Austin Storm Damage Assessment Guide: How to Inspect Your Roof After Severe Weather (2025)

Austin and Travis County experience severe thunderstorms, hail, and high winds that can damage roofs throughout the metro area. After major weather events, many homeowners aren't sure whether their property sustained damage or how to document it properly. As an Austin CertainTeed Shingle Master certified roofing contractor, we've assessed storm damage on thousands of properties across the metro area.

This guide helps you understand how to safely identify storm damage, document it effectively, and know when professional inspection is necessary.

Austin's Weather Patterns & Storm Risk

Recent Severe Weather Events

Austin's position in Central Texas makes it susceptible to severe thunderstorms and hail:

Spring 2024 Hailstorms

• Hail Size: Golf ball to baseball (1.75"-3" diameter)
• Areas Affected: North Austin, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Pflugerville
• Impact: Widespread roof and property damage across multiple ZIP codes

March 2023 Severe Weather

• Hail Size: Tennis ball-sized (2.5"+ diameter)
• Areas Affected: Northwest Austin, Lakeway, Bee Cave, West Lake Hills
• Impact: Significant damage to roofing materials and exterior property components

2022 Multiple Storm Events

• Various Severity: Golf ball to softball-sized hail in different areas
• Areas Affected: South Austin, East Austin, Manor, Del Valle
• Impact: Sporadic but severe damage across the metro area

Austin Areas with Higher Storm Exposure

Neighborhoods Frequently Affected:

• North Austin: Direct storm path from northwest weather systems
• Northwest Hills: Elevated terrain with wind and hail exposure
• Cedar Park/Leander: Suburb areas in "Hail Alley" corridor
• Pflugerville: Northeast exposure to severe weather cells
• Round Rock: Northern suburb with frequent hail events
• Lakeway/Bee Cave: Hill Country areas with severe weather
• South Austin: Growing areas experiencing increased storm activity
• East Austin: Developing neighborhoods with varied roof ages

Important Context: Storm damage severity varies significantly across Austin's large metro area. A storm affecting North Austin may not impact South Austin at all, making localized assessment important.

Identifying Different Types of Storm Damage

Hail Damage Recognition

Shingle Damage Indicators:

• Granule Loss: Dark or shiny spots where protective granules are missing
• Impact Marks: Visible dents, bruises, or divots in shingles
• Fractured Shingles: Cracks or splits in roofing material
• Exposed Asphalt: Black substrate showing through where granules knocked off
• Random Distribution: Damage in irregular patterns (different from normal aging)
• Fiberglass Matting: Visible in severe cases where shingle integrity compromised

Roof Component Damage:

• Dented metal gutters and downspouts
• Damaged gutter guards or leaf screens
• Dented or cracked roof vents
• Compromised chimney caps and flashing
• Damaged skylight frames or glazing
• Cracked pipe boot seals
• Dented ridge vent caps

Property-Wide Storm Indicators:

• Dented air conditioning condenser units
• Damaged window screens or frames
• Impact marks on siding or painted surfaces
• Fence damage or deck impact marks
• Outdoor lighting fixture damage
• Mailbox or landscape feature damage
• Vehicle damage (if exposed during storm)

Wind Damage Identification

Direct Wind Damage:

• Missing shingles or shingle tabs
• Lifted or curled shingle edges
• Torn or ripped shingles exposing underlayment
• Missing or displaced ridge caps
• Damaged starter shingles at roof edges
• Loose or detached flashing

Secondary Wind Damage:

• Tree branches on roof
• Debris lodged in valleys or gutters
• Damaged or detached gutters
• Torn soffit or fascia
• Displaced or broken trim
• Sagging roof sections

Water Intrusion from Storm Damage

Interior Warning Signs:

• Ceiling stains or water spots
• Wall discoloration near roofline
• Attic moisture or dampness
• Active dripping during rain
• Mold or mildew odor
• Peeling interior paint

Exterior Water Damage:

• Staining on exterior walls
• Compromised valley flashing
• Damaged or missing drip edge
• Water pooling on roof (indicates drainage issues)
• Moss or algae (chronic moisture retention)

Safe Self-Assessment Procedures

Ground-Level Inspection Safety

Critical Safety Rules:

• NEVER climb on your roof after a storm
• Don't use ladders without proper training and equipment
• Stay clear of downed power lines
• Watch for loose debris that could fall
• Professional assessment is safer and more comprehensive

What You Can Safely Check:

1. Complete Exterior Walk-Around

• Photograph all sides of your home from ground level
• Use binoculars to inspect roof surface from safe distance
• Check gutters for visible damage or debris
• Look for shingle pieces in yard or on ground
• Inspect all exterior property components
• Note any immediate safety concerns

