How to Tell If Your Houston Roof Has Hail or Wind Damage (and What to Do Next)

Houston weather is hard on roofs. Spring hail, summer thunderstorms, and hurricane season all bring the kind of wind and impact that can damage shingles without making it obvious from the street. Many homeowners in Houston, Cypress, Spring, and the rest of Harris County don't find storm damage until a leak shows up months later. By that point, a small repair can turn into decking replacement or interior water damage.

This guide covers what hail and wind damage look like, what you can check safely from the ground, and what to do after a storm.

Why Storm Damage Is Easy to Miss

Most roof damage can't be seen from the driveway. Hail can knock granules off a shingle or crack the mat underneath while the surface still looks fine from 20 feet away. Wind can break the seal strip under a shingle so it lifts and falls back into place. The roof looks normal, but that shingle is no longer protecting the house the way it should.

These problems get worse with time. Exposed asphalt breaks down under UV light, unsealed shingles catch more wind in the next storm, and small openings let water reach the underlayment and decking.

Signs of Hail Damage

Hail damage on asphalt shingles usually shows up as:

• Dark spots or "bruises" where granules have been knocked off and the asphalt is exposed
• Soft spots that feel like a bruise on an apple when pressed (an inspector checks this on the roof)
• Cracked or split shingles, especially on older roofs
• Heavy granule buildup in gutters or at the bottom of downspouts
• Dents in metal such as gutters, downspouts, roof vents, flashing, and A/C units

The damage tends to be random, not in neat lines or patterns. Wear from age usually looks more even across the roof.

Signs of Wind Damage

Wind damage looks different from hail:

• Missing shingles or pieces of shingle in the yard
• Lifted or creased shingles, which often show a horizontal crease line near the top
• Exposed nail heads or underlayment
• Damaged ridge caps along the peak of the roof
• Loose or bent flashing around chimneys, walls, and vents
• Debris impact from branches or flying objects

Wind damage often shows up first on the edges, corners, and ridges, where uplift is strongest.

What You Can Check Safely From the Ground

Please don't climb onto your roof after a storm. Wet shingles, damaged sections, and steep pitches make it dangerous. Here's what you can check from the ground:

• Walk around the house and look for missing or out-of-place shingles.
• Check gutters and downspout splash areas for granules.
• Look for dents on gutters, window screens, patio furniture, cars, and A/C units. If those were hit, the roof probably was too.
• Check fences, siding, and window trim for impact marks.
• Look for branches or debris on the roof.
• Go inside and check ceilings, the tops of walls, and the attic (if it's safe to get to) for stains, damp insulation, or daylight coming through.

Take dated photos of everything. Good documentation helps whether you end up paying for a repair yourself or filing an insurance claim.

What to Do After a Storm

1. Prevent further damage

If water is coming in, move valuables, put a bucket under drips, and call a roofer about temporary protection such as a tarp. Save the receipts for any emergency repairs.

2. Schedule a professional inspection

A qualified roofer can get on the roof safely, check shingles, flashing, vents, and the decking surface, and document what they find with photos. A good inspection tells you what condition the roof is actually in, including when there is no storm damage.

3. Review your insurance policy

If the inspection finds storm damage, read your homeowners policy for your deductible, coverage type, and any deadlines for reporting a claim. Whether to file a claim is your decision. Your insurance company decides what is covered. Our Texas roof insurance claim guide walks through the process step by step.

4. Don't wait too long

Many policies require prompt notice of a loss, and damage that sits for months is harder to tie to a specific storm. Schedule an inspection soon after any major hail or wind event.

Frequently Asked Questions