A practical hailstorm checklist: stay safe, document visible damage, arrange a roof inspection and understand the next steps with your insurer.
After hail passes, start with safety and documentation. A storm in your neighborhood does not establish that your roof needs replacement. The next step is to identify the actual condition of your property and the work, if any, that is needed.
Stay on the ground
Wait until conditions are safe. Keep away from downed power lines, unstable trees and damaged structures. Do not climb onto the roof to look for hail marks. If there is an immediate danger, leave the affected area and contact the appropriate emergency service.
Record what you can safely see
Note the storm date and when you first noticed a leak or other change.
Photograph visible damage from a safe location.
Save earlier roof records and photographs if you have them.
Keep receipts for reasonable temporary protection or emergency work.
Arrange an inspection before assuming the scope
Tell the roofer about leaks, earlier repairs and any changes you noticed after the storm. Ask for photographs and an explanation of the findings. The covering, flashing, vents and surrounding details may need different work. A repair may be appropriate in some cases; broader damage may justify a replacement discussion.
Ask your insurer about your policy
If you believe you have an insured loss, contact your insurer about reporting requirements, coverage, deductible and documentation. The insurer determines claim coverage under your policy. A roofing estimate describes proposed construction work; it is not a guarantee that a claim will be approved or paid in full.
Texas law does not allow contractors to waive or absorb a property insurance deductible. A roofer doing the repair work also cannot act as your public insurance adjuster on that claim. Use the Texas Department of Insurance resources below for guidance.
Compare written repair proposals
Look for an identified business, a clear scope, payment terms and an explanation of how additional work will be handled. Avoid making a rushed decision based only on someone’s claim that every roof on the street is damaged. Keep copies of the documents you sign.
Repair or replace? How we assess a roof
Talk to Barnes N’ Roofs about your roof
Official Texas resources
Texas Department of Insurance: after hail or windstorms
Texas Department of Insurance: roofing and insurance law
Prepared by Barnes N’ Roofs, New Braunfels, Texas. Updated September 17, 2026.