What to expect after a storm: a plain-English guide for homeowners
What to do after a hail storm, in order: stay safe, limit the damage, look from the ground, keep records, and choose a contractor carefully.
The first few hours
Safety
Stay away from downed power lines and report them to your utility. Don't climb on a wet or damaged roof. Check from the ground.
Protect
If the roof is open, get it covered. A tarp limits further damage until repairs can be scheduled. Request a call. Move belongings away from leaks.
Look
Walk around the house from the ground and note what you see. The list below shows what to look for.
Record
Take photos. Write down the date of the storm, what you saw, and when. Keep receipts for any emergency work.
What to look for from the ground
Gutters and downspouts
Dents in gutters, downspouts, and metal vents can be a sign that hail came through.
Granules
Small piles of shingle granules at the bottom of downspouts can mean shingles have lost some of their surface.
Siding, screens, and windows
Cracks, holes or dents in siding, torn window screens, and chipped paint.
Debris
Pieces of shingle in the yard, fallen limbs, and branches resting on the roof.
Inside the house
New water stains on ceilings or walls, or damp spots in the attic if you can reach it safely.
What you can't see
You can't confirm roof damage from the ground. Hail bruises and lifted shingles are often hard to see. An inspection shows what is there.
If you have questions about your insurance
Your agent or adjuster is the right person to tell you what your policy pays.
Your deductible is yours to pay by law.
The Texas Department of Insurance publishes a page called Roofing and insurance: know the law that explains what contractors may and may not do.
Choosing a contractor: questions to ask
Is there a local office?
Ask for an address you can visit or check. Ours is 3122 Nealy St, Suite 211, Longview, TX 75605.
Will I get a written estimate?
Get the scope of work and the price in writing before you sign anything.
Is the warranty in writing?
Ask what the warranty covers, for how long, and how it's put in writing. Our warranty is outlined in your contract, and once your project is complete, we send you a full packet outlining your project and warranties. See the full checklist for choosing a roofer.
Who is my contact?
Ask who you'll talk to at each step. With us, you'll always know who your point of contact is.
Am I being rushed?
Be careful with anyone who pressures you to sign on the spot. You should have time to read the estimate and compare.
What happens if you call us
It starts with a free storm damage inspection. Request one here, or see common questions first.
Inspect
Our team inspects the roof and the outside of the building, free of charge.
Document
We document what we found, with photos. A written inspection report is available for a fee.
Estimate
You get our written estimate, whether it points to repairs or a new roof.
Build
If you go ahead, your project manager schedules the work, keeps you updated, and checks the finished job with you.
Had a storm come through? Send us a note and we'll set up your free inspection.