Houston Roof Hail Damage Checklist: What to Do After the Storm
Hail and high winds hit the Houston area regularly, and the days after a storm are when homeowners make the decisions that matter most: what to document, what to fix right away, who to call and who to avoid. This checklist walks through those steps in order. It draws on consumer guidance published by the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI), the state agency that regulates insurance, so you can check the source for yourself.
This is general information, not insurance or legal advice. Your policy wording controls what is covered, so read it and ask your agent or insurance company when something is unclear.
Step 1: Stay safe first
- Do not climb onto a wet or damaged roof. Look from the ground, from a window, or with binoculars.
- Watch for downed power lines and damaged trees hanging over the house.
- If water is coming inside, shut off power to affected rooms if it is safe to do so, and move valuables out of the way.
Step 2: Document everything before anything is moved
TDI's guidance on what to do after hail or windstorms starts with documentation. Take pictures and video of the damage, make a list of damage inside and outside the house, and do not throw damaged items away until your insurance company tells you to.
A practical documentation list:
- Wide shots of each side of the house and roof from the ground.
- Close-ups of dented gutters, downspouts, vents, window screens, siding and AC units. Dents on soft metal are often the easiest hail evidence to photograph.
- Interior water stains, wet insulation, dripping light fixtures.
- Debris such as shingle pieces or granules collecting at downspout outlets.
- The date and time of the storm, plus any local news or weather alerts you saved.
Step 3: Prevent more damage with temporary repairs
TDI advises homeowners to prevent further damage: remove standing water, cover broken windows and holes to keep rain out, and save every receipt, because your policy may pay for temporary repairs. TDI's help after a storm page also says not to make permanent repairs before the insurance adjuster has seen the damage.
Temporary repairs usually look like:
- Tarping the damaged section of roof (by someone with the right equipment and safety gear).
- Boarding broken windows.
- Drying out wet areas inside to limit mold growth.
Step 4: Report the claim and prepare for the adjuster
According to TDI, you should report damage to your insurance company as soon as you can. Then:
- Be available for the adjuster visit so you can point out everything you documented.
- Keep a log of every person you talk to at the insurance company, with dates and what was said.
- Ask about living expenses if the house is not livable. TDI notes most policies cover some related costs; keep receipts.
- Know your deductible. TDI's article on insurance and your roof points out that the wind and hail deductible may be different from the deductible for other kinds of damage.
- Know your coverage type. The same TDI page explains replacement cost coverage versus actual cash value coverage, which pays less for older or worn roofs. With replacement cost coverage, TDI says the company typically pays in two checks: a partial payment first, and the rest after repairs have started.
Step 5: Get bids and compare them to the adjuster's estimate
TDI recommends getting multiple bids from contractors and comparing them with the adjuster's report before settling the claim. When you compare bids, look at:
- Scope. Does each bid cover the same items: tear-off, decking repair, underlayment, flashing, vents, gutters?
- Materials. Are the shingle line and accessories specified, or vague?
- Permits. In the City of Houston, the Permitting Center lists re-roofs under its One-Stop residential permits, and its permit exceptions only exempt small roof-covering repairs, up to 100 square feet in aggregate. Suburban cities and unincorporated areas have their own rules, so confirm with your local office.
- Cleanup and protection. How will landscaping, AC units and the driveway be protected, and how will nails be cleaned up?
- Written terms. Payment schedule, start window and warranty details should be in writing.
For a broader look at whether your roof needs a repair or a full replacement, see our guide on roof repair vs. replacement in Houston.
Step 6: Watch for storm-chaser red flags
After big storms, out-of-area crews and door-knockers show up. Texas law sets some clear lines, which TDI explains in roofing and insurance: know the law:
- A contractor cannot offer to waive, rebate or absorb your deductible. That is illegal in Texas, and your insurance company can ask for proof you paid it.
- A contractor who is doing the work cannot also act as your public adjuster or advertise that they will negotiate your claim.
Other red flags worth noting:
- Pressure to sign immediately, especially a document that assigns your claim or authorizes work before you have a bid.
- Large upfront payments before any materials are delivered.
- No local phone number, no written contract, or a contract with blanks.
- Claims of "free roofs." The roof is paid for by your insurance proceeds and your deductible.
Step 7: After the work is done
- Get a final invoice that matches the work performed, plus any warranty paperwork.
- Keep proof that you paid your deductible.
- Photograph the finished roof and keep the photos with your claim file.
- Keep gutters clear and trim overhanging limbs. TDI's roof checklist suggests removing branches over the roof, checking for missing shingles after storms, cleaning gutters, and having the roof inspected every few years.
Printable checklist
- Safe from the ground, no climbing a wet roof
- Photos and video of exterior, interior and soft-metal dents
- Temporary repairs done, receipts saved
- Claim reported, claim number written down
- Adjuster visit scheduled, someone home
- Deductible and coverage type confirmed
- Multiple written bids with matching scope
- Permit question answered for your city
- No deductible-waiver offers, no contractor acting as adjuster
- Final invoice, warranty and proof of deductible filed
FAQ
How do I know if hail damaged my roof?
From the ground, look for dented gutters, vents and downspouts, granules collecting at downspout outlets, and missing or bruised shingles. Interior water stains are a sign to act quickly. A professional inspection can confirm damage on the roof itself.
Should I make repairs before the adjuster comes?
Make temporary repairs to stop further damage and keep the receipts, but TDI advises not to make permanent repairs before the adjuster inspects.
Can a roofer pay my deductible?
No. Under Texas law, a contractor cannot waive, rebate or absorb your deductible.
Do I need a permit for a roof replacement in Houston?
In the City of Houston, re-roofs go through the Permitting Center; only small roof-covering repairs are exempt. Check with your city if you are outside Houston city limits.
Need a roof looked at after a storm? BPC Development LLC provides free on-site estimates in Houston, TX. Call (281) 301-4737.