Hail and Storm Damage on Richmond, TX Roofs: What to Do Next
Hail damage is easy to miss from the ground and easy to lose track of over time. Here is what the local record shows and the steps that protect your roof and your claim.
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Hail around Richmond, by the numbers
NOAA's Storm Prediction Center logged 19 hail reports within 10 miles of Richmond from 2015 through 2024. Of those, 5 were 1.75 inches or larger, about the size of a golf ball. The biggest stone measured 2.5 inches, reported on May 9, 2019.
The reports fall in 4 of the 10 years: 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2024. That means hail here comes in bursts, not every spring. A roof can go a few quiet years and then take two hits close together. If your last inspection came before one of those years, the roof has not been checked since its most recent storm.
What hail does that you cannot see from the yard
Bruised shingles
The surface looks fine, but the mat underneath is cracked. It leaks later, not right away.
Lost granules
Hail knocks off the coating that shields shingles from the sun. Bare spots age much faster.
Dented metal
Vents, flashing and gutters show dents first. They are a useful clue that the shingles took hits too.
Cracked seals
Wind that comes with the storm can break the bond between shingles, so they lift in the next gust.
Split ridge caps
The caps along the peak stick up and take direct hits. Cracks there let water run straight into the top of the attic.
The first days after a storm
Take photos
Shoot gutters, downspouts, window screens, cars and any shingles on the ground. Our list of photos to take after roof storm damage covers the rest.
Cover any opening
If water is coming in, a tarp or temporary patch limits the damage. Emergency roof repair can handle that part.
Get a roof inspection
A roofer documents each slope with photos and notes the size and spread of the hits.
Read your policy
Check your deductible and any deadline to report damage before you file.
Be careful with storm chasers
Read before signing a roofing contract after a storm so you know what to look for in a contract.
How insurance fits in
Coverage depends on your policy and your insurance company. Some policies pay replacement cost, others actual cash value, and the deductible can be a flat amount or a share of the home's insured value. Our guide to how a roof insurance deductible works explains the difference.
Keep a simple file: the date of the storm, your photos, the roofer's report and every letter or email from the insurance company. If the first offer seems low, that file is what you use to ask questions. Our guide on what to do when a roof insurance claim is underpaid explains the usual next steps.
Do not wait on repairs that stop active leaks. Most policies expect you to prevent further damage, so a temporary cover is reasonable while the claim moves forward. Keep the receipt.
GemSco inspects the roof, documents the damage with photos and gives you a written estimate. That record helps you when you talk to your insurance company. Learn more on our roof insurance claims page or our general hail damage roof repair service. If the damage turns out to be too widespread to patch, roof replacement in Richmond is the next page to read.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon after a hailstorm should I have my roof checked?
As soon as it is safe. Many policies set a time limit for reporting damage, and water that gets in through a cracked shingle does more harm each week. An early inspection also gives you dated photos of the damage, which are useful if questions come up later about which storm caused it.
Does a Class 4 shingle mean my roof cannot be damaged by hail?
No. Class 4 means the shingle passed the UL 2218 impact test, where steel balls are dropped on it in a lab. It resists hail better than standard shingles, but very large stones can still bruise or crack it. It is worth checking after any severe storm, impact rated or not.
What if my claim is denied?
Ask the insurance company for the reason in writing and compare it with your own photos and inspection report. Our article on what to do if your roof insurance claim is denied lists the options, including an appeal or a second opinion.
Can wind damage look like hail damage?
They can show up together, but they leave different marks. Hail leaves round hits, bruises and lost granules. Wind lifts, creases or tears shingles away, often along one edge of the roof. See wind damage vs. hail damage for photos of each.
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