We’re Austin Roofing Company & Water Damage, known as WDR. We’ve been responding to Austin-area storm events since 2012, drawing on 25+ years of combined roofing experience across the team. We hold GAF Master Elite® certification (top 2% of GAF contractors nationwide), BBB A+ accreditation, and 1,510+ five-star Google reviews, the largest count of any Austin roofing contractor. Our crews are W-2 employees, not day-labor subcontractors, and we’re fully insured with general liability plus workers’ comp. We operate from 9711 Beck Cir in Austin.
This page covers the full storm damage response workflow: safety-first steps immediately after a storm hits, how to identify different damage types (wind vs hail vs debris vs rain), proper documentation for insurance claims, the inspection and repair process, when restoration makes sense vs full replacement, insurance claim coordination, and when professional response is urgent versus when scheduled inspection fits better. Whether you’re looking at obvious catastrophic damage or just worried the storm might have caused something you can’t see, this decision framework applies.
Wind damage
Severe winds (40+ mph) can lift and tear shingles, bend or detach flashing, break off tree limbs that strike the roof, and, in extreme cases (70+ mph tornadic winds), remove sections of decking. Wind damage often concentrates at roof edges and ridges where uplift force is strongest. Common signs: missing shingles (gaps on the roof visible from the ground), lifted or curled shingle tabs, flashing displaced at chimneys and walls, debris wedged into the roof surface.
Hail damage
Hail causes impact damage ranging from granule loss on asphalt shingles to outright punctures of flat membrane roofs. Severity depends on hail size, accompanying wind speed, and roof age. Our dedicated hail damage service goes deep on this category since it’s the most common Austin storm damage type and often involves insurance claims.
Rain and water intrusion damage
Heavy rain exposes roof vulnerabilities that stay hidden during dry conditions. A roof with worn flashing, deteriorated sealant, or compromised shingles can go years without leaking in normal rain but fail during a severe storm. Water intrusion damage shows up inside the home (ceiling stains, attic moisture) rather than on the roof surface, which makes it harder to detect from outside.
Debris strike damage
Fallen tree limbs, airborne outdoor furniture, loose construction materials, and, in rare cases, larger structural debris can strike roofs during severe wind events. Damage ranges from a few broken shingles to actual holes through the roof decking. Debris strike damage usually requires emergency response because the resulting opening lets rain into the attic immediately.
Tornado and severe wind damage
Direct tornado contact can cause catastrophic damage that requires immediate structural response. Tornadic winds short of direct hits can still produce major damage: large sections of shingles stripped off, decking loosened or displaced, flashing throughout the roof system damaged. This category almost always requires emergency tarping and full replacement.
Safety First, Immediately After a Storm
Some hail damage is obvious from ground level. Most requires rooftop inspection to identify properly. Here are the signs we look for.
From ground level
Dented or bruised gutters and downspouts, dents on metal flashings and vent caps, damaged AC units on the ground or roof (a dented AC condenser confirms hail was severe enough to damage the roof), split or torn tree branches from the same storm event, granule buildup in gutters or on the ground beneath downspouts (a normal amount is fine; concentrated recent accumulation signals shingle degradation), damaged window screens or exterior fixtures.
What to AVOID doing
Don’t climb on the roof during or immediately after a storm; surfaces are slick, structural damage may not be visible, and electrical hazards from downed lines or wet systems are serious. Don’t move debris lodged in the roof structure (removing it can cause additional damage and expose you to injury). Don’t try to tarp active damage yourself unless you have proper safety equipment and roof experience; call for emergency response instead.
When to evacuate
If structural damage is visible from inside (ceiling sagging, walls shifted, roof peaked or opened), if active water is cascading rather than dripping, or if electrical systems are affected and you can’t safely cut power, evacuate and call emergency services. Roof repair comes after you’ve ensured personal safety.
Common Signs of Roof Storm Damage
After the immediate safety assessment, the next step is identifying the damage. Some damage is obvious from the ground; some requires a professional inspection.
