How to Navigate Hail Damage Roof Repair, Costs & Insurance

The minutes after a hailstorm can be chaotic: water spots creeping across a ceiling, shingle granules piling in gutters, dents on vents and downspouts. Even modest, 1-inch hail can bruise shingles without obvious holes, setting up slow leaks and mold if you wait. You’re stuck choosing what to do first—tarp the roof, call insurance, find a roofer, or start drying the inside.

This guide gives you a clear, calm path. You’ll learn how to make the home safe, stop active leaks, and document damage so your insurance claim stays on track. We’ll show you how to judge whether you likely need repair or a full replacement, what drives costs in Austin, and how to coordinate a licensed roofer with an IICRC‑certified water mitigation pro—while following Texas rules on deductibles and claims.

Step by step, we’ll cover immediate actions, ground-and-attic checks, photo checklists, cost ranges, ACV vs. RCV policies, filing a claim, meeting the adjuster, selecting materials, scheduling work, restoring interiors, collecting recoverable depreciation, and Austin-specific tips so you can move from storm to solution with confidence.

Step 1. Make your home safe and stop active leaks (tarping and utilities)

Before anything else, focus on safety and stopping water intrusion. After hail, roofs are slick, shingles can be loose, and metal can be sharp. If water is coming in, your first move is to control electricity and water sources, contain the leak, and only then consider emergency tarping—ideally by a pro. Quick action here prevents bigger hail damage roof repair bills and mold.

• Kill power to wet areas: Flip breakers if ceilings, walls, or light fixtures are damp. Never step in standing water with power on.

• Shut off the water (if suspected plumbing damage): Close the main valve until you confirm the source.

• Contain the leak inside: Move valuables, set buckets, and carefully relieve bulging ceilings by making a small weep hole into a bucket.

• Tarp the roof safely: If you can’t do it from a ladder, call an emergency tarping service. If DIY, use a heavy-duty tarp that extends past the ridge and secure with 2x4s screwed into framing—avoid walking on a wet roof.

• Start drying immediately: Run fans/dehumidifiers and contact an IICRC-certified water mitigation pro.

• Save proof for insurance: Photograph everything and keep receipts for reasonable temporary repairs.

Step 2. Do a quick, safe hail damage check from the ground and attic

Don’t climb the roof. A fast, safe look from the ground and attic helps you decide if you need emergency hail damage roof repair or a full inspection. Use binoculars, note anything new since the storm, and remember that small (≈1-inch) hail can bruise shingles without obvious holes.

What to look for from the ground

• Soft metal dents: Check gutters, downspouts (above 5 ft), roof vents, and flashing for dings/spatter.

• Granules in gutters:Bare shingle spots or granules piling in gutters/downspouts signal impact.

• Shingle issues:Missing, cracked, or creased tabs visible at eaves/rakes.

• Exterior clues:Dings on garage doors, window screens, shutters, AC fins, mailbox, or vehicles.

• Metal roofs:Visible dimples/dents on panels or seams.

What to look for in the attic

• Active moisture:Drips, water stains, or ring marks on decking/rafters.

• Daylight at penetrations:Light leaks around vents, chimneys, or skylights.

• Ceiling concerns:New stains or sagging drywall beneath suspect areas.

• Granules/dust:Dark specks or debris near nail lines indicating shingle bruising above.

Step 3. Document everything for insurance (photos, videos, hail size, receipts)

Your claim is only as strong as your proof. Start a “Hail – YYYY‑MM‑DD” folder on your phone/cloud and capture clear, time‑stamped visuals. Insurers can verify storm dates with hail maps, so matching timestamps, locations, and thorough documentation help streamline hail damage roof repair approvals.

• Exterior photos: Wide shots of all elevations, then close‑ups of dents on soft metals (gutters/downspouts above 5 ft, roof vents, flashing), missing/cracked shingles, and granules in gutters.

• Interior/attic: Stains, bubbling paint, sagging drywall, active drips, wet insulation, and roof decking moisture.

• Hail size: Photograph hail next to a ruler or coin; note time/location. Screenshot local weather alerts for the storm.

• Video walkthrough: Narrate date/time and show each affected area, including active leaks.

• Receipts & reports: Save invoices for tarps, fans/dehumidifiers, emergency tarping, and temporary lodging; keep contractor inspection reports and estimates.

• Contact log: Record dates, names, and notes from calls with your insurer/contractors. Don’t discard damaged materials until the adjuster sees them.

