Central Texas gets hit by hail storms every spring and summer. These storms damage thousands of roofs across Austin each year. Many homeowners miss the damage until leaks appear months later.
This guide explains how to spot hail damage on your roof, when to file an insurance claim, and how to get proper repairs.
How Hail Damages Your Roof
Hail does not always punch holes through your roof. The damage often looks minor at first but leads to serious problems.
Types of Hail Damage:
Cracked or Split Shingles: Impact cracks shingles. Water seeps through the cracks and damages the underlayment.
Lost Granules: Hail knocks protective granules off asphalt shingles. This exposes the base material to UV rays and weather.
Dented Flashing: Metal flashing around vents, chimneys, and valleys gets dented. Dents create water collection points.
Bruised Shingles: Impact creates soft spots in shingles. These spots wear through faster than undamaged areas.
Damaged Roof Vents: Hail dents or cracks plastic and metal roof vents. Damaged vents leak during rain.
You might not see these problems from the ground. Professional inspections after hail storms catch damage before leaks start.
Signs of Hail Damage to Check After a Storm
Walk around your property after a hail storm. Look for damage indicators before you schedule a roof inspection.
Ground-Level Signs:
- Dented gutters, downspouts, and metal trim
- Chipped or cracked paint on siding
- Damaged window screens
- Dents on your car, outdoor furniture, or AC unit
- Shingle granules in gutters and downspouts
- Pieces of shingles in your yard
If you see these signs, your roof likely has damage too.
Do not climb on your roof to inspect it yourself. Wet or damaged roofs are dangerous. Walking on a damaged roof makes problems worse.
When to Schedule a Roof Inspection After Hail
Schedule a professional roof inspection within 48 hours of any hail storm that drops marble-sized hail or larger.
Austin gets multiple hail storms each spring. Some years bring golf ball or baseball-sized hail. These storms cause widespread roof damage.
Why timing matters:
- Insurance policies have claim deadlines (typically one year in Texas)
- Damage worsens with each storm
- Early detection prevents interior water damage
- Roofing companies get backlogged after major storms
Free roof inspections take 30 to 45 minutes. Inspectors check every roof section, flashing, and vent.
What Professional Roof Inspectors Look For
Licensed roofing contractors inspect roofs differently than insurance adjusters. They check for all damage types, not just obvious problems.
The Inspection Process:
Exterior Roof Inspection: The inspector walks the entire roof surface. They check shingles, flashing, vents, and valleys for hail impacts.
Interior Attic Inspection: They look for water stains, damaged insulation, and light coming through the roof deck.
Gutter and Downspout Check: Inspectors examine gutters for granule accumulation and dents.
Photo Documentation: They take detailed photos of all damage for your insurance claim.
Written Report: You get a written assessment describing damage location and severity.
Mighty Dog Roofing of South Austin provides free roof inspections after hail storms. We document all damage and help you understand what repairs you need.
Understanding Your Insurance Claim for Hail Damage
Most homeowners insurance policies cover hail damage. The process takes several steps.
Step 1: Call Your Insurance Company
Report the hail storm to your insurance company as soon as you suspect damage. Provide:
- Storm date and approximate time
- Description of hail size
- Any visible damage to your property
Your insurer assigns a claim number and schedules an adjuster visit.
Step 2: Get an Independent Roof Inspection
Do not wait for the insurance adjuster. Schedule your own inspection with a licensed roofer first.
Roofing contractors find damage insurance adjusters miss. They know what to look for and document everything properly.
Step 3: Meet with the Insurance Adjuster
Be present when the adjuster inspects your roof. Bring your contractor's inspection report and photos.
If your contractor found damage the adjuster missed, point it out. Adjusters work for insurance companies. They might minimize damage to reduce claim payouts.
Step 4: Review the Adjuster's Report
Read your adjuster's report carefully. Compare it to your contractor's assessment.
If the adjuster denies damage your contractor documented, you have options:
- Request a re-inspection
- Hire a public adjuster
- File a dispute with your insurance company
Never let an adjuster pressure you to accept an inadequate settlement.
Step 5: Approve Repairs and Select Your Contractor
Once your claim is approved, choose your roofing contractor. You pick who repairs your roof, not your insurance company.
Get multiple written estimates. Verify contractors are licensed, insured, and experienced with insurance claims.
Common Insurance Claim Mistakes to Avoid
- Do not sign over your insurance claim to a roofing company
- Do not pay your deductible differently than the policy states
- Do not let contractors work without a written contract
- Do not accept partial repairs if you need full replacement
- Do not miss claim deadlines (typically one year in Texas)
Legitimate roofing companies guide you through the insurance process. They do not pressure you or make decisions for you.
