Wait until the storm passes and the area is safe. Record visible issues from the ground, then ask for a roof inspection if you notice damage or leaks.
Check safety before looking at the roof
Stay away from downed power lines, broken tree limbs, and damaged structures. Do not climb onto a roof after a storm. Wet shingles can be slippery, and some damage is hidden from view.
If water is entering near a light or electrical outlet, keep away from that area and ask a qualified professional for help. The roof can wait until people are safe.
Check these clues
- Look for hazards from a safe distance
- Stay off the roof and out of damaged attic spaces
- Keep people clear of bulging or unstable ceilings
Start with the yard and roof edges
Walk around only where the ground is safe. Look for shingles on the lawn, loose pieces of metal, and debris near the gutters. Check whether downspouts are bent or gutters have pulled away.
Use your phone camera to zoom from the ground. Photographs can help a contractor understand what happened, but they cannot replace an on-roof inspection when one is needed.
Questions and details to note
- Shingles or flashing on the ground
- Bowed or loose gutters
- Visible changes at ridges and roof edges
Keep this in mind
These clues are a starting point. A photo, stain, or sound on its own does not show every part of the roof condition.
Look for water clues inside the house
Check the ceilings below the roof and note any fresh rings, drips, or wet paint. If the attic can be viewed safely from its access point, look for signs of damp wood or insulation. Do not walk on ceiling drywall or touch wet wiring.
Water sometimes shows up hours after rain. Take a second look later in the day, especially in rooms under roof valleys, chimneys, and vent openings.
What matters most
- New ceiling marks
- Fresh damp areas in the attic
- Repeated leaks in rooms affected by an earlier storm
Save a record before repairs
Take date-stamped photos and write down what you noticed. Keep notes about any calls, estimates, and temporary repairs. Texas insurance guidance says to document the damage, contact your insurer, and keep receipts if a claim is involved.
Ask what information an insurer needs before permanent work begins. A good roofer can describe the damage found, but insurance coverage is decided under your policy.
Check these clues
- Photos from several safe ground-level angles
- A room-by-room list of indoor water damage
- Written inspection findings and repair scope
What the professional inspection should include
A full check may cover shingles, flashing, roof valleys, vents, drainage, and roof edges. If hail or wind may be involved, the inspector should explain which signs actually support that view.
Ask whether the roof needs a small repair, temporary weather protection, or a more detailed assessment. Request a clear written recommendation, and keep a copy with your photos.
Questions and details to note
- Specific damage locations
- Repair choices and their limits
- How the condition will be checked again after work
Sources worth checking
For material guidance or Texas consumer rules, review the original public resources:
This guide gives general information. It is not an inspection report, a repair quote, or insurance advice.