What to Do Right After a Hail Storm Hits Your Roof in North Texas

The sirens have stopped, the hail has passed, and now you're staring out the window wondering what just happened to your roof. If you live in Farmersville, McKinney, Plano, Frisco, Allen, or anywhere in North Texas, you've probably been through this more than once. North Texas is one of the top hail-damage regions in the entire country.

Don't panic. Here's exactly what to do — step by step — right after a hail storm hits.

Step 1: Stay Safe

Before anything else, make sure everyone in your home is safe. If the storm brought lightning, high winds, or tornado warnings, stay inside until your local weather service gives the all-clear. Once it's safe to go outside:

• Watch for downed power lines and don't touch them
• Be careful walking around — hail makes surfaces slippery
• Do NOT climb on your roof — leave that to the professionals
• Check for broken windows, damaged siding, or water intrusion inside your home

Step 2: Document Everything from the Ground

Grab your phone and start documenting damage — but stay on the ground. Take photos and videos of:

• Hailstones — Place a coin or ruler next to them for scale. This helps establish hail size.
• Dented gutters, downspouts, and vents
• Damaged window screens and siding
• Car damage — Dents on vehicles correlate with roof damage
• Any visible shingle debris in the yard
• Water intrusion — Stains on ceilings, wet spots in the attic

Also note the date, time, and any weather reports about hail size in your area. This documentation strengthens your insurance claim.

Step 3: Protect Your Home from Further Damage

If you notice active leaks or water coming in, take these temporary measures:

• Place buckets or containers under drips
• Move valuables and electronics away from wet areas
• If you have a tarp and can safely reach the affected area from a ladder, cover the damaged section temporarily
• Do NOT attempt permanent repairs yourself — this can affect your insurance claim

Step 4: Call a Local Roofer for a Free Inspection

This is the most important step — and the order matters. Call a trusted local roofer before you call your insurance company. Here's why:

• A professional roofer can identify damage that you can't see from the ground
• Their inspection report and photos give you documented evidence before the insurance adjuster arrives
• They can advise you on whether to file a claim at all (sometimes damage is minor enough that it's below your deductible)

Important: Be wary of storm chasers who knock on your door within hours of the storm. Choose a roofer with a local address, established reputation, and proper licensing.

Step 5: File Your Insurance Claim

Once your roofer has inspected and documented the damage, call your insurance company to file a claim. Have your policy number ready, along with the date of the storm and your roofer's documentation. Your insurance company will assign an adjuster to inspect the property.

Request that your roofer be present during the adjuster's inspection. A good roofer will meet with the adjuster, walk the roof together, and make sure all damage is properly documented. This is a normal part of the process and significantly increases the chance of a fair payout.

For a detailed walkthrough, read our complete guide to filing roof insurance claims after hail.

Step 6: Review the Insurance Estimate

Your insurance company will send a written estimate after the adjuster's inspection. Share this with your roofer to make sure it covers everything needed for a proper roof replacement. If line items are missing or pricing is too low, your roofer can file a supplement with additional documentation.

Step 7: Choose Your Materials and Schedule the Work

Once your claim is approved, you'll choose your new roofing materials. This is a great opportunity to upgrade — consider impact-resistant shingles that can earn you insurance discounts going forward. Your roofer will schedule the installation and handle all the logistics.

Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Hail Storm

• Waiting too long to file — You have one year in Texas, but damage worsens with time
• Climbing on your roof — Dangerous and unnecessary. Let the pros handle it.
• Signing a contract with the first person who knocks — Do your research.
• Making permanent repairs before the adjuster sees the damage — This can reduce your payout.
• Ignoring "minor" damage — Small hail hits compound over time and lead to leaks.

WB Roofing: Your Post-Storm Partner

After a hail storm, you need a roofer who's honest, experienced, and local. WB Roofing is family-owned and based right here in Farmersville, TX. We've helped hundreds of homeowners across McKinney, Plano, Frisco, Allen, and the North Dallas area recover from storm damage — quickly, fairly, and without the headaches.

Storm hit your area? Call (972) 370-7575 for a free inspection, or schedule online.