The short answer
Start with Safety and Water Control
After a hailstorm, your first move is to protect your home from more water. If you see a broken window or a hole in the roof, cover it with a tarp or plywood if you can do so safely. Turn off power to rooms with standing water, and avoid walking on a sagging ceiling. Your safety comes before any repair work.
Once the immediate threat is managed, call your insurance company to start a claim. Take photos of every damaged area, including the roof, siding, windows, and any interior water stains. The more detail you capture, the easier it is for the adjuster to understand what happened. Keep receipts for any temporary materials you buy, like tarps or buckets.
- Check for fallen power lines before going outside
- Use a flashlight to inspect dark attic spaces
- Set buckets under active leaks to catch water
- Move furniture and valuables away from wet areas
- Wear gloves and boots when handling debris
Assess the Full Scope of Damage
After securing your home, the pros will inspect every surface that hail could have hit. This includes your roof, gutters, siding, windows, and any outdoor fixtures. They look for dents, cracks, punctures, and loose materials. Hail damage is not always obvious, so the inspection covers both exterior and interior areas.
Interior damage often shows up later as water stains on ceilings or walls. The pros check attics, insulation, and drywall for hidden moisture. If you live in Rowlett, keep a written record of your roof's age and any past repairs. This information helps you and the pros decide whether a repair or a full replacement makes sense.
Dry Out and Remove Damaged Materials
Water that gets into your home after hail can soak into drywall, wood, and insulation. The pros use industrial fans and dehumidifiers to dry out these materials quickly. If something is too wet to save, like saturated drywall or rotted wood, they remove it. This step prevents mold and further structural damage.
Removing damaged materials is messy but necessary. The pros take out wet insulation, cut away swollen drywall, and pull up soaked carpet. They also check for mold growth, which can start within a day or two. If you smell mustiness or see dark spots, tell the pros right away so they can address it before rebuilding.
Repair and Restore Your Home's Structure
Once everything is dry and clean, the pros begin repairs. On the roof, they replace cracked or missing shingles and seal any punctures. For siding, they patch dents or replace entire panels. Windows get new glass and frames if the hail shattered them. Each repair is matched to the original material and style of your home.
Inside, the pros replace drywall, insulation, and trim that were damaged. They also repair door frames and cabinets that swelled from moisture. If you have concrete damage, like a cracked driveway or patio, that gets fixed separately. The goal is to bring your home back to its pre-storm condition, not to rush the job.
- Roof shingles and flashing are replaced as needed
- Siding panels are patched or swapped out
- Window seals and glass are checked for leaks
- Drywall is cut out and replaced in affected areas
- Wooden frames are sanded and sealed
Finish with a Final Check and Cleanup
After repairs are done, the pros do a final walkthrough. They test windows to make sure they open and close, check for drafts, and inspect the roof for any missed spots. They also clean up all debris, including broken glass and nails, so your yard is safe. This is your chance to ask questions about the work.
You should also review your insurance policy to understand what is covered. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Keep all repair documents and photos in a file for future reference. If new issues appear later, like a leak or a loose shingle, contact the pros again to address them promptly.
Water damage does not wait
Phones are answered 24/7 for Rowlett and nearby communities.
Call Now (214) 730-5993Frequently asked questions
How long does hail repair take?
The timeline depends on the size of your home and the extent of the damage. A small repair might take a few days, while a full roof replacement could take a week or more. The pros will give you a realistic schedule after the initial inspection.
Do I need to repair hail damage right away?
Yes, act quickly. Water from a damaged roof or window can cause mold and rot within days. Temporary covers, like tarps, help, but permanent repairs should start as soon as possible. Delaying can increase the cost and complicate your insurance claim.
Will my insurance cover hail repair?
Most homeowner policies cover hail damage, but not always. Check your policy documents and talk to your insurer directly. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. You will need to file a claim and document the damage with photos before any work begins.