2. Gutter System Inspection

• Look for dents, dings, or deformation in metal gutters
• Check for loose or separated sections
• Note bent or damaged downspouts
• Look for granule accumulation in gutters
• Check downspout discharge areas for debris

3. Exterior Component Assessment

• AC condenser unit for hail dents
• Window screens for tears or holes
• Painted surfaces for impact damage
• Siding for cracks or displacement
• Outdoor fixtures and equipment
• Fence and deck structures

4. Yard and Ground Check

• Photograph any hail stones with size reference (use ruler or quarter)
• Note location and size of fallen branches
• Look for roofing granules on driveway or walkways
• Check for pieces of shingles or roofing material
• Document all storm debris

Interior Assessment

Attic Inspection (If Safely Accessible):

• Look for light penetrating through roof
• Check rafters for water staining
• Feel insulation for dampness or saturation
• Note any active leaks or dripping
• Check for musty or moldy odors
• Inspect attic ventilation components

Living Area Inspection:

• Check all ceilings for stains or discoloration
• Examine walls near roofline for water damage
• Look for new cracks or structural concerns
• Note any areas that dripped during storm
• Monitor during next rain event

Effective Documentation Methods

Comprehensive Photography

Essential Photos to Capture:

📸 Overview Documentation:

• Entire house from all four sides (front, back, both sides)
• Full roof from every visible angle
• Street view showing your home
• Neighboring properties (especially if they show damage)
• Yard showing storm debris or hail accumulation
• Wide shots providing context

📸 Detailed Damage Photos:

• Close-ups of dented or damaged gutters
• Damaged AC unit or outdoor equipment
• Any visible roof damage (zoom or use binoculars)
• Window screen damage or tears
• Hail stones with measurement reference
• Shingle pieces or debris found on ground
• Impact marks on any surface
• Multiple angles of same damage

📸 Contextual Documentation:

• Enable date/time stamp on camera
• Take both wide and close-up perspectives
• Include reference objects for scale (ruler, coin, etc.)
• Capture before photos if available
• Document weather conditions during photography session
• Note time elapsed since storm

Photography Best Practices:

• Natural daylight provides optimal visibility
• Take more photos than necessary (storage is cheap)
• Don't crop, edit, or filter images
• Save in highest resolution available
• Organize by date and damage type
• Back up to multiple locations (cloud storage recommended)
• Keep original, unedited files

Written Storm Documentation

Create Detailed Storm Log:

Event Information:

• Date and time storm occurred
• Duration of severe weather
• Hail size (from observation or weather reports)
• Wind speed estimates
• Type of precipitation
• When damage was discovered

Damage Details:

• Specific items damaged (roof, gutters, AC, etc.)
• Location on property
• Severity assessment
• Whether damage is functional or cosmetic
• Any immediate safety concerns
• Interior vs. exterior damage

Supporting Documentation:

• National Weather Service reports for your area
• Local news coverage of storm
• Neighbor reports or observations
• Prior roof inspection reports
• Maintenance records
• Property photos from before storm

When to Request Professional Inspection

Clear Indicators for Professional Assessment

Schedule Inspection Immediately If:

• ✅ Visible damage to gutters, roof components, or property
• ✅ Active leaking or water intrusion in your home
• ✅ Storm produced golf ball-sized hail or larger in your area
• ✅ Multiple neighbors reporting damage
• ✅ Missing, lifted, or obviously damaged shingles
• ✅ Interior water stains or ceiling damage
• ✅ Tree or large branch fell on roof
• ✅ Structural concerns or safety issues

Consider Professional Inspection If:

• Severe storm passed through your neighborhood
• Your roof is 10+ years old and significant weather occurred
• Neighbors are getting inspections or filing claims
• You're planning to sell and want verification of condition
• It's been 2+ years since last professional inspection
• You notice any subtle damage indicators
• Insurance company requires professional assessment

Comprehensive Professional Inspection

What's Included in Professional Assessment:

1. Complete Roof System Evaluation

• Inspection of all roof slopes and surfaces
• Flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights
• Ridge caps, hip caps, and all transitions
• Underlayment condition (where accessible)
• Roof decking integrity
• All penetrations and accessories
• Gutter and drainage systems

2. Advanced Documentation Technology

• Professional drone photography for complete roof views
• High-resolution damage documentation
• Thermal imaging to detect hidden moisture issues
• Detailed measurements and material assessment
• GPS-tagged photographic evidence
• Video documentation when appropriate

