Hail and storm roof leaks

Safety first: if there is a gas smell, sparking, or a sagging ceiling, leave the area and call 911 or your utility before anything else.

North Texas sits in one of the most hail-prone parts of the country, and spring storms can bring large hail and damaging wind. Damaged shingles, flashing, skylights, and vents can let water into attics and ceilings, sometimes days or weeks after the storm.

After the storm

1. Stay off the roof. Look from the ground and from inside the attic if it is safe.
2. Catch drips, move belongings, and photograph ceiling stains and wet insulation.
3. Photograph hail on the ground with a coin or ruler for scale, and note the date and time.
4. Call your insurer and ask about their claim process and deadlines.
5. Get the roof covered or repaired by a roofer, and ask a restoration contractor to dry wet drywall and insulation.

Watch for storm chasers

• Be careful with door-to-door contractors who arrive right after a storm.
• Get a written estimate and contract, and do not sign over your insurance benefits without reading the form.
• Ask for local references and proof of insurance.
• The Texas Department of Insurance publishes consumer tips on storm repairs.

How our referral works

We are a referral service, not a contractor. When you send a request, we connect you with an independent restoration contractor who serves your city. You contract with and pay that contractor directly, and you are always welcome to choose someone else.

How to check a contractor in Texas

• Texas does not issue a statewide license for general water damage restoration, so ask about training and track record. Many firms train crews to IICRC standards; ask which certifications their technicians hold.
• Plumbing work requires a license from the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners. Look the plumber up before work starts.
• Mold assessment and remediation above a small-area threshold require licenses from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, and the assessor and remediator on a job generally must be different companies.
• Some cities require registration or permits for certain repairs. Ask whether permits are needed.
• Ask for proof of liability insurance, a written estimate, and a written contract. Read any assignment-of-benefits or direction-to-pay form before you sign.

Related: water damage · slab leaks · frozen pipes · hail and roof leaks · flash floods · mold · guides

Guides: What Winter Storm Uri Taught DFW Homeowners · Hard Freeze Prep Checklist for DFW Homes · Documenting Hail and Storm Damage in North Texas · Clay Soil, Foundations, and Hidden Leaks

Common questions

Will a small ceiling stain get worse?

It can. Wet insulation and drywall hold water, and mold can follow. Have it checked.

Do you refer roofers?

We focus on water damage restoration referrals. A restoration contractor can coordinate with your roofer.