Step 4. Mitigate interior water damage immediately to prevent mold

Interior water spreads fast after a hail hit, and the longer it sits the more likely you’ll pay for water damage and even mold remediation (water repairs around $400–$1,700; mold $1,127–$3,441, per This Old House). Act quickly to stabilize the inside while your roofer addresses the roof. If you’re unsure, bring in an IICRC‑certified water mitigation pro to map moisture and set up a safe dry‑out. The steps below protect finishes and strengthen your hail damage roof repair claim.

• Protect contents: Move furniture, lift rugs, place foil/blocks under legs, and cover items.

• Extract standing water: Use a wet/dry vac if safe; otherwise call a mitigation crew.

• Remove wet materials: Pull soaked area rugs, carpet pad, baseboards, and visibly wet insulation; bag and label. Save a sample for the adjuster.

• Promote drying: Run fans and dehumidifiers, open cabinets/closets, and keep interior doors ajar.

• Control contamination: If you see discoloration or musty odor, avoid aggressive air movement and wait for a pro.

• Document as you go: Photograph wet areas, removed materials, and drying equipment settings.

• Don’t close up yet: Don’t paint, patch, or reinstall drywall until a pro verifies materials are dry.

Step 5. Decide if you likely need roof repair or full replacement

Not every hail hit means a new roof. The call hinges on roof age, how widespread the impacts are, and whether leaks or shingle bruising are present. Hail around 1 inch can bruise asphalt shingles even when they look intact, leading to leaks later. Metal roofs often show cosmetic dents that don’t leak, but damage at seams, flashing, or vents can. Insurers weigh extent and distribution of damage, granule loss, cracked/split shingles, and recurring moisture.

• Likely repair:

  • Localized missing or cracked shingles on one area/slope

  • Minor, isolated granule loss without soft “bruised” spots

  • Cosmetic dents on metal with no seam/flashing compromise

  • A single leaking penetration (vent, chimney) that can be re-flashed

• Likely replacement:

  • Consistent bruising or cracks across multiple slopes

  • Widespread granule loss exposing dark asphalt mats

  • Multiple active leaks or attic wet spots after the storm

  • Older roof with cumulative hail history where repairs won’t hold

When in doubt, get a licensed roofer’s photo-documented inspection to confirm scope before you file.

Step 6. Understand hail damage roof repair costs and what drives them

Budgeting starts with scope. Minor hail damage roof repair averages about $940, or $4–$7 per sq ft; large sections and interior drying push totals higher, and a full roof replacement can reach $10,000 on average (and $25,000+ when extensive), according to industry guides like This Old House. Your material, access, and whether water got inside are the biggest cost levers.

Roof material	Typical repair cost per sq ft*
Asphalt shingles	$1.20–$4
Metal	$1–$5
Clay/concrete tile	$3–$5
Wood shake/shingle	$6–$7

*Ranges summarized from This Old House

• Labor & access: Roof pitch, stories, and obstacles affect crew size/time; labor often runs $45–$75 per hour per worker.

• Project scope: Single-slope spot fixes cost less than multi-slope repairs with many penetrations (vents, skylights, chimneys).

• Ancillary roof items: Damaged flashing ($150–$1,000) and gutters ($193–$620) add line items.

• Interior impacts:Water damage ($400–$1,700) and mold remediation ($1,127–$3,441) can exceed the roof repair itself if drying is delayed.

• Age/code upgrades: Older roofs may need code-required ventilation or underlayment improvements when opened up.

• Materials/lead times: Specialty shingles, tiles, or metal panels increase price and may extend timelines.

Clear documentation and a thorough inspection help right-size the scope—and the spend.

Step 7. Review your homeowners policy: ACV vs RCV, deductible, deadlines

Before you file, know how your policy pays for hail damage roof repair. Insurers often verify storm dates with hail maps, so align your documentation to the event. The big levers are policy type, deductible, timelines, and any age-related limitations that could change your payout.

• Policy type matters:

  • RCV (Replacement Cost Value): Pays to restore your roof to a brand‑new version of itself. You’ll typically get an initial ACV check, then the insurer releases the rest as recoverable depreciation after work is completed and documented. Upgrades beyond like‑for‑like are on you.

  • ACV (Actual Cash Value): Pays the depreciated value; you cover the gap to a full repair/replacement.

• Deductible (often 1%–5% of dwelling coverage): You pay this first; insurance covers approved costs above it. Example: deductible = $400,000 x 2% = $8,000. Keep receipts for temporary tarping/drying.

• Deadlines: Many policies require filing within about a year of the storm (some 6–24 months). Check your declarations page for the exact window.

