The storm just passed. Your heart is racing. Your neighbors are outside inspecting their roofs. You’re wondering: Is my roof damaged? What do I do first? Who can I trust?
This checklist answers those questions — step by step, in order, so you can take the right actions right now.
A severe storm hitting your home is overwhelming. You’re facing immediate decisions with incomplete information, and contractors are already knocking on your door. You need a reliable guide — not more confusion.
After responding to hundreds of storm damage calls across Johnson County over 15 years, I created this checklist to give homeowners exactly what they need in the first hours after a storm: clarity, action steps, and reassurance. Texas recorded 1,123 major hail events in 2023 alone — and Johnson County sits squarely in North Texas “Hail Alley.” Post-storm stress is something My Roofing homeowners understand, and so do we.
One fact that changes everything: 90% of roof damage is hidden without a professional inspection. What you can see from the ground is only the beginning. This checklist will help you capture what’s visible while protecting your right to a complete, accurate insurance assessment.
What to Do Immediately After a Hail or Wind Storm Hits Your Roof
The first two hours after a storm matter more than most homeowners realize. The steps you take — or skip — during this window can affect your insurance claim, your safety, and the long-term health of your roof.
Step 1: Ensure Safety First
Do not go on your roof during or immediately after a storm. This is non-negotiable.
- Check for downed power lines before stepping outside
- Look for broken glass, displaced debris, or structural hazards around your home
- If you see significant structural damage — sagging, holes in the roof, exposed decking, or collapsed sections — do not enter those areas
- If structural safety is in question, evacuate and call emergency services
My Roofing provides 24/7 emergency storm response across Johnson County. If you need immediate help: Call 817-659-5160.
Step 2: Protect Your Home from Further Damage
Emergency mitigation is both sensible and expected by your insurance company. If you can safely access affected areas:
- Place buckets and towels under active interior leaks to contain water
- Turn off electricity to areas where water is entering through the ceiling
- Cover broken windows or accessible punctured areas with tarps if it’s safe to do so
- Document the leak location with photos before you start containing it — your insurer needs to see the original condition
Emergency tarping is typically covered as mitigation under your homeowner’s policy. But do not attempt roof access yourself.
Step 3: Begin Initial Documentation Before Cleanup
This step is critical and time-sensitive. Do your documentation before any cleanup or debris removal.
- Take wide-angle photos of your property from all four sides (street view, backyard, both sides)
- Photograph visible damage from the ground: missing shingles, debris on the roof, broken gutters, dented vents, damaged flashing
- Photograph interior damage: ceiling stains, wall stains, attic moisture or leaks
- Enable date and time stamps on your camera or phone — this establishes your timeline for insurance purposes
- Do NOT remove damaged materials or debris — your adjuster needs to see storm impact evidence
- Do NOT allow any contractor to remove damaged materials before documentation is complete
Step 4: Note the Storm Details
Capture storm information while it’s fresh. This supports your insurance claim timeline:
- Date and time of storm
- Type of storm (hail, wind, tornado, or combination)
- Estimated hail size — compare to common references: dime = 0.75”, quarter = 1”, golf ball = 1.75”, baseball = 2.75”
- Wind speed if reported by local news or NOAA alerts
- Neighbor observations — if homes around you show visible damage, your roof likely sustained damage too even if it’s not obvious from the ground
Need immediate assistance? Call My Roofing’s 24/7 emergency line: 817-659-5160
How to Inspect Your Roof for Storm Damage from the Ground
Safety comes first in every inspection. Never climb on your roof yourself — professional roofers have safety equipment, training, and insurance for a reason. What you can do safely from the ground and inside your home still tells an important story.
What to Look For: Hail Damage Signs
Walk the perimeter of your home and look for these indicators:
- Impact marks on shingles: Dark circular spots where granules have been knocked away, often with a soft center — visible even from the ground with good light
- Granule loss in gutters: Check your gutters and downspouts for an accumulation of granules that look like coarse, dark sand — this is a clear indicator of shingle deterioration from hail impact
- Cracked or broken shingles: Visible fractures or splits running across shingles
- Dented metal components: Vents, ridge caps, flashing, gutters, and downspouts are soft metal — hail leaves unmistakable dents that are easy to spot
- Damage patterns: Hail damage typically occurs across the entire roof surface in a consistent pattern, following the storm’s trajectory
Note that bruised or soft spots on shingles — another key hail indicator — require hands-on assessment that only a professional can safely perform.
