Texas Roofing / Homeowner Education / What to Do When Your House Gets Hit With Hail | Hail Damage Guide
Texas Roofing / Homeowner Education / What to Do When Your House Gets Hit With Hail | Hail Damage Guide
Our Mission
At Vantage Roofing Solutions, our mission is simple: Own every job, serve every customer like family, and never cut corners. We lead with discipline, execute with integrity, and treat every roof as if it’s over our own home. Built on hard work, trust, and extreme accountability, we exist to protect what matters most—your home, your business, and your peace of mind.
Book Storm Damage Inspection
By submitting this form, you agree to receive automated texts or calls from Vantage Roofing Solutions. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to cancel. You also agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Consent is not a condition of purchase.
Roof Services
What to Do When Your House Gets Hit With Hail | Hail Damage Guide
Author: Ryan Thompson – Owner & President of Vantage Roofing Solutions
Hey everyone, my name is Ryan Thompson Owner and President of Vantage Roofing Solutions.
Living in Texas, hailstorms are a fact of life. They roll in fast, tear through neighborhoods, and leave behind dents, cracked shingles, and sometimes serious roof leaks.
I’ve been on hundreds of roofs after storms as the owner of Vantage Roofing Solutions, and one thing is clear: what you do in the first 48 hours after a hailstorm can save you thousands of dollars.
Let’s walk through a proven step-by-step plan you can follow when hail hits your home.
Why Hail Damage Can't Be Ignored
Here’s the thing about hail: the damage isn’t always obvious.
Sure, you’ll notice broken windows or dented gutters right away, but roof damage can be sneaky. Granules get knocked off shingles, cracks form, and leaks may not show up until months later.
From experience, I’ve seen homeowners ignore “minor” damage, only to face mold issues, rotten decking, or denied insurance claims later on.
Insurance companies often have strict timelines for filing — sometimes as short as 6–12 months after the storm.
The bottom line? Hail damage is time-sensitive.
What To Do
Step 1 - Document the Storm and Hail Damage Immediately
The first thing you should do after the storm passes is grab your phone or camera and take photos.
Snap pictures of hailstones (use a tape measure or coin for size reference).
Capture damage to cars, fences, siding, or AC units — anything hail hit on your property.
Note the date and time of the storm.
This documentation becomes powerful evidence for your insurance claim. When I’m helping homeowners in Houston or College Station, these photos often make the difference between an approval and a denial.
Step 2 - Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection
Next, call a local roofing company for a free inspection. I don’t mean just any company — go local. Here’s why:
Local contractors know the building codes in your area.
We understand the storm patterns and how adjusters grade damage in Texas.
We’ll be here years later if you need warranty work.
When my team inspects a roof, we look for:
Missing or broken shingles
Granule loss (bald spots)
Cracks in shingles or flashing
Dented vents, gutters, or skylights
Soft spots in decking
We also chalk out “test squares” so adjusters can clearly see the damage pattern. This speeds up the claim process dramatically.
Book Free Roof Inspection
By submitting this form, you agree to receive automated texts or calls from Vantage Roofing Solutions. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to cancel. You also agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Consent is not a condition of purchase.
Step 3 – Call Your Insurance Company (But Be Prepared)
Once you know your roof has damage, call your insurance company to start a claim. But here’s the catch: you want to be prepared before you make that call.
Have your photos and inspection report from your roofing contractor ready.
Know your deductible — most Texas homeowners have 1% to 2% of home value.
Understand your policy: ACV (Actual Cash Value) vs. RCV (Replacement Cost Value).
I’ve sat down with dozens of homeowners to walk them through their policies. Most are shocked to learn how much fine print is involved. The right roofing contractor will help guide you here.
Step 4 - Compare Roofing Contractors the Right Way
When storms hit, “storm chasers” flood Texas neighborhoods. They knock on doors, offer too-good-to-be-true deals, and leave town after the work.
Here’s how I recommend comparing roofing contractors:
Check local reviews — Google, BBB, and neighborhood Facebook groups.
Verify licensing and insurance — ask for proof.
Look for material expertise — not all shingles are equal (we recommend Impact Resistant Shingles for storm resistance).
Ask about warranty — both manufacturer and workmanship.
- Vet Their Website – Make sure they have a credible website with project photos.
Don’t just go with the cheapest bid. Go with the contractor who shows expertise and will still be around in 5 years.
Step 5 - Understand the Insurance Claim Process
The process usually looks like this:
You file the claim.
