What to do after a hail storm in DFW

1Stay safe and stay off the roof

Wait until the storm has passed. Watch for downed power lines, broken glass and fallen branches. Don’t climb on the roof: wet or damaged shingles are slippery, and a roofer can check it safely.

2Look for damage from the ground

You can spot a lot without a ladder. Walk around your home and look for:

• Dents in gutters, downspouts, vents and other metal
• Shingle granules in the gutters or at the bottom of downspouts
• Missing, cracked or lifted shingles, or pieces of shingle in the yard
• Dings in siding, fences, window screens or the fins of your AC unit
• New water stains on ceilings or walls, or damp spots in the attic

Dents in metal are a good clue. If hail was big enough to dent your gutters, it may have damaged your shingles too.

3Take photos and write down the date

Photograph any damage you can see safely, inside and out, and write down the date and time of the storm. A photo of a hailstone next to a coin or a ruler helps show its size. Your insurance company will ask when the damage happened.

4Prevent more damage

If water is getting in, move your belongings away, catch the drips and call a roofer for an emergency repair. Insurance policies usually expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent more damage, so keep receipts for anything you buy or pay for.

5Get a free roof inspection

A roofer can confirm whether the storm actually damaged your roof. An inspection before you file keeps you from filing for damage that isn’t there, and gives you documentation if it is.

6File your claim if there’s damage

Report the damage to your insurance company by phone, online or in their app. Write down your claim number and your adjuster’s name. Check your policy for your deductible and your deadline to report damage, and don’t wait: damage can get worse over time.

7Schedule repairs and do a final walkthrough

Once your claim is approved, your roofer schedules the work. When it’s done, walk the job with them, check the clean-up and keep your warranty paperwork with your insurance policy.