What to Do If You Get a Roof Leak During a Hailstorm

Hail does not warn you before it hits. One minute the sky is dark and the next, marble-sized ice is hammering your roof, your gutters, and sometimes finding its way inside. If you are dealing with a leak right now, take a breath. You can protect your home and your claim if you act quickly and in the right order.

Here is what to do, step by step.

Step 1: Stay Safe First

Do not go outside while hail is still falling. Hail can cause serious injury, and a wet roof during an active storm is one of the most dangerous surfaces you can walk on. Your first job is to stay inside and let the storm pass.

If you hear thunder or see lightning alongside the hail, treat this as a full electrical storm. Keep away from windows and exterior walls.

Step 2: Move Belongings Away from the Leak

Water spreads fast, especially if it is coming through ceiling drywall or insulation. As soon as you notice a drip or wet spot:

• Move furniture, rugs, electronics, and valuables out of the area
• Pull back any area rugs to prevent mold from forming underneath
• Place towels on the floor first, then a bucket or large bin to catch dripping water
• If the ceiling is bulging with pooled water, carefully puncture the lowest point with a screwdriver to control where it drains rather than letting it collapse

Step 3: Contain and Document Everything

While you are managing the water, start documenting. Your insurance claim will be stronger with evidence gathered right after the event.

• Take photos and video of the wet ceiling, any visible damage, and the water source
• Note the time the leak started and when the hail began
• If you can safely see your attic, photograph what you find up there too (just use your phone from the access hatch, no climbing while the roof is wet)
• Do not throw away anything damaged yet, whether it is a rug, a piece of furniture, or ceiling tiles

This documentation belongs to you and helps support your insurance process. As a roofing contractor, we provide comprehensive documentation during our inspection: photos, measurements, and Xactimate estimates you can submit directly to your insurer. We can also meet with your adjuster to answer technical questions about the damage.

Step 4: Protect What You Can From the Inside

If you have a tarp, heavy-duty plastic sheeting, or even garbage bags, use them to cover furniture or belongings that cannot be moved. Do not attempt to tarp your roof during an active storm. That comes later, once it is safe.

If the leak is near an electrical panel, light fixture, or outlet, flip the breaker for that section of your home. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination.

Step 5: Understand Why Hail Causes Leaks

You might be wondering: hail is ice, not water, so why is there water coming in?

Hail breaks down the protective granule layer on asphalt shingles. Those granules are what keep UV rays, rain, and wind from penetrating the shingle. When hail strips granules away or cracks the shingle itself, it creates paths for water to enter. In some cases, the impact is strong enough to crack shingles, dent metal flashing, or damage valley seams directly.

Even if your roof looked fine before today, a single hail event can compromise decades of weatherproofing in minutes. The tricky part is that hail damage is not always visible from the ground and often does not leak immediately. Some damage shows up weeks or months later, which is why a professional inspection matters even when you do not see an active drip.

Step 6: Apply a Temporary Fix Once the Storm Passes

After the hail stops and it is safe to go outside, you can apply a temporary repair to minimize further water intrusion. Common options include:

• Roofing tarp secured with boards and rope (not stapled into the shingles)
• Roofing cement or sealant applied directly to visible cracks as a short-term patch
• Heavy plastic sheeting taped over interior ceiling damage to catch remaining drips

These are temporary measures only. A tarp is not a repair. It keeps more rain out while you wait for a professional, but it does not address the underlying damage.

If you are not comfortable on the roof, do not go up. Call us for emergency tarping. We offer 24/7 emergency services and can get a crew out to protect your home quickly.

Step 7: Call a Roofing Contractor Promptly

Here is the honest truth: the longer you wait after hail damage, the more complicated things get. Existing damage worsens with every rain. Mold can begin forming within 24 to 48 hours in wet insulation. And insurance companies note when a significant period of time passes between a storm event and a reported claim.

When you call Hometown Roofing and Restoration, here is what happens:

• We schedule a FREE inspection at your convenience
• We document all damage with photos, measurements, and a written assessment
• We provide an Xactimate estimate in the format your insurer accepts
• We can be present during your adjuster inspection to answer technical questions about the scope of work
• Once your claim is approved and your deductible is paid, we schedule the repair or replacement

We do not cut corners and we do not disappear after the job. Every project comes with our lifetime labor warranty, fully transferable if you sell the home.

A Note on Insurance Claims

We know the insurance process can feel overwhelming, especially after a stressful storm. Here is where we stand legally and ethically:

As a roofing contractor, we provide documentation and can meet with your adjuster to discuss the scope of work. Texas law prohibits contractors from negotiating or settling insurance claims on your behalf. For claim negotiations, we recommend consulting a licensed public adjuster or attorney. Additionally, Texas law requires that you pay your insurance deductible.

What we can do is make sure you have the best documentation possible so your claim reflects the actual damage to your home.