What Hail Country Is Teaching School Districts About How Often to Inspect Roofs

Rhoden Roofing recommends that school districts should inspect school roofs in hail country at least two checks a year, plus after major storms, a lesson underscored by a costly September 2025 hailstorm.

WICHITA, Kan., Nov. 13, 2026 — A school roof can fail on a date no maintenance calendar predicted, as the September 2025 central Kansas hailstorm showed. Wichita-based Rhoden Roofing advises that school districts should inspect their roofs at least twice a year, in spring and fall, and again after major storms. The guidance lands just over a year after a storm left Wichita Public Schools with multimillion-dollar claims.

How Often Should School Districts Inspect Roofs? Hail Country Case Studies

On September 3, 2025, supercells carrying baseball-size hail crossed Salina, McPherson, parts of Wichita and Harvey County, according to the National Weather Service. In its board packet, Wichita Public Schools put damage to buildings and vehicles, plus expenses, at an estimated $5,921,458, with insurance proceeds expected to total approximately $4,333,241 after the deductible.

At Elyria Christian School in McPherson County, the storm tore off part of the roof and toppled an air-conditioning unit, causing a gas leak. Rain leaked in, leaving two classrooms and a hallway unusable, and classes were canceled for a day. It showed how quickly a damaged roof can disrupt learning.

These case studies highlight the importance of maintaining regular roof inspections to avoid catastrophic damage during severe weather. Experts at Rhoden Roofing's call for school districts to inspect school roofs at least twice a year and after major storms. The roofing company notes that many manufacturer warranties require twice-yearly inspections.

A three-part schedule fits the Kansas weather pattern. Spring inspections ahead of hail season can turn up winter wear, while repairs are still easy to schedule. Fall inspections after summer storms put the roof's condition on record before cold weather, and prompt inspections after a major hail or windstorm can catch small damage before the next rain turns it into leaks.

How Can Districts Protect Students From Roof Failures?

Rhoden Roofing advises that districts can reduce risk to students by conducting inspections on a schedule and maintaining usable records. Maintenance and evacuation plans must survive personnel changes.

Ron Barry, Director of K-12 Strategic Development at Rhoden Roofing, was the principal of Halstead Middle School and superintendent of Halstead schools for seven years, with experience in 25-year capital planning and major bond initiatives. Barry's experience in schools and close connection to Kansas superintendents and facility managers shaped the company's approach to schools' unique needs.

In a Rhoden Roofing school assessment, a service specialist photographs conditions on each roof section and reviews findings with the district, treating repair, deferral or budgeting as valid outcomes. Storms do not follow the school calendar, and inspection schedules should account for that.

Frequently Asked Questions About School Roof Inspections

These questions cover common concerns about school roof inspection schedules.

How often should a school district inspect school roofs?

Rhoden Roofing recommends that a district schedule inspections at least twice a year, in spring and fall, and after major storms.

Does a school roof need an inspection after a major hailstorm?

According to Rhoden Roofing, yes. The company documents its findings in a record accessible to the district and offers insurance documentation and claims assistance.

Media Contact

Shane Jones, Rhoden Roofing, 1 (717) 928-0683, [email protected], https://rhodenroofing.com/

SOURCE Rhoden Roofing