Storm Damage
What Should You Do After a Hailstorm? A Homeowner’s Step-by-Step Checklist
The homeowner question
“The hail just stopped. What should I do first — and what should I avoid doing?”
The best first move after a hailstorm is not climbing onto the roof. Start with safety, documentation and simple ground-level observations. You are trying to protect the home from additional damage while preserving accurate information about what happened.
Quick Guide
- Safety first
- Photograph before cleanup
- Inspect from the ground
- Make only needed temporary protection
- Review policy + document condition
- Decide on repair/claim after facts are clear
Step 1: Make sure the danger has passed
Stay inside while lightning, severe winds or hail continue. The National Weather Service notes that severe thunderstorms can produce damaging hail, winds, lightning and flash flooding.
Step 2: Photograph the storm evidence
If hailstones remain on the ground, photograph several next to a ruler or familiar object. Take wide photos of the property and closer photos of visible damage to vehicles, gutters, screens, siding, fences and outdoor equipment.
Step 3: Walk the property from the ground
Look for missing shingles, roof debris, dents in metal surfaces, broken skylights or windows and tree limbs on the house. Do not climb a wet roof or use an unstable ladder just to “check.”
Step 4: Protect against additional damage
If there is an opening allowing water inside, temporary protection may be necessary. TDI advises homeowners to make reasonable temporary repairs to prevent additional damage and to save receipts. Do not make unnecessary permanent repairs before the insurer has had the opportunity to inspect if you expect to file a claim.
Step 5: Review your insurance policy
Check the wind/hail deductible, roof settlement basis and any roof-specific endorsements. Coverage can vary widely, especially as roofs age.
Step 6: Get the condition documented
A professional roof inspection can help distinguish storm damage from pre-existing wear and identify areas that are not visible from the ground.
Step 7: Decide whether an insurance claim is appropriate
If there is significant storm damage, contact your insurer or agent promptly. Keep a record of calls, claim numbers, photos, estimates and receipts.
What You Can Safely Check Yourself
- Take photos from the ground.
- Check the attic for active water only if it is safely accessible.
- Move vehicles or valuables away from continuing water entry if safe.
- Save damaged items until your insurer says they can be discarded if you are making a claim.
When It Becomes More Serious
Call for emergency help if there are downed power lines, structural instability, major tree impact or other immediate hazards. For roofing, exposed decking, broken skylights or active interior water entry need prompt temporary protection.
Insurance note: This article is general homeowner education, not legal, insurance-coverage or public-adjusting advice. Policy terms and claim facts control. In Texas, contractors performing the repair should not represent themselves as the policyholder’s public adjuster on that claim.
Educational Resource
Texas Department of Insurance — After a storm: claims and repair scams podcastSources & Further Reading
- Texas Department of Insurance — Help after a storm
- National Weather Service — Severe Thunderstorm Safety
- Texas Department of Insurance — Insurance and your roof
- Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety — Hail and wind roof damage research
Editorial note: Sources are cited for homeowner education and technical context. Ridge Point Roofing is not affiliated with these organizations unless separately stated. Local codes, product instructions and insurance policy terms should always be checked for a specific property.