Storm Roof Damage in Houston: What Should You Do?

First make the house safe, then stop more water getting in, then document the damage before anything permanent is done. Take photos from the ground and from inside, get a tarp or other temporary cover on any opening, and call your insurer if you plan to file a claim. Hold off on permanent repairs and on signing any contract until you know what your policy covers and have compared written estimates.

Step 1: Safety before the roof

Storms that hit Houston often bring down trees and power lines along with shingles. Ready.gov's hurricane guidance says not to touch electrical equipment if it is wet or you are standing in water, and warns that downed power lines can electrically charge floodwater. It also says not to wade in floodwater.

Inside, stay out of rooms where the ceiling is sagging or dripping near light fixtures. Turn off power to that area at the breaker if you can do it safely, and move belongings away from the wet spot. Do not climb onto the roof or up a ladder to look. Wet shingles, debris and wind make storm days the worst time to be up there.

Step 2: Document what you can see safely

Ready.gov advises documenting property damage with photographs. Before any cleanup:

• Photograph each side of the house from the yard, including shingles in the grass, bent gutters and dented vents.
• Photograph ceiling stains, wet insulation and damaged belongings indoors.
• Note the date and time of the storm and when you first noticed each problem.
• Keep receipts for tarps, fans, hotel nights and anything else you buy because of the damage.

Write down what you saw, separately from what you think caused it. A roofer and an adjuster will make their own findings.

Step 3: Temporary protection, not permanent repairs

The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) advises making only temporary repairs to protect the house and belongings, such as tarping a roof or boarding windows. It warns that an insurer might deny a claim if you make permanent repairs before it sees the damage.

When you hire someone for an emergency tarp, get a separate written price for the tarp alone. Make sure the paperwork you sign authorizes only that temporary work, not a full repair or replacement.

Step 4: Call your insurer and know your deadlines

If you plan to claim, report the damage to your insurer through its own phone line, app or website. TDI says some policies have a one-year deadline to file unless you can show good cause for the delay, so don't wait for the neighborhood to settle down. Our roof insurance claim guide walks through the homeowner side of the process.

Keep flooding separate in your mind. TDI notes that most home policies don't cover damage caused by floods; that takes a separate flood policy. Water that came through a damaged roof and water that rose from the ground are handled differently.

Step 5: Watch for door-knockers

After big Houston storms, such as the May 16, 2024 derecho that NWS Houston/Galveston says pushed a swath of 100-plus mph winds through the metro, neighborhoods fill with out-of-town crews. The Texas Attorney General's disaster guidance says to get more than one estimate, not to be pushed into signing right away, and never to sign a contract with blanks. It also says that when a sale happens at your home, the contract must include a notice giving you three business days to cancel. Our storm-chaser red flags guide has the full list.

Step 6: Get a proper inspection and written scope

Ask a local roofer to inspect every slope and give you photos labeled by location: shingles, ridge caps, flashing, vents, skylights and gutters. Hail bruises, wind-creased shingles and lifted flashing look different, and each should be tied to a specific line in the estimate. Our storm and hail damage repair page explains what each type of damage usually needs.

Inside city limits, the Houston Permitting Center has used an expedited permit process after past severe weather, with reroofing listed among the eligible permit types. Ask your contractor who pulls the permit.

Common questions

Should I file a claim for roof damage after a storm?

That depends on your deductible and the size of the damage. Get a repair estimate, check your wind and hail deductible, and then decide. TDI's help line (800-252-3439) can answer general policy questions.

Can I fix the roof myself before the adjuster comes?

Only temporary protection, like a tarp put on by someone qualified. TDI warns that permanent repairs made before the insurer sees the damage can lead to a denied claim.

How long do I have to report storm damage?

It depends on the policy. TDI says some policies have a one-year deadline unless you show good cause, so check yours and report promptly.

Is ceiling water after a storm always a roof leak?

Not always. Wind-driven rain can enter at windows, vents or siding too. Let the inspector trace it before assuming the roof is the source.

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