Signs you can spot from the ground (safely)
- Shingles — missing, cracked, curled, or "bruised" (dark, soft spots where hail knocked the granules off).
- Granules — piles of sandy black grit in gutters or at the bottom of downspouts. This is one of the clearest signs hail stripped the shingle surface.
- Metal surfaces — dents and dimples on gutters, downspouts, metal flashing, roof vents, and chimney caps.
- The "hail proof" — dents on your AC unit fins, mailbox, garage door, or car. If those are dinged, your roof almost certainly took hits too.
- Siding & windows — cracked paint, chips, crescent-shaped cracks, or broken seals.
Signs from inside your home
Before you look outside, look up. New water stains on ceilings or walls, damp spots or daylight in the attic, or a leak that appears right after a storm all point to roof damage. Catching it early keeps a small repair from becoming a rotted deck.
What to do after a Houston-area storm
- Document it — note the storm date and take photos of any damage you can see safely.
- Don't climb the roof — it's dangerous, and walking a damaged roof can cause more harm. Get a free professional inspection instead.
- Know your deductible — Texas wind/hail deductibles are usually a percentage (often 1–3%) of your home's insured value, not the repair cost. A 2% deductible on a $400,000 home is $8,000. See our Texas insurance claim guide.
- Mind the clock — storm claims are time-sensitive and many policies expect prompt reporting.
- Beware storm chasers — out-of-town crews that knock on doors after every storm. Use a local roofer you can find again; our how to choose a roofer guide covers the red flags.
Why a professional inspection matters
A lot of hail and wind damage is "functional," not obvious — bruising and loosened seals you can't see from the driveway but that shorten your roof's life and can sink a claim if they're missed or reported late. A trained eye and clear documentation are what get a claim approved.
Frequently asked questions
Can I see hail damage from the ground?
Some of it — missing shingles, granules in gutters, and dented metal. But shingle "bruising" usually needs a close-up inspection to confirm.
Does a dented gutter mean my roof is damaged?
Often, yes. Gutters, vents, and AC fins are softer than shingles, so dents there are a strong hint the roof took hail too — worth an inspection.
How long do I have to file a roof claim in Texas?
It varies by policy, but report promptly. Long delays between the storm and the claim are a common reason claims get denied.