The insurance adjuster schedules an inspection.
Your roofer meets the adjuster to point out the damage.
The adjuster writes an initial estimate.
Supplements (missed items) may be added later.
Once approved, the insurance company issues payment.
From there, your roofer schedules the work, materials arrive, and installation begins.
At Vantage Roofing Solutions, we also help have licensed Texas Adjuster that handle supplements (like code upgrades, drip edge, and ice/water shield in valleys) to bring your home back to pre-storm conditions.
Step 6 - Upgrading Your Roof After A Hailstorm: Is it worth it?
After a hailstorm, insurance usually pays to replace what you had before. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with the same roof. You can often upgrade for better protection — sometimes at little to no extra cost.
Here’s how the options break down:
Asphalt Shingles
Standard, reliable, 20–25 year lifespan.
What most insurance policies cover if that’s what you had.
Not great for withstanding hail damage.
Free upgrade from a 3-Tab Shingle roof.
Impact Resistant Shingles (Class 3 & Class 4)
Class 3 shingles are stronger than standard asphalt and hold up better to hail.
At Vantage Roofing Solutions, we automatically upgrade all homeowners with architectural shingles to Class 3 for free.
Class 4 – can lower your insurance premiums and offer top-level protection.
Metal Roofing
Long lifespan (40–60 years).
Great hail and wind resistance, plus energy efficiency in Texas heat.
Popular for homeowners who plan to stay long-term.
- Standing Seam, Corrugated, Steel Shingles.
F-Wave Synthetic Roofing
Virtually hail-proof, won’t crack or split.
Mimics the look of slate or shake with little maintenance.
Ideal for homeowners who never want to deal with another storm replacement.
The Upgrade Decision
If you’re moving in a few years, asphalt might be fine. But if you plan to stay put, upgrading to Class 3, Class 4, Metal, or F-Wave gives you stronger protection and potential insurance savings.
📌 Pro Tip: Ask your roofer to show the “standard replacement” vs. the “upgrade.” That way you know exactly what insurance covers and what you’d invest.
Mistakes Homeowners Make After Hailstorms
After years in roofing, I see the same mistakes repeat:
Waiting too long to file a claim.
Accepting the first insurance payout without question.
Hiring out-of-town contractors.
Ignoring gutter, siding, or vent damage.
Not checking attic insulation or decking after leaks.
Avoiding these mistakes can save you thousands.
Why Choose Vantage Roofing Solutions
As the owner of Vantage Roofing Solutions, I’ve built my company on transparency and quality. I grew up in Texas, and I know firsthand how devastating hail can be. That’s why we offer:
Free storm inspections with photos and videos
Help with insurance paperwork and supplements
Experienced crews (we use Top Hand Construction Services exclusively)
Lifetime workmanship warranties
We don’t cut corners, and we’re not going anywhere. My team and I treat every roof as if it were our own.
Final Thoughts: Be Proactive, Not Reactive
The worst thing you can do after a hailstorm is wait. Damage only gets worse, and insurance deadlines don’t move. If your house just got hit with hail, follow these steps:
Document everything.
Get a professional inspection.
File your claim the right way.
Choose a local, trusted roofer.
If you’re in Houston, College Station, Killeen, or anywhere nearby, my team at Vantage Roofing Solutions is ready to help.
Get Started Today
By submitting this form, you agree to receive automated texts or calls from Vantage Roofing Solutions. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to cancel. You also agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Consent is not a condition of purchase.
FAQ: Hail Damage
How big does hail have to be to damage a roof?
Typically, hail 1 inch or larger can cause shingle damage. However, even smaller hail can knock off granules and shorten a roof’s lifespan.
With hail smaller than 1 inch, depending on the density of the hailstones, you can find impacts on your shingles. However, more times than not the damage is not sufficient enough to make an insurance claim.
Will my insurance cover hail damage to my roof?
Yes, if your policy includes wind and hail coverage. Most Texas homeowners’ policies do. Just be sure to file within your insurance company’s deadline. Which most insurers give 6-12 months from the storm date.
Do I have to pay my deductible for a hail claim?
Yes. In Texas, it’s illegal for contractors to waive deductibles. Expect 1–2% of your home’s value as your out-of-pocket cost.
Can hail damage be repaired without replacing the whole roof?
Sometimes, yes. Minor damage may be repaired, but widespread bruising or cracking often requires a full replacement.
How long does a roof replacement take after a hailstorm?
Most projects take 1–2 days once materials are delivered, depending on roof size and complexity.