⚠️ Storm Damage Alert — Chicago NW Suburbs Large hail and damaging winds were reported across the northwest suburbs in April 2026. If your home was in the affected area, your roof may have damage you can't see from the ground — and insurance claim deadlines may apply.

April 2026 Hail Storm: What Des Plaines, Schaumburg & Arlington Heights Homeowners Need to Know

📅 Published April 16, 2026 ✍️ StormLead Editorial Team 📍 Chicago NW Suburbs, IL ⏱️ 5 min read

April 2026 brought severe storm activity to Chicago's northwest suburbs, with large hail and damaging winds impacting communities including Des Plaines, Schaumburg, Arlington Heights, Palatine, Elk Grove Village, and surrounding areas.

If your home was in the affected area, there's a high probability your roof sustained damage — even if it isn't obvious from the ground. Here's everything you need to know.

What the Storm Brought

The April storms that moved through the Chicago northwest suburbs were part of a broader severe weather system tracking across the Midwest. These events produced:

Large hail — capable of denting gutters, cracking shingles, and damaging flashing
Damaging wind gusts — strong enough to lift shingles, damage ridge caps, and deposit debris on roofs
Heavy rainfall — which can expose and worsen pre-existing vulnerabilities

Area	Risk Level	Common Damage Type
Des Plaines	🔴 High	Hail impact, shingle bruising
Schaumburg	🔴 High	Hail dents, gutter damage
Arlington Heights	🔴 High	Wind-lifted shingles, ridge damage
Palatine	🟡 Moderate-High	Shingle displacement, soffit damage
Elk Grove Village	🟡 Moderate-High	Hail bruising, flashing damage
Mount Prospect	🟡 Moderate	Mixed hail and wind damage

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Why You Can't Always See Roof Damage from the Ground

This is the part most homeowners miss. Hail damage to asphalt shingles often looks like small dark spots or bruising — visible only from on top of the roof or through a close-up inspection. From the street, your roof can look completely fine while hiding:

Granule loss — hail knocks the protective granule coating off shingles, accelerating aging
Soft spots and bruising — the fiberglass mat beneath shingles can crack without breaking the surface
Damaged flashing — around chimneys, vents, and skylights where leaks develop first
Ridge cap damage — exposed ridge caps are among the first casualties of hail and wind
Gutter and downspout dents — a reliable indicator of hail size and impact intensity

✅ Pro Tip: Check your gutters and downspouts first. If you see dents or dings from the outside, hail almost certainly impacted your roof too. This is often the easiest way to confirm storm exposure without climbing up yourself.

Does Your Homeowner's Insurance Cover This?

In most cases, yes — storm damage from hail and wind is a covered peril under standard homeowner's insurance policies in Illinois. However, there are important nuances:

Actual Cash Value vs. Replacement Cost Value — older policies may pay depreciated value; newer policies often cover full replacement cost
Deductibles — hail damage deductibles are sometimes separate from your standard deductible (check your policy declarations page)
Filing deadlines — Illinois homeowners typically have 1–2 years to file a storm damage claim, but the sooner you document it the stronger your claim
Pre-existing damage — insurers will look for maintenance issues that existed before the storm; getting an inspection now creates a clear record

⚠️ Important: Many insurance policies have specific deadlines for reporting storm damage — some as short as 12 months from the date of the storm. Waiting too long can result in a denied claim, even for legitimate damage. Don't delay your inspection.

What to Do Right Now — Step by Step

Request a free inspection today — a licensed contractor will document all damage professionally
Do NOT make temporary repairs before the inspection — except emergency tarping to prevent further water damage. DIY repairs can complicate your insurance claim
Document what you can safely see — photos of gutters, downspouts, and any visible exterior damage
Locate your homeowner's insurance policy — find your declarations page and note your deductible and coverage type
Let your contractor guide the claim process — experienced storm damage roofers know exactly what insurers look for and how to document it

Ready? Request Your Free Inspection Now

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a roof inspection take?

A thorough storm damage inspection typically takes 30–60 minutes. The contractor will inspect the roof surface, flashing, gutters, and any interior signs of water intrusion.

Will the inspection damage my roof?

No. A professional inspection is non-invasive. The contractor walks the roof and visually inspects all areas — no drilling, cutting, or removal of materials.

What if the contractor finds damage — am I obligated to use them for repairs?

Absolutely not. The inspection is free and carries zero obligation. You're welcome to get multiple bids for the repair work itself.

How soon can I get an inspection?

Through StormLead, a contractor typically contacts you within 1 business day. Storm season is busy — the earlier you request, the better.

What if I don't have insurance?

The inspection is still free. The contractor will provide a written estimate for out-of-pocket repair costs. Many homeowners are surprised to find their policy covers storm damage they didn't know existed.

About StormLead

StormLead is a free contractor referral service operated by Valles Global, LLC in Illinois. We connect homeowners who have experienced storm damage with one licensed, vetted local roofing contractor — at no cost to the homeowner. We are not a roofing contractor and do not perform inspections or repairs. Always verify contractor credentials independently.