It’s Hail Season in Austin, TX—Here’s What to Do If You Need a Roof Repair
Hail season is underway here in Austin, TX. A massive storm struck Austin on May 28, bringing 2-inch hail and 60-80 MPH wind gusts to Central Austin, Leander, Liberty Hill, and Cedar Park. We’ve seen our fair share of hail damage roof repair calls throughout the greater metro area, including from homeowners still recovering from hail damage in Georgetown and throughout Williamson County.
We feel it’s always good for homeowners to be prepared to respond in the event of a major storm. At Integro Construction Services, our team has already been busy helping homeowners recover from storms here in Georgetown and in the Austin area. We know that storm damage can be stressful to deal with—but knowing what steps to take goes a long way toward mitigating headaches.
Here are some tips for addressing hail damage in Austin, TX.
Know Your Insurance Policy
Before storm season arrives, it’s good for homeowners to get a better understanding of their insurance policy. Generally, we recommend reviewing your insurance policy annually and calling your insurance provider if you need any clarification.
Reviewing your policy can help you know if certain damage is covered or not. While hail damage is traditionally covered by homeowners insurance, we’ve unfortunately seen increasing reports of companies removing this portion of the policy or dropping customers entirely.
Protect Your Property 
There’s no way to defend your home against hail damage, of course—it’s just a fact of life living in Austin or anywhere else in Central Texas. That said, you can prepare your property if storms are forecast for your area. When hail or high winds are expected, be sure to:
- Secure and store any outdoor furniture, grills, lawn ornaments, etc.
- Protect vulnerable plants if possible
- Ensure all family members and pets are indoors
- Park vehicles in a garage or other sheltered area
Lawn ornaments and furniture can become projectiles during wind storms, causing damage as they’re flung against the side of your home. Be sure to protect your home by securing these items if weather advisories are in effect.
Complete a Visual Inspection
After storms have passed and it’s safe to go outside, take a walk around your property to determine if your home has sustained any damage. Common signs of hail damage include:
- Loose or missing singles
- Cracks in shingles or noticeable dark spots
- Dents or dings in soft metals such as flashing or gutters
- Visible hail marks on exterior portions of your home, such as your siding or deck
Please note that this inspection should be performed from ground level. We don’t advise climbing on your roof, particularly when it may be damaged already. If you see signs of damage, or even if you don’t but hail was reported in your area, it’s a good idea to schedule a professional inspection.
Contact a Trusted Roofer—Right Away
Before filing an insurance claim, we recommend contacting a trusted roofing company to complete an inspection. This roofer should be local and reputable—major storms may bring out “storm chasing” roofers who travel around offering cheap repairs but who do low-quality roofs.
A local roofer with expertise in storm damage repair will be able to complete a professional inspection and assess the extent of damage to your roof. Those that have experience working with insurance companies will be able to make recommendations as to whether it’s worth it to file a claim or not.
Also, it’s important to schedule an inspection and (if needed) to make repairs right away. While you have as much as two years to file a claim for hail damage, leaving damage unaddressed can compromise your roof and potentially lead to larger roofing issues, such as leaks.
Faced with Hail Damage in Austin, TX? Integro Construction Services Can Help
At Integro Construction Services, our team has strong expertise in storm restoration. As a full-service exterior contractor, we provide not only roof repair services, but a full suite of hail damage restoration solutions for homeowners throughout the Austin, TX, metro. When storms strike, we can restore your entire property to perfect condition.
Whether you were in the path of recent hail storms or have storm damage lingering from past seasons, Integro Construction Services is your one-stop solution for repair and restoration services. Reach out online or call (512) 987-1273 to schedule an inspection today.
Austin Hail Damage FAQs
How long do I have to file an insurance claim for hail damage?
The Texas statute of limitations for hail damage is two years from the date of the storm event. However, it’s generally best to file a claim as soon as you know the damage to your roof is significant to avoid compromising your roof.
Should I call my insurance provider or a roofer first after a hail storm?
We recommend booking a storm damage inspection first. A professional roofer will be able to help assess if the damage to your roof is significant enough to warrant a claim. They can also take photos to document the damage.
When is hail season in Austin?
The hail season in Austin can start as early as March, and generally runs through the end of June. Hail storms can continue into July and even later, but spring and early summer are typically the most active times.
