Austin’s hail season can catch homeowners off guard. One minute the sky is clear, the next your neighborhood sounds like a drum line. Once the storm passes, the question hits: what now?
Here’s the step-by-step approach our team recommends.
Document Everything Before You Touch Anything
Before you start cleaning up debris or calling contractors, grab your phone and document the damage:
- Photograph your roof from every angle you can safely reach from the ground
- Capture close-ups of any visible dents, cracks, or missing shingles
- Document damage to gutters, downspouts, and siding — these often show hail impact more clearly than shingles
- Take wide shots that show the overall scope of the affected area
- Note the date and time of the storm for your insurance claim
This documentation becomes critical when you file your claim. Insurance adjusters want to see evidence tied to a specific weather event.
Check for Immediate Safety Concerns
Not all hail damage is cosmetic. Before settling back in, do a quick safety check:
- Look for active leaks — check ceilings, attic spaces, and around windows
- Check for broken skylights or cracked vent covers that could let water in
- Inspect your electrical service mast if it’s roof-mounted — hail can damage the weatherhead
- Look for downed tree limbs resting on the roof that could cause further damage
If you have an active leak, place a bucket under it and call a roofer to assess the situation and discuss next steps.
Don’t Climb on the Roof Yourself
This is important. After a hailstorm, your roof surface may be compromised in ways that aren’t visible. Cracked shingles, loosened nails, and damaged decking can create fall hazards even on a low-slope roof.
A professional roofing specialist has the equipment and experience to safely inspect storm damage. Let them take the risk — that’s what insurance covers.
Be Cautious of Door-Knockers
After every major hailstorm in Austin, out-of-town contractors flood the area. They knock on doors, point at your roof, and promise to handle everything. Some are legitimate. Many aren’t.
Red flags to watch for:
- They want a deposit before doing any work — reputable roofers don’t operate this way
- They can’t provide a local address or references in the Austin area
- They pressure you to sign immediately — “this deal is only good today”
- They offer to cover your deductible — this is actually insurance fraud
Stick with established local contractors who’ll still be here when you need warranty service five years from now.
Understand Your Timeline
Most insurance policies require you to file a hail damage claim within one year of the storm event, but don’t wait that long. The sooner you file, the easier it is to connect the damage to a specific storm — and the sooner your roof gets fixed.
Our recommended timeline:
- Day one: Document damage, call your roofer
- Days two to three: Professional inspection and detailed estimate
- Day three to five: File insurance claim with documentation
- Within two weeks: Adjuster visit (your roofer should be present)
- After approval: Schedule repairs with your chosen contractor
We’re Here When the Storm Hits
Hail damage is one of the most common roofing issues we handle in Austin. Our team knows exactly what adjusters look for, how to document damage properly, and how to ensure your home gets the repairs it needs.
Call us at (512) 479-0510 for a free hail damage assessment. We’ll be on your roof within 48 hours of your call — and we’ll walk you through every step of the process.