• Older roofs/limitations: Some policies reduce coverage on aged roofs; confirm any exclusions or cosmetic‑only provisions (common with metal denting).

Capture your policy details now so Step 8 goes smoothly.

Step 8. File a claim the right way and line up the adjuster inspection

Move fast but stay organized. File your hail claim as soon as you’ve reviewed your policy details. Insurers verify storm dates with hail maps, so align your photos, videos, and receipts to the event. Get a claim number, confirm your deductible, and ask what emergency mitigation (tarping/drying) is authorized so those costs can be considered.

• Open the claim: Call or use your carrier’s app/portal. Provide storm date/time, address, and a brief damage summary.

• Upload your evidence: Exterior/interior photos, attic shots, hail-size photo with ruler/coin, video walkthrough, receipts for tarping/drying, and any contractor inspection.

• Confirm mitigation coverage: Ask the rep to note emergency work; keep all invoices.

• Schedule the field inspection: Request the earliest slot and plan for your roofer and IICRC-certified mitigation pro to attend. Ask for a ladder assist if the roof is steep.

• Prep for the visit: Don’t discard damaged materials. Clear driveway/attic access, secure pets, and have your issues list ready.

• Only authorize temporary work: Avoid signing binding replacement contracts until after the adjuster’s inspection and scope are set.

Step 9. Choose vetted local pros (roofer and IICRC-certified water mitigation)

After a hail event, you’ll get door-knocks and flyers. Slow down and pick proven, local specialists. The right team—a licensed roofer for hail damage roof repair and an IICRC‑certified water mitigation company—protects your home and your claim with defensible documentation, safe dry‑out, and quality repairs.

• Verify credentials: Texas license, active insurance (GL/Workers’ Comp), and bonding where applicable. Ask for certificates.

• Local reputation: Choose companies with a physical address nearby and strong recent reviews; ask for 2–3 local references.

• Inspection quality: Require a photo‑documented roof inspection (slope by slope), attic checks, and a written estimate with line items.

• Claims support: Ensure they’ll meet the adjuster, mark damage, and provide moisture readings, photos, and equipment logs.

• IICRC for drying: Confirm the mitigation firm is IICRC‑certified and provides a drying plan, daily monitoring, and a completion report.

• Compare 2–3 bids: Similar scope, materials, and warranties; avoid pressure tactics or “today‑only” pricing.

• Warranties & materials: Get labor and manufacturer warranty terms in writing; specify shingles, underlayment, flashing, and ventilation.

Step 10. Know Texas rules: no deductible waivers and who can negotiate claims

A few Texas‑specific guardrails protect you during hail damage roof repair. Following them keeps your claim clean and prevents delays or denials. When in doubt, confirm details with your carrier and the Texas Department of Insurance.

• No “free deductible” offers: You are responsible for your insurance deductible. Avoid contractors promising to waive, rebate, or “eat” it. Keep proof you paid it.

• Who can negotiate your claim: Only you, your insurer, a licensed public adjuster, or your attorney can negotiate settlement. Contractors can meet the adjuster and discuss scope/pricing, but they cannot “handle” or adjust your claim.

• Paper trail matters: Insist on a written contract and itemized invoice that reflects your deductible and approved scope. Get carrier approval for changes before work proceeds.

Step 11. Get a thorough professional roof inspection and written estimate

A pro inspection turns guesswork into a clear plan. Instead of risking the roof yourself, have a licensed roofer document storm impacts slope by slope and check the attic for moisture paths and decking stains. Many roofers offer free inspections; if you hire a third-party inspector, expect around $220 for a professional roof inspection per national averages. The goal is a photo-rich report and a written, line‑item estimate you can align with your insurance scope.

• What the roofer should document (with photos):

  • Shingle damage: Bruising/soft spots, cracks/splits, missing tabs, and significant granule loss.

  • Soft metals: Dents/spatter on gutters, downspouts (above 5 ft), vents, and flashing.

  • Penetrations & edges: Chimneys, skylights, pipe boots, eaves/rakes, and valleys.

  • Attic findings: Wet decking, stains, insulation moisture, and light leaks.

  • Runoff system: Granules in gutters, bent sections, or misaligned downspouts.

• What your written estimate should include:

  • Scope by area: Each slope/section, penetrations, flashing, and gutters called out.

  • Quantities & materials: Squares, linear feet, underlayment type, shingles/tiles/panels specified.

  • Repairs vs. replacement: Clear recommendation with photos supporting the choice.

