Tips On Assessing Hail Damage On Your Roof

CHICAGO (CBS) -- The hail storm that damaged Garfield Park Conservatory also left its mark on homes and businesses.

But how do you know if your home has damage? CBS 2's Dorothy Tucker has some answers.

It's the damage that you can't see that you need to worry about.

What some homeowners woke up to was enough to give them a headache.

Screens facing the front of Cheryl Nelson's home were ripped. She found several 9- to 12-inch holes after Thursday night's hail storm.

And there's more damage inside Nelson's home. The skylight in the hall has a huge hole, and glass is shattered on the floor.

"To see this damage is very upsetting," she said.

Golf ball-sized hail balls pounded the city last night, damaging homes and businesses, including the Silver City factory. Twenty-three skylights were shattered by hail.

Roofer Bill Beahan, owner of Thomas Beahan & Son, Inc., says the force of hail is equivalent to 200 pounds, like hitting something with a hammer.

Bruce McCool, a Garfield Park resident, is worried his roof may be damaged.

Beahan says the concern is understandable. Hail can dent a shingle that goes all the way through.

Over time, the dents will turn into holes, causing a roof to leak. The problem is, you can't see the dents from the outside your home.

Beahan says many contractors are willing to inspect your roof and offer you a free estimate.

But to be safe, contact at least three roofers to get assessments.