From ground level
Missing shingles visible as gaps or bare spots on the roof. Debris on the roof surface (branches, outdoor items, torn roofing material). Damaged gutters and downspouts (dented, torn, loose, filled with granules or debris). Dented metal flashing visible around chimneys and vent stacks. Fallen tree limbs on or near the roof. Shingles found on the ground after the storm (they came from somewhere).
From inside the home
Ceiling stains (fresh, not previously present). Water drips or active leaking during subsequent rain. Attic daylight visible through boards where it shouldn’t be. Attic moisture or wet insulation. Musty smell in rooms directly below the roof. Discolored wall paint near ceiling corners.
Requires roof-top inspection
Hail impact bruises on individual shingles. Lifted or curled shingle tabs. Flashing displacement at chimneys, walls, and penetrations. Granule loss patterns across slopes. Damaged ridge caps. Compromised sealant around pipe boots and roof penetrations. Decking damage visible from the attic underside.
The delayed-signal problem
Some storm damage doesn’t show visible symptoms right away. Shingle mat fracture under intact granules, compromised flashing seals that haven’t failed yet, loosened fasteners that will work free over time- these delayed-onset problems often cause the biggest insurance disputes because the damage was storm-caused, but the symptoms appear weeks or months later. Professional inspection within days of the storm catches these before they turn into denied claims.
Documenting Damage + What to Do First
Documentation and immediate action’ll work together. Here’s the right sequence. For active damage that needs an urgent response, our Emergency Roof Repairs line handles same-day dispatch.
Within the first few hours
Photograph everything you can safely document: ground-level damage, interior water intrusion, debris on the property. Save or screenshot local weather reports and radar showing the storm event. Note the time, date, and severity. These become your anchor documentation for insurance claims later.
Within 24 hours
Call for professional inspection and emergency tarping if damage is active. Most reputable storm-response roofers offer same-day dispatch for emergencies and free inspections for suspected damage. Tarp installation’ll stop water intrusion while permanent repair gets scheduled. Even if you aren’t ready to commit to repair work, document and stabilize the damage.
Within the first week
If damage is confirmed and covered by insurance, start the claim process. Submit documentation to your carrier, schedule the adjuster inspection, and have your roofing contractor present during the adjuster visit (produces much better scope outcomes). If the damage is minor or below your deductible, plan repairs on your own timeline, but don’t delay too long; unaddressed damage worsens.
What NOT to delay
Interior leaking (even small amounts) damages ceilings, insulation, and framing fast; tarping and inspection should happen the same day. Missing sections of shingles expose decking to UV damage and more rain intrusion. Structural damage from debris or wind creates ongoing risk. Delay on these’ll never be frugality; it compounds the eventual repair cost.
Leak Response, Before and After the Storm
Storm-caused leaks need faster response than other roof problems because active water intrusion damages interior finishes immediately. Our emergency leak repair service handles urgent water intrusion response.
If a leak is active during or after a storm: locate the interior drip point and contain water with buckets, towels, or tarps as a short-term measure. Move furniture, electronics, and valuables away from the drip area. Call for emergency response immediately; tarping over the roof-side source stops the leak faster than any interior containment.
If a leak is suspected but not yet active: schedule same-day inspection. Many storm-caused leaks show up during the next rain event rather than during the storm that caused them. Early inspection and sealant work’ll prevent the eventual leak from occurring at all.
Post-leak documentation: photograph the leak path from ceiling to source, measure the affected area, document any damaged possessions, and keep records of professional emergency response calls. All of this feeds insurance claims for both roof repair AND interior water damage repair, which may be separate claims under different policy provisions.
When to Call for Professional Help
Not every storm damage situation’ll need same-day emergency response, and not every situation can wait for a scheduled inspection. Here’s the framework. Our repair team handles both urgent and scheduled storm damage work.
Same-day emergency
Active water intrusion from the storm, visible structural damage (ceiling sagging, roof opening visible from inside), missing sections of roof exposing decking, debris strike with suspected roof penetration. Call (512) 820-6505 for immediate dispatch.
Same-day or next-day inspection
Visible damage from ground level (missing shingles, dented metal, gutter damage), significant debris on the roof, confirmed storm event with suspected damage not yet confirmed, interior water stains that appeared after the storm.
