The thunder has faded, the rain has stopped, and an unnerving quiet has settled over the Hill Country. A Central Texas storm, with its signature blend of high winds, torrential rain, and possibly hail, can leave homeowners feeling anxious and overwhelmed. Your first instinct might be to start cleaning up, but the most critical steps in the immediate aftermath involve a calm, methodical assessment to ensure your home is safe and secure.
This guide will walk you through the essential steps to take after a storm, from identifying subtle signs of roof damage to understanding when to call for professional help and how to navigate the complexities of an insurance claim. Austin storm damage is no match for a prepared homeowner!
Step 1: Prioritize Safety
Before you do anything else, conduct a quick safety check. Walk the perimeter of your property, looking for immediate hazards like downed power lines, broken gas lines, or large, unstable tree limbs. Do not approach any downed utility lines; contact your utility company immediately. If you smell gas, leave the property and call 911 and your gas provider from a safe distance. Avoid standing water, as it could conceal debris or be electrically charged. Your family’s safety is the absolute first priority.
Step 2: Conduct a Thorough Exterior Inspection (From the Ground)
Once you’ve confirmed the area is safe, you can begin your damage assessment. While it’s tempting to get on the roof, it’s best to start your inspection safely from the ground. A wet roof is incredibly dangerous, and a professional is trained to spot damage you might miss.
Grab your phone to take photos and videos of everything you find. Meticulous documentation is crucial for your insurance claim. Here’s what to look for:
- Shingles and Roofing Debris: Scan your yard for any shingles or pieces of roofing material that may have been blown off. This is a clear indicator of wind damage.
- Gutters and Downspouts: Your gutter system is often the first casualty of a storm. Look for dents, dings, or detachment from the house. Hail is a common culprit for dented gutters and flashing. Also, check the downspout openings for an accumulation of asphalt granules. Significant granule loss looks like coarse black sand and signals that the storm has aged your shingles, compromising their ability to protect your home from UV rays and future weather.
- Visible Roof Damage: From various points around your property, look up at your roof. Use binoculars if you have them. Note any shingles that are missing, cracked, curled, or lifted up. Hail can cause subtle circular bruises or cracks on shingles that are difficult to see from the ground but can lead to serious leaks over time.
- Windows, Siding, and Paint: Check for cracks in windows, holes or cracks in siding, and chipped paint, which can also be caused by hail or wind-blown debris.
Step 3: Head Inside to Hunt for Hidden Leaks
Not all storm damage is visible from the outside. Water intrusion is a hidden terror, potentially leading to mold, rot, and significant structural issues if not addressed quickly. The best place to hunt for evidence of a leak is in your attic.
With a good flashlight, carefully go into your attic and look for these tell-tale signs:
- Wet Insulation: Look and feel for damp or compressed insulation.
- Water Stains: Scan the underside of the roof decking for dark stains, streaks, or discoloration.
- Drips or Active Leaks: If the storm just passed, you may see active dripping. Note the location of any drips.
- Daylight: On a clear day, look for any visible light coming through the roof. Even a pinhole of light means water has a path into your home.
After checking the attic, walk through every room in your house and inspect the ceilings and walls for new or spreading water stains. Pay close attention to the areas around chimneys, skylights, and vents, as the flashing in these areas is a common failure point.
Step 4: Know When and Who to Call
If you’ve found any of the signs of damage listed above, or the storm was severe, you’ll want to call for help. Your first instinct may be to call your insurance company, but a more strategic first call is to a trusted, local roofing professional.
Here’s why: we as roofing contractors act as your expert advocate. We can perform a comprehensive, hands-on inspection to identify subtle or hidden damage that an insurance adjuster, who may not be a roofing expert, could easily overlook. Our professional assessment provides you with a complete picture of the damage and a detailed report with photographic evidence, which is invaluable for your insurance claim.
Once you have this expert assessment, we’ll work with you to contact your insurance agent and file a claim. Most policies require you to file a claim within a year of the damage occurring, so it’s important to act promptly. When you file, be prepared to provide the date of the storm and the documentation you’ve gathered. Your insurance company will assign an adjuster to inspect the property. We recommend that you have our roofing team present during the adjuster’s visit to ensure all documented damage is reviewed and accounted for, creating a unified front for you, the homeowner.
Your policy will determine the payout, which is typically based on either Replacement Cost Value (RCV) or Actual Cash Value (ACV). You will also be responsible for paying your deductible. Be aware that a Texas state law makes it illegal for any roofing contractor to waive, rebate, or otherwise absorb your deductible.
The Unseen: Why a Professional Inspection is Non-Negotiable For Austin Storm Damage
The moments after a storm are stressful, but taking these deliberate steps can protect your home from further harm and set you up for a smooth recovery process. While a personal inspection is a good start, it’s no substitute for a professional evaluation. An experienced roofer can safely navigate your roof to assess the full extent of the damage, from compromised seals and hidden cracks to the structural integrity of the decking. This expert opinion is your most powerful tool in ensuring your insurance claim is handled fairly and that your home is restored with the quality and care it deserves.
Prepare Your Roof for the Next Hill Country Storm with a Complimentary Roof Tune-Up
As Central Texas residents know, the Hill Country weather can be unpredictable and severe storms often roll in with little warning. At Impact Resistant Roofing and Renovations, we’re committed to helping homeowners protect their property and stay ahead of potential storm damage.
That’s why we’re currently offering a FREE Roof Tune-Up, a service valued at $500. Just mention this blog post! This preventative maintenance can help extend the life of your roof and minimize the risk of costly repairs after a storm.
What’s included in your complimentary tune-up?
Our team of experienced roofing professionals will:
- Thoroughly inspect all roof vents, vent pipes, and exposed fasteners
- Caulk and seal chimney counter flashing and other vulnerable areas
- Identify and secure any loose metal flashings
- Check for missing, lifted, or damaged shingles
- Address other common wear-and-tear issues before they become major problems
This is a no-obligation service designed to give you peace of mind and ensure your roof is ready to withstand the elements.
Schedule your free roof tune-up today – call Brandon at 512.298.2086.