Start here
Quick, low-risk steps
- Keep everyone away from power lines, sagging ceilings, and fallen debris.
- Photograph visible damage only from the ground or a safe interior location.
- Record the storm date and look up the event in the NOAA Storm Events Database.
- Move belongings only after confirming the area is dry and electrically safe.
- Collect at least two written, itemized roof scopes before signing anything.
- Contact your insurance company to understand your policy’s claim process.
Homeowner paths
Choose the guide that matches the decision
What a Hail Roof Inspection Should Document and What You Can Observe Safely
Learn what a hail roof inspection should document and what you can observe safely from the ground. Practical steps for Dallas–Fort Worth homeowners after a storm.
Open guide →Decision guideIs It Hail Damage or Just an Aging Roof?
Learn to tell hail damage from normal roof aging. Practical steps to document uncertainty and get a professional assessment in Dallas–Fort Worth.
Open guide →Decision guideWhat to Do When Your Roof Leaks After a Storm
Practical steps to take when your roof leaks after a storm. Stay safe, document damage, and learn what to ask before hiring help.
Open guide →Decision guideShould You Repair or Replace Your Roof After Hail?
Understand the factors that influence whether to repair or replace a hail-damaged roof. Learn about damage extent, age, materials, and insurance considerations.
Open guide →Decision guideDocumenting Roof Damage for a Texas Insurance Claim
A neutral checklist and Texas insurance questions to help you document hail or storm roof damage before filing a claim. No coverage promises.
Open guide →Decision guideUnderstanding Hail Roof Repair Costs and Written Scopes
Learn what drives hail roof repair costs in Dallas–Fort Worth and how to plan with a written scope. Compare quotes, avoid surprises, and understand insurance steps.
Open guide →Safety Before Everything Else
After a storm, hidden dangers can turn a manageable situation into an emergency. Downed power lines may still be live, and water-damaged ceilings can collapse without warning. Never enter a room where the ceiling is sagging or where water is pooling near outlets, switches, or appliances.
Even if the damage looks minor from the ground, a wet roof is slippery and unstable. Leave the ladder in the garage. Professional roofers use safety harnesses and know how to spot structural weakness. Your job is to protect your family and document what you can from a safe distance.
- Treat any downed line as live and call 911 and Oncor (or your local utility).
- If you hear creaking or see a ceiling bulge, leave the room and close the door.
- Shut off electricity at the main breaker only if you can reach it without stepping in water.
- Do not light candles or open flames if you smell gas—evacuate and call the gas company.
Document the Storm and Visible Damage
Insurance claims and contractor conversations go smoother when you have a clear record. Write down the date and approximate time the storm hit. Then visit the NOAA Storm Events Database to see if the event is officially recorded. An official record does not prove your roof was damaged, but it helps establish that a qualifying storm occurred in your area.
Take wide-angle and close-up photos of any damage you can see from the ground or through an upstairs window. Capture hail dents on gutters, downspouts, or air-conditioner fins. Inside, photograph water stains on ceilings or walls. Do not walk on the roof or lean out of windows to get a better shot.
- Use your phone to timestamp photos automatically.
- Photograph the same spot from two distances for context.
- Save screenshots of local news reports or weather alerts from that day.
- Do not make temporary repairs that could hide damage before an adjuster sees it.
Understand Your Insurance Policy Before You Call
Texas Department of Insurance resources explain your rights, but every policy is different. Some policies have a separate wind/hail deductible, and the deadline to file a claim can be as short as one year from the date of loss. Read your declarations page and the section on “duties after loss” before you call your agent.
When you do call, ask what your deductible is, whether you have replacement cost coverage or actual cash value, and what documentation the adjuster will need. Do not let a contractor tell you they can “get your deductible waived.” That practice can be insurance fraud in Texas, and you could be held responsible.
- Find your policy’s wind/hail deductible—it is often a percentage of your dwelling coverage.
- Ask your insurer if they require a specific claim form or just a phone call.
- Get the name and direct number of the adjuster assigned to your claim.
- Never sign a contract that promises to handle your claim without your involvement.
Compare Roof Scopes Before You Commit
A roof scope is an itemized list of everything a contractor proposes to do and the materials they will use. It should include the measured roof area, number of tear-off layers, decking allowance, underlayment type, flashing details, ventilation, fastening method, permit costs, and cleanup. Without a written scope, you cannot compare quotes fairly.
Get at least two scopes from licensed, insured contractors who have experience with storm damage in your area. Use our Roof Scope Comparer tool to line up the items side by side. Be wary of any contractor who pressures you to sign on the spot or who offers to cover your deductible.
- Ask each contractor to list the specific brand and product name for shingles and underlayment.
- Confirm that the scope includes a line item for the city permit and required inspections.
- Check that the scope states who is responsible for disposal and final cleanup.
- Do not pay in full upfront; a reasonable deposit is typical, but full payment should follow your inspection.
Take this with you
Evidence and scope checklist
- Measured roof area and waste factor
- Number of existing shingle layers to tear off
- Decking replacement allowance (per sheet or square foot)
- Underlayment type (e.g., synthetic, #30 felt)
- Flashing and penetration details (chimney, vents, skylights)
- Ventilation components (ridge vent, soffit vents)
- Shingle brand, model, and wind/hail rating
- Fastening method (hand-nail vs. pneumatic, nail length)
- Permit and inspection line item
- Disposal, dumpster, and magnetic nail cleanup
Common questions
What homeowners ask next
Should I call my insurance company first or a roofer?
Call your insurance company first to understand your policy’s claim process and deductible. Then get written scopes from at least two licensed roofers before the adjuster arrives, so you can point out what they found.
How do I know if my roof has hail damage?
Look for dents in metal vents, gutters, or downspouts from the ground. Inside, check for water stains on ceilings. A professional inspection is the only way to confirm hail damage to shingles.
Can a contractor waive my deductible?
No. In Texas, a contractor who pays, waives, or rebates your insurance deductible may be committing insurance fraud. You could be held responsible for the full deductible and face legal consequences.
Evidence
Sources used for this guide
Research checked July 31, 2026
- NOAA Storm Events DatabaseNOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
Dated official storm-event records; an area event does not prove damage at a property.
- Storm and property insurance consumer resourcesTexas Department of Insurance
Texas consumer process and fraud-prevention context; never a promise of coverage.
- International Residential Code wind and roof compilationFEMA
Model-code background; locally adopted code and permits control.
Optional next step
Need an on-site professional?
Use the guide and worksheet first so you can describe the situation and compare the full scope. A referral is optional; you can also contact a licensed local provider directly.
We have not enabled a provider route for this site. Use the checklist to contact and verify local providers yourself; urgent hazards should go to the appropriate emergency or public service.