  • Code items: Required ventilation or flashing upgrades if applicable.

  • Pricing & timelines: Labor/material costs, lead times, start/finish window, and warranties.

  • Supporting packet: Date‑stamped photos and notes suitable for the adjuster meeting.

Step 12. Attend the adjuster meeting with your contractor to align scope

This visit is where your claim’s scope is set. Be present with your roofer (and IICRC mitigation pro if interiors were wet). The goal isn’t to argue price—it’s to make sure all storm impacts are found, photographed, and included so your hail damage roof repair or replacement is properly covered.

• Walk every slope together: Your roofer marks bruised shingles, cracks, and widespread granule loss.

• Verify soft metals: Document dents on gutters, downspouts (above 5 ft), roof vents, and flashing.

• Check penetrations: Chimneys, pipe boots, skylights, valleys, and edges get close‑ups.

• Go inside the attic: Show stains, wet decking, insulation damage, and light leaks.

• Provide your proof: Hail‑size photo, time‑stamped images/video, receipts, and the roofer’s photo report.

• Share drying records: Moisture readings, equipment logs, and interior damage photos.

• Clarify code items: Ventilation, underlayment, and flashing requirements called out in scope.

• Stay in your lane: You (or a public adjuster/attorney) handle settlement; the contractor discusses scope only.

• Document outcomes: Request the inspection summary and next steps; ask for reinspect if anything was missed.

Step 13. Approve materials and code upgrades (impact-rated shingles, flashing, ventilation)

With scope aligned, lock in materials and any code-required upgrades before work begins. Insurers generally pay to restore “like-for-like,” and per industry guidance, if you choose to upgrade (for example, to more resilient shingles), you’ll cover the difference out of pocket. Make selections now so your roofer can order promptly and your claim paperwork matches the final build.

• Shingles: Consider impact‑rated options for better hail resistance; confirm brand, line, color, and profile.

• Underlayment: Specify synthetic felt and any valley/eave membranes if required by local code or site conditions.

• Flashing package: Replace step, counter, valley flashing, pipe boots, and storm‑dented roof vents; avoid reusing old metal.

• Ventilation: Ensure ridge/box vents and intake meet code; proper ventilation is often required when re‑roofing.

• Gutters/downspouts: Approve replacements where hail dented soft metals; keep line items consistent with the estimate.

• Low‑slope areas: For suitable roofs, a silicone coating system may be an approved repair path instead of replacement.

• Paperwork: Get a written material list with quantities and warranties; align it with the adjuster’s scope and pre‑approve any change orders with your insurer.

Step 14. Schedule the roof work and protect your home during repairs

Once materials and scope are approved, lock a weather‑flexible start window and confirm everything in writing: start date, staging plan, daily cleanup, and who your on‑site lead is. Make sure any change orders get insurer pre‑approval before work proceeds so your hail damage roof repair stays aligned with the claim.

• Before the crew arrives:

  • Clear the driveway/garage and pick a staging area for shingles and a dumpster.

  • Move patio furniture, grills, and vehicles away from eaves; mark sprinkler heads.

  • Cover attic contents with plastic; remove fragile wall décor and light fixtures that could vibrate loose.

  • Secure pets and notify neighbors of noise and debris.

  • Confirm power access and, if required, that permits are posted.

• Protection during the job:

  • Ask for tarps over landscaping, pools, and walkways; plywood over the AC condenser.

  • Require careful handling of gutters/flashings and daily magnetic nail sweeps.

  • Request end‑of‑day dry‑in if weather shifts.

• Closeout basics:

  • Final magnet sweep and debris removal; keep extra shingles for future spot repairs.

  • Get completion photos, warranties, and a final invoice matching the approved scope and deductible.

Step 15. Restore interiors and verify dry standards before closing walls

Once the roof is watertight, turn to interiors methodically. The priority is a clean, fully dried structure with proof you can hand your insurer. Don’t rush to mud and paint—have an IICRC‑certified mitigation pro confirm dryness using moisture meters and a written log. Rebuild only after the “dry goal” (compared to unaffected areas) is met to avoid trapping moisture and future mold.

• Verify dry first: Moisture map framing, drywall, and subfloors; continue dehumidification until readings normalize; keep daily logs.

• Remove/replace porous items: Swap wet insulation, carpet pad, swollen baseboards/trim, and sagging or crumbled drywall; HEPA‑vac and disinfect hard surfaces.

• Check electrical/HVAC: Have a licensed electrician inspect wet fixtures/outlets; replace wet duct insulation; change HVAC filters.

