Learning Center • Houston Metro
Hail Damage Checklist for Homeowners (Houston 2025)
Houston hailstorms don't send calendar invites—they slam your neighborhood, leave granules in the gutters, and turn shingles into Swiss cheese. I'm Jonathan, your friendly roofing specialist who's walked more hail-bruised roofs than I've eaten breakfasts this year. This hail damage checklist for homeowners gives you a clear plan: what to check first, how to document roof hail damage for insurance, and when to call a pro so a small leak doesn't become a big headache.
Grab your phone, stay safe on the ground, and let's go step-by-step through hail roof damage identification the Houston way—fast, factual, and focused on protecting your home (and sanity).
Why Houston Hail Damage Is Unique
Houston sits in a hail-prone corridor with hot, humid air and fast-moving storm fronts. That mix creates hail that hits hard and melts fast—so by the time you step outside, the ice is gone while the roof hail impact marks remain. Add in our summer heat and UV, and shingle protective layers (granules + asphalt) break down faster, turning hail bruises into leaks.
Houston Hail Truth: Hail damage isn't always obvious from the ground. The real giveaways are bruised shingles, missing granules, cracked vents, dented gutters, and new interior water stains during the next rain.
First Things First: Safety & Immediate Steps
Before we geek out on hail damage roof inspection, let's keep you safe and collected.
Post-Storm Priority List:
- Stay off the roof. Wet shingles + dusted granules = slip risk.
- Walk the property for glass, nails, and downed limbs.
- Take timestamped photos of hail stones (use a coin for scale).
- Cover active leaks with buckets/towels and move valuables.
- Note the storm time/date and keep any weather alerts you received.
Exterior Hail Damage Checklist (Ground Level)
Without leaving the ground, you can spot 80% of hail damage indicators. Use your phone camera zoom or binoculars.
Garage roof dents & bruising
Missing shingles after hail/wind
Emergency tarp to prevent leaks
Ground-Level Clues of Hail Roof Damage:
- Gutters & Downspouts: Dents, chipped paint, or piles of black granules at downspout exits.
- Siding, Windows, Screens: New dings, cracks, or tears—especially on the storm-facing side.
- AC Condenser & Mailbox: Dings = strong evidence the roof took hits too.
- Fence Tops & Decking: Fresh marks indicate hail direction and size.
- Yard Debris: Shingles on the ground = uplift and potential openings.
Roof & Shingle Hail Damage Symptoms
You'll need a professional roof inspection to confirm, but here's what we're looking for on an asphalt shingle roof after a Houston hailstorm:
- Bruised Shingles: Soft spots that feel like a pea under the surface.
- Granule Loss: Dark bald circles exposing asphalt—shortens shingle life and voids protection.
- Cracked or Fractured Tabs: Especially on ridges and along edges facing the storm.
- Damaged Flashing & Vents: Dents or splits where leaks commonly start.
- Lifted Shingles: Wind + hail combo can break seal strips and invite water intrusion.
Hail stones on shingle surface
Uplifted & missing tabs
Temporary mitigation
Leak Lag: Roof hail damage often leaks weeks later. If you see new ceiling stains after the next rain, that's your roof raising its hand for help.
Attic & Interior Leak Check
Pop into the attic with a flashlight. You're hunting for moisture paths after hail strikes.
What to Look For:
- Dark, damp sheathing, especially around vents, chimneys, or valleys.
- Insulation clumping or matted spots (a sign it got wet).
- New ceiling spots or wall bubbling inside the home.
- Musty odors after rain (early indicator of hidden moisture).
How to Document Hail Damage for Insurance
A clean paper trail speeds up your hail damage roof insurance claim. Here's the playbook I give my neighbors:
- Photos & Video: Property perimeter, gutters, AC unit, garage door panels, mailbox, and any visible roof areas from the ground. Add a coin for size reference.
- Keep Storm Details: Date/time, alerts, any hail-size photos.
- Inspection Report: Request a written roof inspection with photos from a local contractor.
- Estimate: Detailed line-item estimate listing materials, code items, ventilation, flashing.
- Communication Log: Save texts/emails with insurer, adjuster, and contractor.
When to Tarp a Roof (and When Not To)
Tarps are a short-term bandage. They prevent more damage but aren't meant to ride out a Houston summer.
Properly secured emergency tarp
Tarping Tips:
- Only tarp if you have active leaks or missing shingles exposing decking.
- Secure past the ridge and to solid decking—no nails through soft spots.
- Schedule a professional repair or replacement ASAP; tarps degrade fast in heat.
Next Steps (Your Game Plan)
- Schedule a free inspection with a trusted local roofer experienced in Houston hail claims.
- Get a detailed report on damage severity, affected slopes, and remaining lifespan.
- Decide on repair vs. replace based on professional findings and insurer thresholds.
- Act before the next major rain or wind event to prevent secondary damage.
- Keep records for insurance claims and resale value.
Why Choosing the Right Contractor Matters
Hiring a reputable, insured roofer who understands Houston hail damage makes all the difference. The right team uses proper flashing, ventilation, and storm-rated shingles that withstand heat and hail.
Look for These Qualities:
Quick FAQs
How big does hail need to be to damage a roof?
Even pea-size hail can loosen granules; quarter-size (1") and larger commonly bruise shingles and dent metal accessories. Wind speed, storm duration, and shingle age matter, too.
Will all hail damage leak immediately?
No. Many hail bruises become leaks later as UV and rain wear the weakened spot. That's why documentation and a pro inspection matter.
Should I file a claim right away?
Not always. Get a free inspection first. If damage meets insurer thresholds, we'll help you decide whether filing makes sense and be there for the adjuster meeting.
Think You Have Hail Damage in Houston?
I'll walk you through photos, a clear report, and an insurance-friendly plan—no pressure. Protect your home before the next storm.
Schedule Free Hail InspectionOr call us directly at (832) 302-3119