What to Look For: Wind Damage Signs
Wind damage often has a different visual pattern than hail:
- Missing shingles: Visible gaps in roof coverage, exposed black underlayment beneath where shingles once sat
- Lifted or curled shingle edges: Shingle corners or edges that are no longer lying flat against the roof surface — a sign of wind uplift breaking the adhesive seal
- Broken or creased shingles: Shingles that appear folded, bent, or fractured from direct wind force
- Debris impact damage: Tree limbs, branches, or flying debris can puncture, crack, or displace shingles and flashing
- Damaged flashing: Metal flashing around chimneys, pipe boots, skylights, and roof edges can be lifted, torn, or separated from the roof surface
- Damage patterns: Wind damage is often directional — one slope or side of the roof sustains more damage than others, consistent with the storm’s wind direction
Interior Inspection: Signs of Hidden Damage
After checking the exterior from the ground, move inside:
Attic inspection (if safe to access — use a flashlight, do not step onto the decking):
- Daylight visible through roof boards is an immediate red flag
- Water stains on decking, rafters, or sheathing
- Wet or damp insulation
- Sagging or soft spots in the roof decking
Ceiling and walls throughout the home:
- New water stains or discoloration on ceilings — any stain that wasn’t there before the storm is significant
- Bubbling or peeling paint on ceilings or upper walls
- Cracks or bulging in drywall near rooflines
Gutters and exterior from close range (without climbing):
- Downspouts overflowing during light rain (indicates clog from granule debris)
- Gutter sections pulled away from fascia
- End caps or seams that have separated
The 90% Rule: Why Professional Inspection Follows Ground Assessment
Everything on this checklist is what you can see. The problem is that what you can see represents roughly 10% of the actual damage story.
A professional inspection covers what your eyes cannot reach:
- Underlayment condition beneath shingles
- Decking compression and structural integrity
- Flashing seals at every penetration point
- Wind uplift that has broken the adhesive bond without visibly lifting the shingle
- Early-stage damage that will become a leak in the next storm
“As a roofer who has inspected hundreds of storm-damaged roofs across Johnson County, I can tell you — homeowners and even insurance adjusters miss critical damage. A professional inspection protects your insurance claim and prevents the $2,500 to $8,000 in secondary damage that follows undetected roof compromise.” — Kevin Jones, Founder, My Roofing
My Roofing offers free storm damage assessments in Cleburne and throughout our service area. We respond within 24-48 hours of storm damage calls.
How to Document Storm Damage for Your Insurance Claim
Documentation is what separates a fully approved claim from a denied or underpaid one. With 15 years documenting damage for Johnson County homeowners — and a Texas adjuster’s license earned specifically to understand what carriers require — Kevin Jones has seen how poor documentation costs homeowners money they’re legitimately owed.
Photo Documentation Checklist
Volume matters. Aim for 20-30 photos minimum — more is always better with insurance documentation.
Exterior shots:
- All four sides of your home from street level (establishes full-property context)
- Close-ups of each specific damage area — missing shingles, dents, cracks, and any debris still present
- Gutter and downspout damage from multiple angles
- Flashing and vent damage
- Any trees, branches, or debris that impacted the structure
Interior shots:
- Ceiling stains from multiple distances (establish location and size)
- Wall stains near rooflines or chimneys
- Attic damage including wet insulation and stained decking
Contextual shots:
- Visible neighbor damage — documenting that surrounding properties sustained damage reinforces that the damage is storm-related, not pre-existing
- Storm debris on your property
- Hail on the ground immediately after the storm if it’s still present
Critical: Ensure your camera or phone date and time settings are accurate before you begin. Every photo timestamp becomes part of your claims timeline.
