A hail storm can roll through Houston in minutes and leave damage that lasts for years. The problem? Most homeowners don’t realize their roof took a hit until leaks start showing up months later.
Whether you’re in Houston proper, Texas City, or anywhere along the Gulf Coast, hail season doesn’t discriminate. Here’s what you need to know to protect your home and your wallet.
How Hail Damages Your Roof
Hail doesn’t always punch visible holes through shingles. In fact, most hail damage is subtle — and that’s what makes it dangerous.
When hailstones strike asphalt shingles, they knock loose the protective granules that shield the shingle from UV rays and water. Over time, those damaged spots become weak points where water seeps in, causing leaks, rot, and mold you won’t notice until the damage spreads.
Larger hail can crack shingles, dent metal flashing, or damage vents and gutters. Even if your roof looks fine from the ground, the impact zones may already be compromising your home’s protection.
Signs of Hail Damage on Your Roof
After a storm passes through, look for these warning signs:
On the roof: Dark spots or bruises on shingles, missing granules (check your gutters for buildup), cracked or split shingles, dents in metal vents or flashing.
Around your property: Dents on your car, damaged siding, dings on your mailbox or AC unit. If hail hit these surfaces, it hit your roof too.
Inside your home: New water stains on ceilings or walls, musty smells in the attic, daylight visible through the roof boards.
If you spot any of these, schedule a professional inspection before small damage turns into an expensive problem.
What to Do After a Hail Storm
Step 1: Document everything. Walk your property and take photos of any visible damage — roof, gutters, siding, windows, vehicles. Timestamp matters for insurance claims, so do this as soon as it’s safe.
Step 2: Call your insurance company. Report the storm damage promptly. Most policies have deadlines for filing claims, and waiting too long can jeopardize your coverage.
Step 3: Schedule a professional roof inspection. A trained inspector can identify damage you’d never see from the ground. They’ll document everything your insurance adjuster needs to process your claim.
Step 4: Don’t sign anything with storm chasers. After major hail events, out-of-town contractors flood the area with too-good-to-be-true offers. Many disappear after collecting payment, leaving homeowners with shoddy work and no warranty. Stick with established local contractors who will still be here next year.
Does Insurance Cover Hail Damage in Texas?
In most cases, yes. Texas homeowners insurance policies typically cover roof damage caused by hail, wind, and other severe weather events.
Here’s how the process usually works:
- You file a claim with your insurance company
- An adjuster inspects your roof and assesses the damage
- If approved, insurance covers the repair or replacement cost minus your deductible
The key to a successful claim is documentation. Photos, inspection reports, and a detailed contractor estimate all strengthen your case.
At Walton Residential Services, our team provides full insurance claim assistance to help you navigate the process. We meet with adjusters, provide documentation, and make sure you get the coverage you’re entitled to.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Address Hail Damage on Your Houston Roof
It’s tempting to put off repairs if your roof isn’t actively leaking. But hail damage gets worse over time, not better.
Those damaged shingles continue degrading with every rain and every blast of Texas sun. What starts as a minor repair can become a full roof replacement if you wait too long. Worse, your insurance company may deny a claim if they determine the damage resulted from neglect rather than the original storm.
Acting quickly protects your home and preserves your coverage options.
Get Your Roof Inspected After the Storm
If a recent hail storm hit your area, don’t wait to find out if your roof took damage. Walton Residential Services offers free inspections and honest assessments — no pressure, no pushy sales tactics.
We’ve served Houston homeowners for over 60 years, and we’ll be here long after the storm chasers leave town. Contact us today for a free roof inspection or call our 24/7 emergency line if you’re dealing with active leaks.
