Birmingham Hail Damage: How to Know If Your Roof Was Hit in February 2026

The severe thunderstorm that swept through central Alabama on February 25, 2026 dropped significant hail across the Birmingham metro area. Homeowners in Hoover, Vestavia Hills, Trussville, Mountain Brook, and Homewood are now dealing with the aftermath.

If you live anywhere in the Birmingham metro, your roof may have sustained damage you cannot see from the ground.

Where Did the Hail Hit Hardest?

NOAA radar data confirms large hail events across Jefferson and Shelby counties during the February 25 storm. The hardest hit areas include:

Hoover and Vestavia Hills — Reports of 1.5 to 1.75 inch hail (golf ball size)

Mountain Brook and Homewood — Significant hail reported along Highway 280 corridor

Trussville and Clay — Eastern Jefferson County saw damaging hail from the same storm cell

Pelham and Helena — Southern suburbs caught the trailing edge of the storm

Hail at 1.5 inches or larger almost always causes roof damage. Even 1 inch hail (quarter size) can crack shingles, dent gutters, and compromise your roof's integrity.

How to Check Your Roof After the Storm

From the Ground

Walk around your property and look for these signs:

Dented gutters or downspouts — soft aluminum shows hail impact clearly

Damaged window screens — small tears or dents indicate hail hit your home

Dings on outdoor AC units, mailboxes, or cars — if hail hit these, it hit your roof too

Cracked or missing siding pieces — especially on the side facing the storm direction

On the Roof (Hire a Professional)

Do not climb on your roof to inspect. A qualified roofing contractor will look for:

Bruised or cracked shingles — hail creates dark circular marks where granules are knocked loose

Exposed fiberglass mat — where granules are completely removed, the black underlayer shows through

Cracked ridge caps — the peaked shingles along the roof ridge are especially vulnerable

Damaged flashing — dented or displaced metal around vents, chimneys, and skylights

Check Your Address for Free

Before calling a roofer, check your hail history. Hailscore maintains 3.5 million+ real NOAA radar hail records across all 50 states. Enter your Birmingham address and see every documented hail event near your property over the past 10 years, including the February 2026 storm.

Your score tells you how much cumulative hail exposure your roof has absorbed. A high score means your roof has taken repeated hits and may be nearing the end of its effective life, even if it looks fine from the street.

Filing an Insurance Claim

If your roof was damaged, here is the process:

Document everything. Take photos of any visible damage to gutters, siding, windows, and cars. Save them with dates.

Check your hail history. Use myhailscore.com to get a data-backed record of what storms hit your property.

Contact your insurance company. Report the damage and reference the February 25, 2026 storm date.

Get a professional inspection. Have a licensed roofing contractor inspect your roof before the adjuster visit. Their documentation strengthens your claim.

Do not sign anything with a contractor until your insurance claim is filed and you understand your coverage.

Time Limits Matter

Alabama does not have a specific statute limiting when you can file a hail damage claim, but most insurance policies require you to report damage promptly or within a reasonable time. Waiting months reduces your chances of approval. The sooner you document and report, the stronger your position.

What Birmingham Homeowners Should Do This Week

If you live in the Birmingham metro area:

Check your address at myhailscore.com

Walk your property and photograph any visible damage

Call your insurance company if you see damage or if your Hailscore is High or Very High

Schedule a roof inspection with a licensed, insured contractor

The February 25 storm was significant. Do not assume your roof is fine just because you do not see missing shingles. Hail damage is often invisible from the ground but still voids your roof's warranty and shortens its lifespan.

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Hailscore tracks 3.5 million+ real NOAA radar hail events across all 50 US states. Check any address for free at myhailscore.com.