What to Do After a Hail Storm Hits Your Roof

When a hail storm hits Austin, your first instinct might be to climb up on the roof and check for damage. But before you do anything, there are some important steps to follow that will protect both your safety and your insurance claim.

First, wait until the storm has completely passed. Lightning and high winds can make roof inspection dangerous. Once it's safe, do a quick visual inspection from the ground.

Look for obvious signs like missing shingles, dented gutters, or debris in your yard. Take photos of any damage you can see from the ground—these will be important for your insurance claim.

Next, check your property for other damage. Hail doesn't just affect roofs—look at your siding, windows, outdoor AC unit, and vehicles. Document everything with photos and videos.

Contact your insurance company to report the damage. Most policies have time limits for filing claims, so don't delay. Keep a record of when you called and who you spoke with.

Schedule a professional roof inspection. A trained inspector can identify damage that's not visible from the ground, like granule loss on shingles or small cracks that could lead to leaks.

Don't make permanent repairs before your insurance adjuster visits. Temporary repairs (like tarping) are fine, but permanent fixes could affect your claim.

Finally, be wary of storm chasers—roofing companies that go door-to-door after storms. Work with a reputable local company that will be here long after the storm season ends.