After a Hailstorm in Lubbock: Homeowner Roof Steps

After hail, take photos from the ground, stop any water coming in, and get the roof inspected before you sign anything. If the damage looks real, call your insurer yourself as soon as you can. Then compare at least three written bids. Nothing about a hail roof has to be decided on the day of the storm, even when your street fills with trucks and door-knockers.

First hour: safety and water

• Stay off the roof. Wet or hail-covered shingles are slick, and damaged decking may not hold weight.
• Check ceilings, the tops of walls and around light fixtures for new stains or drips. Move belongings away and put a bucket under any drip.
• If water is coming in, ask a roofer for an emergency tarp. Keep the receipt.
• Watch for downed power lines and leave those to the utility.

The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) says to make temporary repairs that prevent more damage, keep receipts, and hold off on permanent repairs until the adjuster has seen the damage (TDI).

First day: document what you can see

Walk the yard once it's safe and photograph:

• dented gutters, downspouts, roof vents and the AC condenser;
• pieces of shingle, granules collecting at downspout outlets, or broken ridge caps on the ground;
• hailstones next to a coin or ruler, if any are still around;
• dents on cars, fences, the mailbox and window screens;
• any interior stains, with the date.

TDI also advises not throwing anything away until your adjuster says it's okay. Write down when the storm hit and how long it lasted. A note like "about 15 minutes, hail around golf-ball size, from the northwest" helps everyone later.

Damage in Lubbock can vary block to block. On May 20, 2020, the National Weather Service reported baseball-size hail in south-central Lubbock while smaller hail fell across much of the rest of the city, and it said the large hail damaged many vehicles and roofs (NWS). Don't assume your roof is fine because a neighbor's is, or damaged because a neighbor's was.

First week: inspection and the claim

Get a roofer you chose yourself to inspect the roof and give you a written report with photos. Our hail and wind inspection guide lists what it should cover.

If the inspection finds damage, report it to your insurer directly. TDI's claim guidance says to file as soon as you can, keep a record of everyone you talk to, and be available for the adjuster's inspection (TDI). TDI also suggests being present when the adjuster visits so you can point out all the damage (TDI). The roof insurance claim guide explains what happens next and the deadlines insurers must meet.

The door-knockers

The Texas Attorney General's office says door-to-door contractors flock to some neighborhoods after natural disasters, and that while many are honest, some are not. State officials give clear rules of thumb:

• Don't sign on the spot. The AG's office advises you not to be pushed into signing right away, to get more than one estimate, and never to sign a contract with blanks (Texas AG).
• Read what you're signing. TDI warns that a contract may be presented as an "estimate" or "release" just to get onto your roof (TDI).
• Don't pay big money up front. TDI notes that after a disaster, out-of-town contractors can't legally require a down payment before starting work (TDI).
• Walk away from deductible deals. TDI says it is against the law for a contractor to offer to waive your insurance deductible.

Our storm chaser guide goes deeper on checking a contractor.

When you're ready to choose

Compare bids line by line: tear-off, underlayment, flashing, vents, ridge caps, decking allowance and cleanup. TDI recommends comparing contractor bids with the adjuster's report before settling the claim. Ask whether the new roof needs a City of Lubbock permit and who pulls it. If you're replacing, this is a good time to price Class 4 shingles.

Common questions

How soon after a hailstorm should I call my insurance company?

As soon as you know there is damage. TDI's guidance is to report property damage as soon as possible and to keep notes of every call.

Should I get the roof inspected before calling the insurer?

Many homeowners do, so they know whether there is damage worth reporting. Use a roofer you picked yourself, and keep the claim conversation between you and your insurer.

Can I fix the roof before the adjuster comes?

Make temporary repairs, like a tarp, to stop more damage and keep the receipts. TDI says to wait on permanent repairs until the adjuster has seen the damage.

What if I didn't notice the damage until months later?

Report it once you find it and explain when you noticed it. Your policy sets the time limits, so ask your agent.

We connect Lubbock homeowners with independent local pros. You confirm the price and schedule directly with them.