Scheduled inspection (within 1-2 weeks)
Suspected but unconfirmed storm damage. General post-storm inspection even without obvious signs. Pre-insurance-claim documentation. These are the standard-urgency cases that fit normal scheduled inspection windows.
Get Storm Damage Help in Austin
Whatever your storm damage situation, active emergency, confirmed damage needing repair, or suspected damage needing inspection, the first step is contact. Call (512) 820-6505 for phone requests or use the estimate request form on this page. Same-day emergency dispatch is available. Scheduled inspections typically happen within 24 to 72 hours.
Inspections are free and no-obligation. If you decide not to proceed with us, you keep the written report to use however serves you, comparing other contractors, filing your own insurance claim, or just documenting the roof condition for your records.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a storm caused real damage to my roof?
Some damage is obvious , missing shingles, debris on the roof, visible dents in gutters or vents. Other damage is only visible from the roof itself or from inside the attic. If you had a severe storm event (confirmed by weather reports) and you’ve any ground-visible signs or interior water intrusion, schedule a professional inspection. Early inspection catches damage that compounds if ignored.
Should I file an insurance claim for storm damage?
File when damage significantly exceeds your deductible (usually by 2x or more), you’ve documentation of the storm event, and damage is clearly storm-caused rather than age-related. For marginal damage close to your deductible, compare the realistic payout against potential premium increase before filing. For damage well above deductible, filing is almost always correct.
How long do I have to file a storm damage claim in Texas?
Most Texas homeowner policies allow one year from date of loss. Some have shorter windows, as tight as 180 days. Check your specific policy. File sooner rather than later , fresh documentation produces better outcomes and claim windows can close while you’re still deciding.
Do you offer emergency storm response?
Yes. 24/7 emergency dispatch line is (512) 820-6505. Same-day response for active water intrusion, structural damage, or missing roof sections. Emergency tarping stops water intrusion while permanent repair gets scheduled. Central Austin arrivals typically within 2 to 4 hours; outer metro and Hill Country 4 to 6 hours.
What's the difference between storm damage and hail damage?
Hail damage is one type of storm damage, specifically impact damage from hail stones. Storm damage is broader , includes wind damage, rain intrusion, debris strike, and tornado damage. Different damage types require different inspection methods and repair approaches, though all can occur in the same storm event.
Can minor-looking storm damage really be a problem?
Yes. Shingle mat fracture under intact granules, loosened fasteners that haven’t worked free yet, and compromised sealant are examples of storm damage with no obvious visible symptoms that cause failures months later. Professional inspection catches these delayed-signal problems before they become expensive repairs or denied insurance claims.
Should I tarp my own roof after storm damage?
Only if you’ve proper safety equipment, roof experience, and the damage area is accessible without climbing dangerous slopes. For most homeowners, calling for emergency tarping is safer and produces better results. Tarping on a damaged roof carries serious injury risk, and improperly installed tarps can cause additional damage during subsequent rain.
Will insurance cover a tornado-damaged roof?
Tornado damage from a declared storm event is typically covered under standard homeowner policies, subject to your wind/hail deductible. Catastrophic tornado damage may qualify for additional coverage categories. Documentation is critical for tornado claims , before and after photos, meteorological confirmation, and professional damage assessment all help.
What if the adjuster says my storm damage isn't covered?
Adjuster denials happen for several reasons: scope disagreements, causation disputes (storm vs age-related), or documentation gaps. Our approach is to meet the adjuster on-site when possible, present our damage findings and photos, and negotiate scope face-to-face. If the denial seems incorrect, you’ve the right to request a re-inspection or escalate within your carrier’s claims process.
How quickly can you respond after a major storm event?
Standard response: 2 to 4 hours for Central Austin emergencies, 4 to 6 hours for outer metro and Hill Country. After major widespread events, capacity gets stretched thin across all Austin roofing contractors , we scale response up as much as possible but call volume can exceed capacity. We’ll give you realistic response windows rather than promising times we can’t hit.