Roof Repair vs. Roof Replacement for Hail Damage
Sometimes hail damage needs repairs. Other times you need complete roof replacement.
When Repairs Work:
- Damage covers less than 30% of roof surface
- Only a few shingles are cracked or damaged
- Flashing needs repair but shingles are intact
- Your roof is relatively new (under 10 years old)
When You Need Replacement:
- Damage covers more than 30% of roof surface
- Multiple roof sections show granule loss
- Shingles are old and nearing end of life
- Repeated hail damage has weakened the entire roof
Insurance companies use the percentage of damaged shingles to determine repair vs. replacement. If enough shingles are damaged, they approve full replacement.
How Long Does Hail Damage Roof Repair Take?
Timeline depends on damage extent and contractor availability.
Typical Timeline:
- Inspection and documentation: 1 to 2 days
- Insurance claim filing: 1 to 3 days
- Adjuster visit: 3 to 14 days
- Claim approval: 1 to 2 weeks
- Repair scheduling: 1 to 4 weeks (longer after major storms)
- Actual repairs: 1 to 3 days for repairs, 2 to 5 days for full replacement
Major hail storms create backlogs. Thousands of homeowners file claims at once. Reputable contractors book out for weeks or months.
Book your inspection and repairs early. Do not wait for leaks to appear.
Hail Damage Repair Costs in Austin
Costs vary by damage extent and roof size.
Typical Hail Damage Repair Costs:
- Minor repairs (a few shingles): $300 to $800
- Moderate damage (multiple sections): $1,500 to $4,000
- Extensive damage (near-replacement): $5,000 to $10,000
- Full roof replacement: $8,000 to $25,000+ (depends on home size and materials)
Insurance covers most costs minus your deductible. Typical homeowner deductibles range from $1,000 to $2,500.
Choosing a Hail Damage Roof Repair Contractor in Austin
After major hail storms, storm chasers flood Austin. These out-of-state contractors knock on doors, make big promises, and disappear after collecting payment.
Red Flags for Storm Chasers:
- Out-of-state license plates or business addresses
- Pressure to sign contracts immediately
- Offers to waive your insurance deductible
- No local references or reviews
- Vague contracts without detailed scope of work
Choose Local, Licensed Contractors:
- Look for Texas-licensed roofers
- Check online reviews from multiple sources
- Verify insurance and workers compensation coverage
- Get multiple written estimates
- Ask for local references from recent projects
Local contractors stay in business by maintaining reputations. They will be here if you need warranty work later.
Preventing Future Hail Damage
You cannot stop hail storms. You can make your roof more resistant to damage.
Impact-Resistant Shingles
Class 4 impact-resistant shingles withstand hail better than standard shingles. They cost 10% to 20% more than standard shingles but last longer and resist damage.
Some insurance companies offer discounts for impact-resistant roofing materials.
Regular Maintenance
Keep your roof in good condition between storms:
- Schedule annual inspections
- Replace damaged or missing shingles promptly
- Keep gutters clean
- Trim overhanging tree branches
Healthy roofs withstand storms better than neglected roofs.
Areas We Serve for Hail Damage Roof Repair
Mighty Dog Roofing of South Austin provides hail damage inspections and repairs throughout South Austin and surrounding communities.
Service areas include:
- 78745 (South Austin)
- 78748 (Circle C, Slaughter area)
- 78704 (South Congress, Bouldin Creek)
- 78739 (Barton Creek)
- 78747 (Manchaca)
- 78610 (Buda)
- 78640 (Kyle)
- 78736 (Westlake Hills)
- 78738 (Bee Cave)
- 78744 (Southeast Austin)
- 78735 (Rollingwood)
- 78652 (Wimberley)
- 78724 (East Austin)
- 78620 (Dripping Springs)
- 78619 (Driftwood)
- 78702 (East Austin)
- 78676 (Wimberley)
- 78741 (Southeast Austin)
- Pflugerville
What to Do Now
If a recent hail storm hit your area, schedule a free roof inspection today. Waiting allows minor damage to become major problems.
Mighty Dog Roofing of South Austin offers free hail damage inspections. We document all damage, help with insurance claims, and provide written repair estimates.
Call (737) 383-0476 to schedule your free inspection or visit our website to request service online.
Protect your home and your investment with prompt professional hail damage assessment and repair.