Hail Damage

Austin and Central Texas sit in one of the most hail-prone regions in the United States. Every spring, severe thunderstorms produce hail ranging from marble-sized to golf-ball-sized or larger, impacting thousands of homes across the metro area in a single event. Hail damage to your roof is often invisible from the ground but can compromise your roof’s waterproofing, shorten its lifespan by years, and lead to leaks if left unaddressed. Onward Home specializes in hail damage assessment, insurance claim assistance, and certified roof restoration for Austin homeowners. Schedule your free inspection today — call us or fill out the form on this page.

Why Austin Homes Need Hail Damage Repair

The Austin–San Antonio corridor experiences an average of 3 to 6 significant hail events per year, primarily between March and June. According to NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center, the Texas Hill Country and I-35 corridor are among the highest-frequency hail zones in the nation. In recent years, single storms have produced over $1 billion in property damage across the Austin metro.

Hail damages asphalt shingles by dislodging the protective granule layer, cracking the shingle mat, and compromising the waterproof seal between shingle tabs. This damage is often not visible from the ground — a roof can look fine from street level while the surface is covered with impact marks that will lead to accelerated deterioration. Without repair, hail-damaged shingles become vulnerable to UV degradation, wind uplift, and water infiltration within 6 to 18 months.

The window for filing an insurance claim for hail damage in Texas is generally one year from the date of the storm, though some policies may have shorter deadlines. Delaying your inspection means you risk missing the claim window entirely and paying for repairs out of pocket that your insurance should have covered.

Our Hail Damage Process

1. Free Hail Damage Inspection — Our certified inspectors examine your roof for hail impact patterns, checking shingles, ridge caps, flashing, vents, gutters, and soft metal components (aluminum vents, downspouts) for tell-tale dents and fractures. We also inspect the property for collateral hail damage — siding, window screens, fence caps, outdoor AC units, and painted surfaces. Inspection takes 45 to 60 minutes.
2. Damage Documentation — We photograph every area of damage with detailed annotations, map the impact pattern across the roof, and compile a comprehensive damage report. This documentation is critical for a successful insurance claim.
3. Insurance Claim Guidance — If the damage meets the threshold for a claim, we guide you through the filing process with your insurance company. We explain what to expect, what to say, and what documentation to provide. We never pressure you to file a claim — we present the facts and let you decide.
4. Adjuster Meeting — When your insurance company sends an adjuster to inspect the property, we meet with them on-site. We walk the roof together, point out every area of documented damage, and ensure the adjuster’s report accurately reflects the full scope. This step is critical — homeowners who have a qualified contractor present during the adjuster visit consistently receive more accurate assessments.
5. Approved Restoration — Once the claim is approved, we schedule the roof restoration. We replace the entire affected roof surface with new materials that meet or exceed manufacturer specifications and local building codes. All work is completed to the standard required for full manufacturer warranty activation.
6. Final Walkthrough & Warranty — We walk the completed project with you, confirm your satisfaction, activate the manufacturer warranty, and provide all documentation for your records and your insurance company.

Types of Hail Damage We Repair

Asphalt Shingle Hail Damage

The most common type of hail damage in Austin. Hail impacts fracture the shingle mat and dislodge granules, leaving dark spots or exposed fiberglass. Even seemingly minor impacts compromise the shingle’s waterproofing and UV protection, accelerating deterioration. When hail damage is widespread across the roof, full replacement is typically the correct repair — and is typically covered by insurance.

Metal Roof Hail Damage

While metal roofs are more hail-resistant than asphalt, large hail (1.5 inches or more) can dent standing seam panels and compromise the paint finish, leading to cosmetic damage and potential corrosion. We assess whether the damage is cosmetic or structural and recommend the appropriate repair or replacement.

Flat Roof Hail Damage

TPO, EPDM, and modified bitumen membranes on flat and low-slope roofs can be punctured or cracked by hail impact. These punctures are especially dangerous because water pools on flat roofs, and even a small breach can lead to significant interior water damage.

Collateral Hail Damage

Hail doesn’t just damage roofs. We document and report hail damage to gutters, downspouts, siding, window screens, skylights, and outdoor equipment. This comprehensive approach ensures your insurance claim accounts for all hail damage to your property, not just the roof.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my roof has hail damage?

Hail damage to a roof is often difficult to detect from the ground. Signs that your roof may have hail damage include: dents on soft metal components like gutters, downspouts, and aluminum vents; damaged window screens; circular marks or bruises on asphalt shingles (visible upon close inspection); granule accumulation in gutters; and dents on outdoor AC units, mailboxes, or car hoods. If your area experienced a hailstorm, the safest approach is a professional inspection — we identify and document damage that is invisible from street level.

Does homeowner’s insurance cover hail damage in Texas?

Yes. Hail damage caused by a weather event is a covered peril under standard Texas homeowner’s insurance policies. Your insurance company will cover the cost of repair or replacement, minus your deductible. In Texas, insurers are required to pay the actual cost of restoring the roof to its pre-damage condition. Onward Home works directly with your insurance company and meets with adjusters on-site to ensure the full scope of damage is documented.

How long do I have to file a hail damage insurance claim in Texas?

Most Texas homeowner’s insurance policies allow one year from the date of the hail event to file a claim. However, some policies — particularly those issued after recent legislative changes — may have shorter filing windows. We recommend scheduling an inspection within 30 days of a major hailstorm to allow adequate time for documentation, filing, and the adjuster process.

Should I let storm chasers replace my roof?

Be cautious with door-to-door solicitors who appear immediately after a storm. While some may be legitimate, storm-chasing contractors often lack local accountability, may use substandard materials, and frequently disappear before warranty claims arise. Look for a contractor with a physical presence in Austin, verifiable Texas licensing, manufacturer certifications, and a track record of local reviews. Onward Home is locally owned, permanently based in Austin, and has served Central Texas homeowners for over a decade.

Will a hail damage claim raise my insurance premiums?

In Texas, state law prohibits insurance companies from raising your premium solely because you filed a single hail damage claim. However, if you file multiple claims within a short period, or if your area is reclassified to a higher risk zone, premiums may increase at renewal. We help you evaluate whether filing a claim makes financial sense based on the extent of damage versus your deductible.

We provide hail damage roof repair and restoration in Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Georgetown, Dripping Springs, Kyle, Buda, Lakeway, Bee Cave, Leander, Hutto, and all of Central Texas.

Schedule your free hail damage inspection today. Call (512) 643-0087 or fill out the form on this page.