Written Documentation Checklist
A written damage log supports your photo record:
- Storm date and exact time (reference weather alerts or news reports)
- Storm type and conditions (hail size, wind speed, duration)
- Specific damage items by location (roof slope, interior room, gutter section)
- Description of any emergency actions you took (where you placed tarps, what you turned off)
- Names and contact information of any neighbors who witnessed the storm or have visible damage
- Professional inspection notes once a contractor has assessed the roof
What NOT to Do Before the Insurance Adjuster Arrives
These mistakes can jeopardize your coverage:
- Do not remove damaged shingles or materials — adjusters need to see the original storm impact evidence
- Do not authorize full repairs before insurance approval — emergency tarping is acceptable, full replacement is not
- Do not sign contracts with pressure-tactics contractors — any contractor asking you to sign within hours of a storm is a red flag
- Do not exaggerate or speculate — describe damage factually, exactly as you observe it
How My Roofing Helps with Insurance Documentation
Kevin Jones’s background as a former Texas Licensed Adjuster isn’t a marketing credential — it’s a practical advantage during the claims process.
“I know exactly what documentation insurance companies require and how to present damage to support your claim. The adjusters I trained alongside taught me what gets claims approved and what gets them reduced. My Roofing’s inspection reports are formatted to support complete, accurate claim scoping.”
Our storm damage assessments include:
- Comprehensive photo documentation formatted for insurance submission
- Written damage report with specific repair scope and measurements
- Adjuster meeting attendance to advocate for complete coverage
- Supplemental claim support when additional damage is discovered during tear-off
Read our complete step-by-step insurance claims guide to understand the full process from filing to final payment, or see Kevin’s 6-step insurance claims process for exactly what happens when you work with My Roofing.
How to Choose a Legitimate Roofer After a Storm
The hours after a severe storm bring a predictable and troubling pattern to Johnson County neighborhoods: door-knockers with clipboards, out-of-state trucks, and offers that sound too good to be true. These are storm chasers — and they represent one of the clearest dangers a homeowner faces after a weather event.
Red Flags: Storm Chasers and Shortcut Roofers
Watch for every one of these warning signs:
- Door-knocking immediately after the storm — “We’re in your neighborhood today only” is a pressure tactic, not a service offer
- Out-of-state license plates or addresses — no local presence means no local accountability
- Pressure tactics — “Sign today or lose our spot,” “We’ll waive your deductible” (deductible waivers are illegal insurance fraud in Texas)
- Demanding full payment upfront — legitimate contractors require a deposit at most, never the full amount before work begins
- No physical business address — P.O. boxes, cell-phone-only contacts, and unmarked trucks are not credentials
- Offering to handle the entire claim without your involvement — you should always be present for your adjuster meeting
- No verifiable licensing or insurance — ask for proof of contractor license, general liability, and workers’ compensation
- Suspiciously low bids — below-market pricing signals below-standard materials or workmanship
With 96% of contractors failing within 5 years, storm chasers who appear post-storm are statistically unlikely to be around when your roof develops a problem in year three. If your roof fails due to their workmanship, you’ll have no recourse and no warranty to call on.
The Shortcut Roofer follows storms for profit — not to protect your home. They collect insurance checks and move on. The average water damage claim from secondary roof failure runs $13,954 to $15,400. The cost of choosing the wrong contractor shows up years later.
Green Flags: Established, Local Contractors
Here’s what to look for before you sign anything:
- Years in business locally — My Roofing has served Johnson County continuously since 2011. Fifteen-plus years in the same community is not something a storm chaser can claim
- Physical, verifiable address — 109 Westmeadow Dr Suite A, Cleburne, TX 76033
- Third-party ratings — My Roofing maintains a BBB A+ Rating and Google 5-star reviews. These are independently verified, not self-reported
- Professional credentials — licensed, fully insured, workers’ compensation coverage on every crew member
- Free, no-pressure inspections — My Roofing offers free storm damage assessments with no obligation and no sales pressure
- Community involvement — Cleburne Chamber of Commerce Gold Sponsor status reflects years of local accountability
- Insurance expertise — Kevin Jones’s former Texas Licensed Adjuster background is a credential no storm chaser can replicate
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Storm Damage Roofer
Before anyone starts work on your roof, ask these questions:
- How long have you been in business in Johnson County specifically?
