your home and peace of mind are, especially during the holidays. Don’t risk your safety; let our experts handle the tough spots and ensure all repairs or claims go smoothly.
Protecting Your Roof and Holiday Decorations
A damaged roof doesn’t just threaten the structure of your home. It can also create moisture issues that ruin holiday lights, inflatables, or electrical cords. Loose tiles, soft spots, or cracked shingles can make it unsafe to attach clips or walk along roof edges. If you hang lights without checking, you could end up plugging them in just as water finds its way inside, risking electrical shorts or tripped breakers, which is never a good addition to a holiday celebration!
Before decorating:
- Use strong plastic light clips instead of nails or staples; never punch new holes.
- Spread out light strings to avoid pressure on one spot.
- Double-check any area where water might be trying to enter, like around skylights or chimneys.
- Make quick, visual roof checks a routine after every big storm.
With a little extra care before you decorate, you’ll keep your home safe, your roof protected, and your holiday plans on track.
Enjoy a Safe and Bright Holiday Season
The recent hail storm may have added an unexpected twist to the holidays, but with a simple inspection and a little extra care, you can decorate confidently and protect your home at the same time. Checking for hail damage now helps you avoid leaks, electrical problems, and surprise repairs later. It only takes a few extra minutes, but it can save you a lot of trouble!
For roof inspections or storm-related cleanup, call Commercial Cleaning and Restoration anytime. Our experts work night and day to keep Tucson and Oro Valley homes safe, no matter what the weather brings. With your roof secure and your home protected, your holiday lights can shine even brighter. Happy Holidays!
If you’re dealing with roof damage from the recent hail storm, we can help!
Remember, Commercial Cleaning and Restoration is available 24/7 to respond with emergency services, guide you through insurance requirements, and restore your home as quickly as possible.
📞 Call our emergency number at (520) 391-4615 to get immediate help—so you can put the focus back where it belongs: enjoying the holidays, not worrying about water damage.
Emergency Cleanup • Emergency Board Ups • Water Extraction
Restoration • Repair • Carpet / Rug / Upholstery Cleaning
At Commercial Cleaning & Restoration (License ROC #338422), we want the best for you and your home and we will work to prove it to you.
We also provide carpet and area rug cleaning, tile and grout cleaning,
upholstery cleaning, and carpet repair.
CALL US TODAY TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT
RELATED ARTICLES
