Hour one: safety and stopgaps
Check for ceiling stains, attic drips, and debris. Never climb a storm-damaged roof — hidden fractures and wet surfaces cause serious falls. Move valuables from under active leaks and catch water in containers. If water is coming in, call for emergency tarping; reputable local roofers including Trophy provide it fast.
Day one: document like an adjuster
Photograph damage from every side of the house, plus downed branches, dented gutters, and hail on the ground next to a coin for scale. Note the exact date and time of the storm — your claim will be tied to it. Screenshot local weather reports confirming hail size or wind speeds in your zip code.
Day two: claim and inspection
Notify your insurer and request an adjuster visit. Then book a professional inspection and insist your contractor attend the adjuster meeting — ground-level adjusting misses bruised shingles and lifted seals. Do not sign an assignment of benefits with anyone who knocked on your door; verify local addresses and references first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my roof damaged if I cannot see anything wrong?
Very possibly. Hail bruises and broken shingle seals are invisible from the ground but fail over the following months. A free inspection settles it.
Should I tarp my own roof?
Only if you can do it safely from a ladder at the edge. Most tarping injuries happen on wet, compromised decking — professional tarping is usually free with repair work.
How fast must storm damage be reported?
Most Texas policies allow one year, but report within days — prompt claims are approved at higher rates and prevent "progressive damage" disputes.
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