- Can I see your contractor license, liability insurance certificate, and workers’ comp documentation?
- Do you have a physical business address I can verify?
- Will you attend the insurance adjuster meeting with me?
- Can you provide local references from recent storm damage projects in this area?
- What workmanship warranty do you offer, and is it in writing?
- How do you handle supplemental claims if additional damage is found during tear-off?
- What is your payment schedule? What portion is due before work begins?
A contractor who answers every one of these questions without hesitation has nothing to hide.
My Roofing provides free storm damage assessments for Burleson homeowners and throughout our 30-mile service area. Same-day response for storm damage calls.
What Happens Next: From Storm Assessment to Roof Repair
Once you’ve completed your initial documentation and found a contractor you trust, the path forward is clear. Here’s the sequence:
Step 1: Schedule Your Professional Inspection
My Roofing offers free, no-obligation storm damage assessments for all homeowners within 30 miles of Cleburne. We document all damage with detailed photos, written reports, and insurance-compliant scope descriptions.
Service area: Cleburne, Burleson, Joshua, Keene, Alvarado, Rendon, and surrounding communities
Call 817-659-5160 or request your inspection online.
Step 2: Contact Your Insurance Company
File your claim as soon as possible after documenting damage. Under Texas law, most policies allow one year from the storm date to file — but earlier is always better. Delayed claims give insurers grounds to question whether damage is storm-related or pre-existing.
- Have your policy number and storm documentation ready
- Report factually and specifically — your inspection report supports your account
- Request your claim number and adjuster contact information
- Review our complete insurance claims guide for the full step-by-step process
Step 3: Attend the Adjuster Meeting with Your Contractor
My Roofing attends adjuster meetings with every client who needs it. Having a contractor present during the adjuster inspection increases settlement accuracy because:
- We identify damage the adjuster may miss or not specifically look for
- We document alongside the adjuster in real time
- We ensure all damage areas are included in the adjuster’s scope
- We address discrepancies immediately rather than through a dispute process after the fact
Step 4: Review the Estimate and Approve Scope
Compare the insurance adjuster’s estimate to My Roofing’s inspection findings. Gaps are common — low square footage calculations, missed items like drip edge or ridge vent, material specifications that don’t match your current roof. If the estimates differ significantly, we file a supplemental claim with supporting documentation.
Only approve the scope when it accurately reflects the full damage picture. This protects both your claim and your roof’s long-term performance.
Step 5: Schedule Your Repair or Replacement
Once scope is confirmed and approved, scheduling your roof replacement in Cleburne or emergency roof repair typically takes one to three weeks depending on material availability and seasonal demand. My Roofing handles all material coordination and provides complete documentation to trigger your final RCV payment after installation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Storm Damage and Roof Inspections
What should I do immediately after a hail storm hits my roof in Texas?
First, ensure safety — do not go on your roof during or immediately after a storm. Check for structural hazards and active leaks. Document visible damage with photos from the ground before any cleanup. Take wide-angle photos of all four sides of your home and close-ups of specific damage. Note the storm date, time, hail size, and wind conditions. Protect your home from further damage by placing buckets under leaks or covering broken openings if safe to access. Call a professional roofer for a free inspection — My Roofing provides 24/7 emergency response at 817-659-5160. Then contact your insurance company to file a claim within your policy’s timeframe.
What are the signs of hail damage on a roof?
Visible hail damage signs include dark impact marks where granules are knocked off shingles, excessive granule accumulation in gutters (resembling coarse sand), cracked or broken shingles, dented metal vents or flashing, and soft or bruised spots on shingles. However, 90% of roof damage is hidden without professional inspection — including underlayment damage, decking compromise, and structural issues not visible from the ground. After any severe hail storm in Johnson County, schedule a professional inspection even if you don’t observe obvious damage.
Should I get my roof inspected after a hail storm even if I don’t see damage?
Yes — absolutely. 90% of roof damage is hidden without professional inspection. Hail creates impact damage to underlayment, flashing, and decking that is not visible from the ground but will cause leaks and premature failure if left unaddressed. In North Texas, where severe hail storms are frequent — Texas recorded 1,123 major hail events in 2023 — professional post-storm inspections are critical. My Roofing offers free storm damage assessments for all Johnson County homeowners with no pressure and no obligation.
