1. Wait Until It's Safe
Do not go on your roof during or immediately after a storm. Wet shingles are extremely slippery, and hidden damage (loose flashing, lifted shingles) can make the roof unstable. Check from a safe ground-level location only after the severe-weather threat has ended. A dry roof is not proof that it is safe to walk on.
2. Do a Ground Inspection First
Walk around your house and look for these signs from ground level:
- Granules in the gutters — a lot of black/gray sand-like material means shingles lost their protective coating
- Dented gutters, downspouts, or AC units — dents are a reason to request an inspection, not proof of covered roof damage
- Bruised or missing shingles — look for dark spots on asphalt shingles (bruises) or bare spots where granules are gone
- Broken tree branches — limbs on the roof can scrape off granules and puncture the underlayment
- Cracked skylights or roof vents — these are weak points and often the first to show hail damage
3. Leave roof access to a professional
Use ground-level photos or binoculars. Do not climb onto the roof, press shingles or move branches to diagnose damage. Ask an insured roofing professional to assess areas you cannot see safely.
Safety resource: National Weather Service: after severe weather. Watch for downed power lines and unstable debris.
4. Document Everything
Take photos and video of:
- Every dent, bruise, or missing granule spot
- Gutters with granule accumulation
- Dented AC units, outdoor faucets, or metal patio covers (these help prove hail size and severity)
- Time-stamped shots of the damage before any repairs
This documentation is your strongest tool when filing an insurance claim.
5. Arrange a Professional Inspection
Confirm the inspection price and scope before booking. Ask the roofer to:
- Walk the roof and take their own photos
- Identify hail versus wind versus wear damage
- Give you an honest assessment of whether a claim is worth filing
- Help with the insurance supplement process if needed
🚩 Avoid door-knockers who show up the day after a storm. Use a local company with verifiable reviews and a physical address in your city.
6. Contact Your Homeowners Insurance — If Appropriate
Not every storm requires a claim. Here's how to decide:
| Do file a claim | Don't file a claim |
|---|---|
| ✅ Clear hail damage across multiple roof slopes | ❌ One or two small dents |
| ✅ Missing shingles with exposed underlayment | ❌ Granule loss from age (wear, not storm) |
| ✅ Gutters and AC units also damaged | ❌ No interior leaks or visible penetration |
| ✅ Roof is under 15 years old | ❌ Roof is 20+ years old nearing end of life |
📌 Every claim goes on your CLUE report — too many claims (even small ones) can raise your rates or get you non-renewed. Don't file for minor damage.
7. If You File a Claim
- You'll pay your deductible (check the amount in your policy)
- The adjuster will inspect and write a scope of work
- Your contractor can submit a supplement if the adjuster missed items
- In Texas, you typically have 1–2 years from the storm date to file (check your policy)
🇪🇸 En Español
Cómo revisar tu techo después de una tormenta en Texas
La temporada de granizo en Texas va de marzo a junio. Si acaba de pasar una tormenta, esto es lo que debes hacer paso a paso.
- Espera a que sea seguro — No te subas al techo durante la tormenta ni inmediatamente después. Las tejas mojadas son muy resbaladizas. Espera al día siguiente.
- Inspecciona desde el suelo — Busca granulado en las canaletas (arena negra/gris), canaletas abolladas, tejas con manchas oscuras, ramas rotas, y claraboyas rotas.
- Si te sientes seguro, sube al techo — Revisa tejas que se sientan blandas, flashing alrededor de chimeneas, tapas de cumbre, y sellos de goma (pipe boots).
- Toma fotos de TODO — Cada abolladura, cada mancha, canaletas con granulado, y tu unidad de AC. Estas fotos son tu mejor evidencia para el seguro.
- Consulta a un profesional de techado — Confirma el costo antes de reservar. ⚠️ Cuidado con los que tocan puertas después de la tormenta.
- Decide si hacer el reclamo — Haz el reclamo si hay daño visible en varias áreas, tejas faltantes, o canaletas y AC dañados. Cada reclamo queda en tu historial CLUE.
- Si haces el reclamo — Pagas tu deducible, el ajustador inspecciona, y tu contratista puede pedir un suplemento si el ajustador no incluyó todo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to call my insurance before the roofer?
No. Call a roofer first for a free inspection. If they find real damage, then file the claim. Filing a claim before you know what you're dealing with can backfire.
How long do I have to file a hail claim in Texas?
Most policies allow 1–2 years from the storm date. Check your policy — some carriers are shortening this window. Don't wait.
Will my rates go up if I file a claim?
Probably yes, somewhat. Roof replacement claims from hail are considered "acts of nature" and usually raise rates less than liability or water damage claims. The bigger risk is filing a small claim that gets denied but still goes on your record.
What size hail actually damages a roof?
In general: 1 inch (quarter-size) or larger can damage composition shingles. Smaller hail may damage older, brittle shingles. On metal roofs, even pea-sized hail can dent softer metals like aluminum.
Should I fix a small leak myself?
Only if you're 100% sure it's minor and you know what you're doing. Most DIY roof repairs in Texas end up either voiding the warranty or making the insurance claim harder. A roofer can seal a small penetration properly for $150–300 — worth the peace of mind.