How to Handle Storm Damage to Your Roof in Texas: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve lived in Texas long enough, you know how wild the weather can get. One minute it’s sunny skies, the next it’s wind-driven hail and heavy rain pounding your home. While your roof is built to take a beating, even the best roofing systems can suffer damage during a strong storm.

The good news? If you act quickly and know what steps to take, you can avoid bigger issues, protect your home, and handle your insurance claim like a pro.

This guide walks you through exactly what to do after storm damage hits your roof — step by step.

Step 1: Stay Safe and Assess from a Distance

After a storm, your instinct might be to grab a ladder and check things out — but hold off. The roof may be slippery or structurally compromised. Your first step is to check for visible signs of damage from the ground or from inside the attic.

Look for:

• Shingles in the yard or driveway

• Dented gutters or metal flashing

• Exposed decking or torn shingles

• Water stains or leaks in ceilings or walls

• Debris buildup in roof valleys or against vents

If you notice any of these, there’s a good chance your roof has taken a hit — but don’t panic. Just document what you see and move on to step two.

Step 2: Document the Damage

Take clear photos or video of the damage from safe vantage points. Include close-ups and wide shots of anything that looks off. If possible, timestamp your images — this can help during the insurance claim process.

Pro tip: Even if the damage looks small, take note. Minor roof issues can turn into major repairs down the road, especially if more storms are on the way.

Step 3: Prevent Further Damage

If your roof is actively leaking or has exposed areas, do your best to prevent water from entering your home. Use buckets, tarps, or plastic sheeting where needed — just don’t risk your safety to cover the roof yourself.

Quality Exteriors offers 24-hour emergency response across Central Texas for situations like this. We can quickly tarp the roof to prevent further damage while we assess the repair or replacement needs.

Step 4: Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection

Not all damage is visible to the untrained eye. A professional roofer can spot issues like bruised shingles, punctured membranes, lifted flashing, and hidden leaks — and give you a full report on your roof’s condition.

At Quality Exteriors, we specialize in storm damage inspections for homeowners in Austin, Round Rock, Georgetown, Buda, and nearby areas. Our inspections are thorough, honest, and completely free.

Step 5: Understand the Insurance Claim Process

If your storm damage is covered by homeowners insurance (which it usually is), you'll need to file a claim with your provider. Here’s how to make that process easier:

1. Contact your insurance company and report the potential damage

2. Let them know you’ve scheduled a roofer to assess the roof

3. Schedule a time for the insurance adjuster to inspect the home

4. Have your roofing contractor on-site during the adjuster visit

5. Once the claim is approved, your contractor can help move forward with the repairs or full replacement

Having a roofer involved in the process early helps ensure the adjuster sees the full extent of the damage — and that you get the payout you deserve.

We help homeowners navigate this process every day and know exactly how to document, communicate, and advocate on your behalf.

Step 6: Choose a Trusted Roofing Partner

Unfortunately, post-storm roofing scams are all too common in Texas. Out-of-town contractors often show up right after a major weather event, offering quick fixes and disappearing once they’re paid.

When hiring a roofing company, look for:

• A local, physical presence in Central Texas

• Valid insurance and licensing

• Strong Google reviews and verified references

• Clear contracts and communication

At Quality Exteriors, we’re proud to be locally owned and operated in Austin, TX. Our reputation is built on showing up, being honest, and doing the job right the first time — no shortcuts, no sales games.

Step 7: Get Your Roof Restored (and Your Peace of Mind Back)

Once your claim is approved and your materials are selected, our crew gets to work. Most roof replacements are completed in just one day, and we handle all permits, cleanup, and coordination along the way.

We also back our work with a lifetime workmanship warranty, so you’re covered for years to come.

📞 Need Help After a Storm? We’re Here for You.

Whether you’ve just been through a hailstorm or want a second opinion before filing your claim, give us a call.

📍 Serving Austin, Buda, Kyle, Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park & more
📞 Call Quality Exteriors at (737) 308-2035
🌐 Or schedule your free storm inspection at www.qualityexteriorsatx.com