Roof questions from Austin homeowners and landlords
Most questions fall into a few groups: what to do first after a storm, how the record is made, what the insurer decides, and how repairs are chosen.
- Hail and wind damage
- Travis County and suburbs
- Roof repair and replacement
Get a fast quote
Fastest: call (833) 751-2102. Or send this and we call you back.
The first hour after a storm
What is the first thing to do after hail hits my roof?
Stay off the roof, keep people clear of the area under the damage and photograph the gutters, vents and fence from the yard. Then call (833) 751-2102 if water is coming in, or book an inspection if it is not.
Should I put a tarp on the roof myself?
It is not safe for most homeowners to climb a roof after a storm. Protect the interior with a tray and call a crew, which has the access and equipment to fix a tarp safely.
What do I do if water is coming through a light fixture?
Turn off the power to that circuit at the panel if you can do so safely, and do not touch a wet fitting. Call (833) 751-2102 and the crew will be sent as soon as one is free.
The storm record and the inspection
What is the storm record, and where does it come from?
It is the National Weather Service's warning for the area and date of a storm. The inspection reads it alongside the roof. A warning is a radar estimate, so the record is a reason to inspect, not proof of damage.
How is hail counted on a roof?
Hits are counted in a marked test square on each slope, and the count is recorded with a photograph and a location. The metal vents and gutters are checked as well.
Can you tell hail from age on the shingles?
Often, but not always. Hail leaves round bruises and granule loss, while age shows as drying and cracking across the roof. Where the technician cannot separate them, the report says so.
Insurance and claims
Who decides whether my storm claim is paid?
The insurer decides, under the policy. The inspection record supports the claim by showing the damage and the storm date, and it does not set the payment.
Where do I complain about how a claim was handled?
The Texas Department of Insurance takes consumer complaints about insurers. Its website at tdi.texas.gov explains how to file. Keep the claim letters and the record ready.
Repairs and replacements
When is a repair enough, and when should I replace the roof?
A repair is usually enough when the damage is local and the decking is sound. A replacement is discussed when the damage is spread, the decking is failing or the repairs have become frequent.
Does an impact-rated shingle stop hail damage?
No. A rating is the result of a test and it lowers the risk, but a large hailstone can still damage a rated shingle. The rating should not be read as a promise.
Question not answered here?
Call and ask. A technician will give you a straight answer, even if the answer is that you do not need us.