• Rebuild in sequence: Insulation, drywall, stain‑blocking primer, paint; reinstall trim, cabinetry toe‑kicks, flooring as needed; match textures and finishes.

• Document everything: Photo each stage, save invoices, and submit supplements for hidden damage discovered after opening walls—get insurer approval before proceeding.

Step 16. Close out the claim and collect recoverable depreciation

Once the roof is finished and interiors are dry, shift from repair mode to paperwork. If you have an RCV policy, insurers typically release the recoverable depreciation after you prove completion with photos and a final, itemized invoice that matches the approved scope. Confirm all supplements (code items, hidden damage) are approved first, and make sure your invoice reflects your Texas deductible paid—no waivers.

• Match scope to EOB: Reconcile the contractor’s final invoice with the insurer’s estimate; submit any last supplements before closing.

• Upload proof of completion: Completion photos, contractor final invoice, permits/final inspection (if required), material/labor warranties, and IICRC drying completion report with moisture logs.

• Show deductible paid: Provide canceled check/receipt; Texas requires you to pay it.

• Verify the math:final payment = approved RCV – deductible – prior insurer payments – non‑recoverable items.

• Mortgagee on the check: Coordinate lender endorsement early to avoid delays.

• Collect lien waivers: Get conditional/unconditional waivers with each payment and keep a complete claim file for your records.

Step 17. Reduce future hail risk with upgrades, maintenance, and insurance discounts

Once you’ve wrapped your hail damage roof repair, lock in changes that make the next storm a non‑event. The right materials and simple routines can cut leaks, control costs, and keep future claims straightforward—especially since even 1‑inch hail can bruise shingles and lead to delayed leaks.

• Choose more resilient roofing: Consider impact‑rated asphalt shingles or metal roofing. Metal stands up well to hail but may show cosmetic dents; weigh durability versus appearance.

• Upgrade the roof system, not just shingles: Replace damaged flashing and vents, use quality synthetic underlayment, and ensure proper ventilation—items that insurers and codes often require when re‑roofing.

• Protect low‑slope areas: Silicone roof coating systems can restore hail‑damaged low‑slope roofs and create a seamless, waterproof surface without full replacement.

• Keep water moving: Clean gutters/downspouts so granules and rain can shed fast. After storms, do quick ground and attic checks for dents, granule piles, and new stains.

• Document each storm: Photograph hail size next to a coin/ruler and save time‑stamped photos of any exterior/interior changes to support future claims.

• Ask your insurer about credits: Some carriers may offer premium considerations for approved impact‑resistant roofing. Confirm what documentation they need before you upgrade.

These steps won’t stop hail, but they will help your roof shrug it off—and help your policy work for you when it counts.

Step 18. Austin-area tips: storm season timing, permitting, and local resources

Across Greater Austin—Austin, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Cedar Park, Hutto, Georgetown, Kyle, and Leander—severe weather can impact multiple neighborhoods at once, making timing and logistics just as important as the repair itself. Use these local-minded tips to keep your hail damage roof repair moving smoothly when demand spikes.

• Storm alerts & prep: Set up National Weather Service alerts on your phone, keep a small kit (tarp, gloves, flashlight), and store your policy number and recent home photos for quick reference.

• Permitting & HOA: Ask your roofer to confirm if a re‑roof permit is required, pull and post it when applicable, and get HOA approvals before materials arrive.

• Scheduling & staging: Reserve driveway space for crews and a dumpster, confirm placement rules with your city/HOA, and request daily magnetic nail sweeps.

• Inspections coordination: If permits trigger inspections, coordinate city access windows with your contractor to avoid delays.

• Water mitigation: When interiors are wet, line up an IICRC‑certified mitigation team for same‑day dry‑out in your specific Austin‑area city while the roofer handles the roof.

Wrap up and next steps

You now have a clear playbook: make the home safe, stop the leak, document thoroughly, get a pro inspection, align scope with the adjuster, choose materials wisely, and restore interiors only after verified dry standards. Moving quickly—especially on tarping and dry‑out—keeps costs down, prevents mold, and helps your insurance claim move without friction.

If you’re in Greater Austin and dealing with leaks or wet materials right now, we can help. Our IICRC‑certified team responds 24/7 (typically within about 30 minutes), handles emergency tarping, water extraction, and structured dry‑out, and coordinates clean documentation for your roofer and insurer. Call or request your free estimate at Water Damage Repair Tech and turn today’s storm into a controlled plan forward.