What to Do After Hail Damage in Houston, TX

The Houston metro area is one of the most hail-prone regions in the United States. A storm that drops quarter-size hail across Harris County can damage thousands of roofs in a single afternoon — and the aftermath is where most homeowners make costly mistakes.

This guide walks you through what to do after hail damage in Houston, TX — from the moment the storm passes to the day your roof is repaired or replaced.

1. Wait for the Storm to Pass — Then Do a Safe Walk-Around

Don't go on your roof during or immediately after a hail storm. Wait until the weather clears and it's safe to walk outside. Then do a ground-level inspection:

• Check your vehicles — dents on cars confirm hail size and that the storm actually hit your property (critical for insurance)
• Look at AC condenser units — fins bent or dented = hail hit hard enough to damage roofing
• Inspect gutters and downspouts — dings and dents are easy to photograph and document
• Check window screens, wood trim, and fencing — hail marks on soft surfaces document storm intensity
• Look for granules in gutters — if your downspouts are draining dark, sandy material, your shingles took a hit

Houston-specific tip: In Houston's humidity, damaged shingles absorb moisture within days. Don't delay your inspection — what looks like surface damage can become interior water damage within weeks.

2. Document Everything Before Touching Anything

Your documentation is your evidence. Before making any repairs — even temporary ones — photograph and video everything:

• Date and timestamp every photo (your phone does this automatically)
• Photograph damage from multiple angles — close-up and wide shot
• Include street-level context shots showing your address
• Record video walking the perimeter
• Screenshot the NWS storm report for your zip code at weather.gov — this officially documents the storm date and intensity

Save everything to cloud storage (Google Photos, iCloud) immediately. Insurance adjusters have seen claims where all photos were on a lost or damaged phone.

3. Make Temporary Repairs — But Keep All Receipts

If your roof has an active leak, you're expected to prevent additional damage. Tarp the affected area or cover broken windows. Your insurance policy covers "reasonable temporary repairs" — but only if you document them properly:

• Keep all receipts for materials (tarps, boards, sealant)
• Take photos before and after the temporary repair
• Do not make permanent repairs before the adjuster inspects — this can void your coverage

If a contractor tries to immediately tear off your roof before your claim is approved, decline. You need the adjuster to see the original damage.

4. File Your Insurance Claim — Promptly

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible after documenting the damage. Most Texas policies require claims to be filed within 1 year of the storm, but filing quickly matters for several reasons:

• After major Houston storms, adjusters are booked weeks out — earlier claims get earlier inspections
• Contractors in Houston fill up fast after widespread hail events
• Waiting allows secondary damage (moisture, mold) that can complicate your claim

When you call, have ready: your policy number, the storm date, a description of visible damage, and your documentation photos.

Write down your claim number and the adjuster's name and contact info. Texas law requires your insurer to acknowledge your claim within 15 days and decide within 15 business days of receiving all documentation.

5. Get an Independent Roof Inspection Before the Adjuster Visits

Request an inspection from a licensed Houston roofer before — or immediately after — the insurance adjuster visits. Here's why this matters:

• Adjusters work for the insurance company. An independent roofer works for you.
• A written contractor assessment gives you a comparison baseline if the adjuster's estimate seems low
• Licensed contractors often identify damage adjusters miss — especially on complex rooflines or behind attic insulation

Houston scam warning: After major storms, unlicensed contractors flood Houston neighborhoods. Verify any roofer's Texas license at tdlr.texas.gov before signing anything.

6. Review the Adjuster's Estimate — Don't Just Accept It

When you receive the insurance estimate, compare it to your contractor's assessment. If there's a significant gap:

• Request a re-inspection and bring the contractor's written report
• Ask the adjuster to explain any line items you don't understand
• Ask if your policy includes code upgrade coverage — Houston building codes may require upgrades when replacing a roof
• If the dispute is significant, consider a licensed public adjuster — they negotiate on your behalf for a percentage of the final settlement

Check your policy for the appraisal clause — most Texas policies include a dispute resolution process if you and your insurer can't agree on the damage amount.

7. Choose Your Contractor — Carefully

Once your claim is approved, select your contractor. In Houston, this step requires extra care:

• Verify Texas license — tdlr.texas.gov
• Check insurance — ask for a certificate of liability naming you as additionally insured
• Get everything in writing — scope of work, materials spec, timeline, payment terms
• Avoid paying full cost upfront — standard practice is a deposit, then final payment after completion
• Check Houston BBB reviews and Google ratings — look for contractors with history in Harris County specifically