3. Property-Wide Assessment

• Complete gutter and downspout system
• Soffit, fascia, and exterior trim
• All roof vents and penetrations
• Attic ventilation and condition
• Interior moisture indicators
• Related storm-damaged components

4. Professional Written Report

• Detailed findings with supporting photos
• Assessment of damage extent and severity
• Professional recommendations (repair vs. replacement)
• Detailed scope of necessary work
• Material specifications and options
• Insurance-ready documentation package

Understanding Next Steps After Assessment

If Damage is Confirmed

1. Review Professional Assessment

• Understand scope and severity of damage
• Ask questions about findings
• Discuss urgency and recommended timeline
• Review repair vs. replacement options
• Get clarification on any technical terms

2. Contact Your Insurance Company

• Report damage promptly per policy requirements
• Provide storm date and basic description
• Request adjuster inspection
• Have your professional inspection report ready
• Keep claim number and adjuster contact info

3. Mitigate Further Damage

• Arrange emergency tarping if actively leaking
• Document all temporary protective measures with photos
• Keep receipts for emergency services
• Don't make permanent repairs before adjuster inspection
• Continue monitoring condition

4. Gather Repair Estimates

• Get detailed written scope from licensed contractors
• Ensure estimates address all identified damage
• Compare proposals and credentials
• Verify licensing and insurance
• Keep comprehensive documentation

If No Damage Found

Value of Professional Inspection:

• Peace of mind about current roof condition
• Baseline documentation for future reference
• Opportunity to discuss preventive maintenance
• Understanding of roof's expected remaining lifespan
• Early identification of minor maintenance needs
• Documentation that can benefit property value

Ongoing Roof Maintenance:

• Schedule annual professional inspections
• Address minor issues before they escalate
• Keep gutters clean and properly maintained
• Monitor condition after future severe weather
• Maintain photo documentation of roof condition
• Consider preventive upgrades if approaching end of lifespan

Preparing for Austin's Storm Season

Proactive Preparation

Before Severe Weather Season:

• Schedule annual professional roof inspection
• Clean gutters and trim overhanging tree branches
• Secure or store loose outdoor items and furniture
• Document current roof condition with dated photos
• Review homeowners insurance policy coverage
• Update emergency contact list
• Check that roof vents and flashing are secure

Emergency Preparedness Kit:

• Flashlight with fresh batteries
• Tarps and fastening materials (for emergencies)
• Camera or smartphone with charged battery
• Buckets and towels for potential leaks
• Copy of insurance policy and important documents
• Contractor and insurance contact numbers
• First aid kit and emergency supplies

Post-Storm Actions

Immediate Response (Within 24 Hours):

• Safely inspect property from ground level only
• Take comprehensive photographs and video
• Document date, time, and storm characteristics
• Check for interior leaks or water damage
• Note hail size if stones are still visible
• Check with neighbors about their observations

Follow-Up Actions (Within Week):

• Contact professional inspector if damage suspected
• File insurance claim if professional confirms damage
• Arrange emergency repairs if necessary (with full documentation)
• Monitor for developing issues (leaks often appear days later)
• Save all receipts, reports, and communications
• Maintain detailed chronological record

Why Austin Homeowners Choose Ripple Roofing

Our Austin-Area Credentials

Professional Excellence:

• 🏆 CertainTeed Shingle Master Certified (top 1% of all contractors nationwide)
• 📍 Serving Greater Austin Since 2015 with permanent Central Texas presence
• ⭐ 5.0 Star Google Rating from 62+ verified customer reviews
• 🛡️ Fully Licensed & Insured in Texas (TDLR license verified)
• 🚀 24/7 Emergency Service for urgent storm damage situations

Comprehensive Storm Assessment:

• FREE thorough storm damage inspection
• Advanced drone and thermal imaging technology
• Detailed written reports with professional documentation
• Knowledgeable guidance through insurance process
• Educational, no-pressure consultation
• Same-day emergency response when needed

Proudly Serving All Austin-Area Communities:
North Austin • South Austin • East Austin • West Austin • Pflugerville • Round Rock • Cedar Park • Leander • Georgetown • Lakeway • Bee Cave • West Lake Hills • Manor • Del Valle • and all Central Texas neighborhoods

Schedule Your Free Storm Damage Assessment

Early Detection Prevents Bigger Problems:

After severe weather, prompt professional assessment identifies damage before minor issues become major problems. Our comprehensive inspection provides accurate evaluation and proper documentation.

📞 Call (512) 763-5277
24/7 Emergency Service Available

🎯 Request FREE Inspection Today

Expert storm damage assessment and professional roofing services throughout Austin and Central Texas. CertainTeed Shingle Master certified, fully insured, and locally owned since 2015.