Spring and early summer storms in Central Texas can bring hail, strong straight-line winds and heavy rain in the same afternoon. Roofs take most of it. Hail bruises shingles and knocks off their granules; wind lifts tabs and breaks their seal; rain then finds every gap. Often the leak doesn't show until days or weeks later, as a stain spreading across a bedroom ceiling. This guide explains what storms do to roofs and what happens inside when water gets through.
What Each Kind of Storm Damage Does
| Damage | What happens | What you might notice |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | Bruises and cracks shingles, knocks off granules, dents vents and gutters | Granules in the gutters; dents on metal; often invisible from the ground |
| Wind | Lifts and breaks shingle seals; tears off tabs or ridge caps | Shingles in the yard; flapping edges |
| Wind-driven rain | Pushes water sideways under flashing and shingles | Leaks only during storms, near walls, chimneys or vents |
| Falling limbs | Punctures the roof deck | A hole or crushed area, and a leak right below |
Why the Leak Shows Up Later
Water that gets through a damaged roof first soaks the attic insulation. Insulation can hold a lot before it passes water to the drywall below, so the ceiling stain may appear only after several rains. By then the insulation, the drywall and sometimes the framing are wet. In a Kyle summer attic, that wet insulation stays wet.
After a Storm: Safe Steps
- Stay off the roof. Check it from the yard or through a window.
- Stay away from downed lines and call the utility.
- Photograph the roof from the ground, hailstones next to a coin or ruler, debris in the yard and any interior stains, with the date.
- Catch drips and move belongings; keep clear of sagging ceilings.
- Get the roof covered if it was opened up.
- Contact your insurer if the damage looks serious.
Ceiling stain after the storm?
Tell a Kyle restoration company what you're seeing: (737) 265-3450.
Call (737) 265-3450The Inside Work
- readings on the ceiling and walls below the damage, and in the attic
- soaked attic insulation pulled out
- the saturated ceiling section opened if it's soaked or sagging
- drying with air movers and dehumidifiers until readings say dry
- new insulation, drywall, texture and paint once the roof is repaired
More: ceiling water damage.
Insurance and Storm Roofs
Hail and wind damage are commonly covered perils on Texas homeowners policies, and the interior water damage that follows is usually part of the same claim. Many Texas policies carry a separate wind and hail deductible, often a percentage of the dwelling coverage, so check yours. Wear and old age generally aren't covered. See Texas homeowners insurance and burst pipes.
Storm Chasers
After big hailstorms, out-of-town crews often go door to door. Ask for a local address, proof of insurance and a written contract; avoid large cash deposits; read any document about your insurance claim before signing; and take your time. A reputable company will still be there next week.
Gutters, Vents and Skylights
Hail doesn't only damage shingles. Gutters and downspouts dent and crack, roof vents and turbines get crushed, and skylights can crack. A damaged gutter that no longer drains properly sends water down the wall, and a cracked vent boot lets water into the attic. All of these are worth noting when the roof is checked after a storm.
Roof Repair and the Inside Work
The roof itself is fixed by a roofer; the water damage inside, meaning the wet insulation, ceiling and walls, is the restoration company's part. The two are often coordinated on the same claim. Make sure the interior is dried before the ceiling is closed, even if the roof was repaired quickly.
Questions
How do I know if hail damaged my roof?
Dented gutters, vents or metal, granules collecting in the gutters, and dark spots on shingles are common signs. Damage is often invisible from the ground, so a closer look after a big storm makes sense.
Can a roof leak cause damage even if I can't see a stain?
Yes. Wet attic insulation can hold water for a while before the ceiling shows anything.
Does insurance pay for hail damage?
Often, as a covered peril, subject to the policy's deductible. A separate wind and hail deductible is common in Texas.
Around Kyle
Hail and wind calls come from every part of the area, with older roofs in Amberwood and Historic Downtown Kyle and Hill Country homes in Driftwood especially exposed.
Water Leaking From the Ceiling: What It Usually Means
The four usual sources, and how to tell them apart.
Texas Homeowners Insurance and Burst Pipes
What's usually covered, what isn't, and the records that help.