How do I check my roof for wind damage?
From the ground, look for missing shingles (gaps in coverage or exposed underlayment), lifted or curled shingle edges, broken or creased shingles, debris impact damage from tree branches, and damaged flashing around chimneys or vents. Inspect your attic for daylight visible through roof boards, water stains, or sagging decking. Check ceilings and walls for new stains or discoloration. Never climb on your roof yourself — wind damage assessment requires professional safety equipment. My Roofing provides free storm damage inspections and identifies wind damage that homeowners and insurance adjusters commonly miss.
How do I avoid storm chaser roofers after a hail storm in Texas?
Red flags include door-knocking with pressure tactics (“sign today only”), out-of-state addresses with no local presence, offers to waive your deductible (illegal in Texas), demands for full payment upfront, no physical business address, and below-market pricing. Choose an established local contractor with years of community history, a verifiable physical address, BBB rating, confirmed reviews, proper licensing and insurance, and transparent processes. My Roofing has served Johnson County since 2011 with a BBB A+ rating, nearly 1,000 completed roofs, and a 3-year workmanship warranty.
How long do I have to file a roof damage insurance claim in Texas after a storm?
Most insurance policies allow one year from the storm date to file, but you should file as soon as possible after documenting damage. Under Texas law, your insurance company must contact you within 15 days of receiving your claim, complete their investigation within 15 business days, and issue payment within 5 business days of reaching a settlement. Delaying your claim gives the insurer grounds to question whether damage is storm-related. Read our complete insurance claims guide for step-by-step filing instructions.
What does a professional storm damage roof inspection include?
A professional inspection includes exterior assessment for hail impacts, missing or damaged shingles, wind uplift, flashing damage, and gutter and vent damage; interior attic inspection for underlayment condition, decking integrity, moisture, and structural issues; detailed photo documentation; a written damage report with repair recommendations; and insurance claims support including adjuster meeting attendance. My Roofing’s free assessments include all of these components plus honest evaluation from a former Texas Licensed Adjuster who understands what documentation supports a complete insurance claim.
Get Your Free Storm Damage Assessment from a Trusted Local Contractor
I started My Roofing in 2011 because I watched too many Johnson County homeowners get exploited after storms — by the very contractors who were supposed to protect their homes. I built this company around being the kind of contractor I’d want my own family to work with. Earning my Texas adjuster’s license afterward just sharpened that work — it gave me the inside view of how claims actually get evaluated.
Fifteen years and nearly 1,000 roofs later, that commitment is unchanged. We know the storms that hit Cleburne, Burleson, Joshua, Keene, Alvarado, and Rendon. We know the insurance process. We know what a complete, honest assessment looks like.
After a storm, you don’t need pressure. You need answers. That’s what My Roofing provides — free.
Schedule Your Free Storm Damage Inspection
- Call: 817-659-5160 — 24/7 storm response
- Address: 109 Westmeadow Dr Suite A, Cleburne, TX 76033
- Online: Request Your Free Inspection
Your roof protects your family. You deserve a contractor who protects you.
More Resources from My Roofing:
- Our 6-Step Insurance Claims Process — See exactly how Kevin navigates your claim from start to finish
- Complete Insurance Claims Guide — Navigate the full claims process step by step
- Roof Maintenance Tips — Prevent damage before the next storm season
Kevin Jones is the founder of My Roofing in Cleburne, TX. A former Texas Licensed Adjuster, Kevin has spent 15+ years helping Johnson County homeowners navigate storm damage and insurance claims with integrity. My Roofing maintains a BBB A+ Rating, Google 5-star reviews, and has installed nearly 1,000 roofs since 2011.
Kevin Jones, Founder — My Roofing
A former Texas Licensed Adjuster, Kevin founded My Roofing in Cleburne, TX in 2011 after witnessing the insurance process exploit homeowners. With nearly 1,000 roofs installed across Johnson County, My Roofing brings insurance expertise and referral-driven integrity to every project.