What to Do After Hail Damages Your Roof: A Texas Guide

Spring storms in Texas can drop hail big enough to crack shingles, dent gutters and break skylights in minutes. What you do in the first few days after the storm makes a big difference to your repair and your insurance claim.

1. Stay safe and check from the ground

Do not climb on the roof. Walk around the house and look for:

• Dents in gutters, downspouts, vents and metal flashing
• Shingle pieces or a lot of granules in the yard or at downspout outlets
• Dented siding, window screens or the AC unit
• Leaks or new stains on ceilings and in the attic

Dents on soft metal are a good sign the roof took hits too, even if you cannot see it from the ground.

2. Document everything

• Photos and video of all damage, with the date.
• Photos of hailstones next to a coin or ruler if you can.
• Notes of the storm date and time.

3. Prevent more damage

If water is coming in, have a roofer put on a temporary tarp and keep the receipt. Most policies expect you to take reasonable steps to stop further damage.

4. Call your insurer

Report the claim promptly; policies have time limits. Ask about your deductible (many Texas policies have a separate wind and hail deductible, often a percentage of the home's value) and whether your roof is covered at replacement cost or actual cash value.

5. Get a roof inspection and estimates

Ask a local roofer to inspect and photograph the damage, ideally before or at the same time as the adjuster's visit. A roofer who knows hail damage can point out things an adjuster might miss.

Watch out for storm chasers

After big hail storms, out of town crews knock on doors across the area. Texas does not have a statewide roofing license, so checking a roofer takes a little more work:

• Choose a company with a local address and a long local track record.
• Check reviews and ask for references from past hail jobs.
• Ask for proof of insurance.
• Get a written contract with scope, materials and price.
• Never accept an offer to "cover your deductible". In Texas, contractors are not allowed to waive or pay your insurance deductible, and you are responsible for paying it.

Frequently asked questions

Can hail damage be hidden?

Yes. Hail can crack the mat under a shingle or knock off granules without obvious holes. Leaks may show up months later, which is why a prompt inspection matters.

Will my rates go up if I file a hail claim?

It depends on your insurer and history. Weather claims are treated differently from other claims by many insurers. Ask your agent.

Post your roof repair job with photos and compare bids from local roofers, or find a roofer with reviews near you.