Hail Damage in Richardson: Spotting It, Documenting It, Fixing It
Richardson sits in one of the busier hail areas of North Texas. Here is how to read the damage on your roof and move through repair and the claim without guesswork.
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The local storm record in numbers
150 reports
NOAA's Storm Prediction Center logged 150 hail reports within 10 miles of Richardson from 2015 through 2024.
41 large stones
Of those, 41 were 1.75 inches or larger, a size that can fracture shingle mats and dent metal.
4.25 inches
The largest stone in that period, reported on April 11, 2016.
7 of 10 years
Large hail showed up in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2023 and 2024.
What that record means for your roof
A storm that pounds one block may miss the next, so the count measures risk, not proof that your house was hit. Still, with large hail in most recent years, many roofs in the city have taken more than one round.
Age makes it worse. Half of Richardson's homes were built before 1986 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020-2024). Older shingles are more brittle and crack under impacts that a newer roof might shrug off. Brittle shingles also lose their seal more easily, so the next strong wind can lift what the hail loosened.
Signs to look for after a storm
Dents on gutters, downspouts, vents and the AC unit.
Granules piled at the end of downspouts.
Dark spots on shingles where granules were knocked off.
Split wood shakes and broken tiles.
Torn window screens and dinged siding.
Compare what you see with how to identify hail damage on asphalt shingles.
Moving from damage to repair
Stay off the roof
Wet, damaged shingles are slippery and may give way. Look from the ground and from the attic.
Photograph everything
Dated photos of the yard, gutters, cars and any hailstones help. See photos to take after roof storm damage.
Get an inspection on record
GemSco inspects the roof, documents the damage with photos and gives a written estimate you can share with your insurer.
Compare estimates line by line
This guide on comparing roofing estimates after storm damage shows what to check.
If the roof needs replacing after hail
When hail damage is spread across the roof, a repair often cannot restore it. Replacement then becomes a chance to choose materials that handle the next storm better. Shingles rated Class 4 under UL 2218 passed the toughest level of that impact test. Owens Corning and GAF, the two manufacturers GemSco is an elite contractor for, both make impact-rated lines.
Metal and stone-coated steel are other options. They resist cracking, though metal can still dent under large stones. The right pick depends on budget, the look of the house and how long you plan to stay. Before choosing, read what to do after a hailstorm damages your roof so the order of steps is clear.
How insurance fits in
Coverage depends on your policy and your insurance company. Your deductible, any separate wind and hail deductible, and whether the policy pays actual cash value or replacement cost all shape the outcome. Our roof insurance claims page explains the process, and common reasons roof insurance claims are rejected helps you avoid mistakes.
If the roof needs replacing, ask about Class 4 shingles rated under UL 2218. See our hail damage roof repair service or the page for roofing in Richardson.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon after a hailstorm should I call a roofer?
As soon as it is safe. A prompt inspection puts the damage on record close to the storm date, which helps if you file a claim. It also catches cracked shingles before the next rain turns them into leaks. If water is already coming in, ask for a temporary cover first and a full inspection right after.
Will my insurance company send its own adjuster?
Usually, yes. After you file, the insurer typically sends an adjuster to look at the roof. Having your contractor's photos and written estimate ready gives the adjuster a clear picture of the damage you documented. The coverage decision belongs to the insurer and depends on your policy.
What if only a few shingles are damaged?
Then a repair may be enough. A good inspection looks at every slope, the vents and the gutters before deciding. If the damage is limited and the shingles are still flexible, a targeted fix makes sense. If the hits are spread across the roof, replacing it is usually the more lasting answer.
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