Roof Leaking After Hail? What to Do First in Texas

A hailstorm just passed and now there's water coming through the ceiling. The order you do things in matters, for your safety and for your insurance claim. Here are the first steps, the warning signs, and when to call in help. For what the repair itself may cost, see our hail damage roof repair and insurance claim guide and, if the roof may need replacing, our Texas roof replacement cost guide. In the Houston area, see roof repair cost in Houston. Need someone out fast? Get a free quote from local Texas pros.

Do this first: stay safe

Watch for a sagging ceiling. A bulging ceiling is full of water and heavy. Keep people out from under it [1][2]. If you drain it, stand back, wear eye protection, and poke a small hole near the edge of the bulge, not the center, so it drains slowly into a bucket. Hitting the center can bring the whole ceiling down [2].
Keep water and power apart. If water is reaching light fixtures, outlets or the breaker panel, turn that power off only if you can do it from a dry spot. Never switch power on or off while standing in water [1].
Stay off the roof. A storm-damaged roof can be unsound. Don't climb a ladder in the dark, on wet or unstable ground, or alone [3].

Then limit the damage

Put buckets under drips, move furniture and electronics, and soak up standing water. Texas insurers expect you to prevent more damage: remove standing water and cover holes to keep rain out [4].
Have holes in the roof covered with a tarp until a permanent repair [3]. Keep every receipt, because your policy may pay for temporary repairs [4].
Don't seal over the damage with roof cement or caulk, and don't puncture shingle blisters. That can hide the evidence a roofer and adjuster need to see [3].

Temporary fix	Typical cost
Professional roof tarp, standard	$0.70–$2.00 per sq ft [5][6]
Emergency or after-hours tarp	$1.00–$2.80 per sq ft [5][6]
Typical total for a roof tarp	$175–$700 [5]; national average $450, most pay $150–$3,300 [6]

Document everything for the claim

Take photos and video of the damage inside and outside, and list what was damaged. Don't throw out damaged items until your insurer says you can [4].
File the claim as soon as you can [4]. Be there for the adjuster's visit and keep a log of everyone you talk to [4].
Note the storm date. Dents or spatter marks on gutters, vents and other thin metal or items around the house help show hail actually hit your home [7][3].
Texas law sets deadlines for your insurer to respond. Our hail claim guide lists them. For help, TDI's line is 800-252-3439 [4].

Warning signs on the roof

Hail damage on asphalt shingles shows up as granule loss, broken shingle edges, and holes punched through [3].
Older shingles are more brittle, so they break more easily in hail [3].
Not every mark is serious. Much hail damage is cosmetic and doesn't shorten the roof's life. Splits, heavy granule loss or punctures are the kind that may need shingles replaced [3].
A ceiling stain that keeps spreading or a ceiling that sags means water is still getting in [2]. Wet areas left too long can also grow mold [1].

When to call a pro

Call right away if water is actively coming in, if there's a hole you can see from the ground, or if the ceiling is sagging. Get more than one written bid, and don't pay in full up front [4]. Be careful with storm chasers. In Texas a contractor can't waive your deductible, and a roofer can't act as your public adjuster on the same job [8]. Texas doesn't license roofers, so check references, insurance and a local address.

Ready for a real repair price? Get a free quote from local Texas pros.

Sources

Get a free quote from a local pro

Tell us what you need and up to 3 independent local Texas contractors can reach out with a quote. Free, no obligation.

Thanks! Your request was sent. Up to 3 independent local contractors may contact you soon.

Something was missing. Please fill in name, a 10-digit phone, city/ZIP, and the consent box.