It's a familiar sound if you've lived in Austin long enough — that sudden drumroll on the roof that starts small and gets louder, hailstones bouncing off the driveway, and then that moment of silence when you start wondering: did anything get damaged? Central Texas is one of the most hail-prone regions in the country. Significant hail events happen multiple times most years, and hail damage is often invisible from the ground — many homeowners don't discover it until water is coming through the ceiling months later. Here's a practical, step-by-step guide for what to do.
Step 1: Wait for It to Be Safe
Before you go outside to inspect anything, make sure the storm has fully passed. Give it at least 15–20 minutes after the last activity before heading out.
Step 2: Do a Ground-Level Assessment First
You don't need to climb on the roof to get your initial read on a storm's severity. Look for these indicators:
- Hailstone size on the ground — dime-sized may cause minor damage; quarter-sized (1 inch) and larger causes significant damage.
- Dents or marks on your AC unit condenser — the fins are a very reliable indicator of hail intensity.
- Dents on metal patio furniture, grills, or your vehicle — if your car has new dings, your roof likely does too.
- Fresh dents or dings in aluminum trim, fascia, or soffit.
- Dents or cracks in any vinyl siding.
Step 3: Inspect the Roof — Carefully
If you're comfortable on a ladder and your roof pitch allows safe access, a closer inspection is worthwhile. Otherwise, have a professional inspect it.
Asphalt Shingles (Most Common in Austin)
- Circular dark spots where granules have been knocked off — the most reliable sign of hail impact
- Cracked, split, or punctured shingles
- Exposed mat (the dark fibrous layer beneath the granules)
- Fresh granule buildup in your gutters — a strong indicator even if shingles look intact from below
Other Roof Types
- Metal roofs: visible dents across the surface
- Tile roofs: cracked, broken, or displaced tiles — hail can crack terracotta and concrete tile that otherwise looks intact
- Flashing and vents: check metal flashing around chimneys, skylights, and roof penetrations for dents
Step 4: Check the Rest of the Exterior
- Gutters and downspouts — look for dents, cracks, and fresh granules in downspout outlets
- Windows and skylights — look for cracked glass, broken seals, or damaged frames
- Window screens — torn screens are a good damage indicator even when glazing is intact
- HVAC condenser — bent fins restrict airflow and reduce efficiency
Step 5: Check the Interior
- In the attic: use a flashlight and look for light coming through the roof deck, fresh moisture, or wet insulation
- Interior ceilings: in the days after a storm, watch for new staining, bubbling paint, or soft spots in drywall
Step 6: Document Everything Before You Touch It
- Photograph every area of damage — include wide shots for context and close-ups of specific damage
- Note the date and time of the storm
- Keep any large hailstones in the freezer — they serve as evidence of stone size for insurance purposes
Step 7: Contact Your Insurance Company
If you have meaningful damage, contact your homeowner's insurance company promptly. You can file a claim and still get multiple repair estimates. Be present for the adjuster's inspection and share your documentation. Be cautious of out-of-town storm chasers who flood Austin after major hail events — use locally licensed contractors who will be around after the job is done.
Step 8: Make Temporary Repairs If Needed
If you have an active leak, you can tarp damaged sections of the roof or apply sealant to small punctures. Keep all receipts — these costs are generally reimbursable as part of a covered insurance claim.
How House Doctors of Austin Can Help
Hailstorm damage often extends beyond the roof. We handle damaged gutters, dented fascia, cracked trim, window and screen replacement, water-damaged drywall and ceilings, and exterior caulking and paint repair. We can also do a post-storm walkthrough with you to identify damage and document everything before you call your insurer.
Call us at (737) 371-8827 or visit https://www.housedoctors.com/austin-tx/contact-us/ to schedule a post-storm assessment.
House Doctors of Austin is a locally owned and operated handyman, home repair, and home renovation service serving Austin and the surrounding Central Texas area.