When severe weather strikes Granbury and the surrounding Dallas–Fort Worth area, your first priority is safety. But once the storm passes, you need to assess potential damage to your home’s most important protective barrier: your roof. Over 2,000 homes were impacted by hail in the Granbury area following the May 2024 storm, underscoring the prevalence of storm damage in North Texas. Understanding how to conduct a proper roof inspection is crucial for DFW homeowners, as it will help them protect their investment and ensure their family’s safety.
This comprehensive guide walks you through the essential steps for safely evaluating your roof after a storm, recognizing signs of damage, and knowing when to call professional help. Whether you’re dealing with hail damage, wind damage, or other storm-related issues, these proven inspection techniques will help you make informed decisions about protecting your home.
Safety First: Ground-Level Inspection Basics
Your safety is paramount when assessing storm damage. Never climb onto your roof immediately after a storm, especially when conditions may still be hazardous. Many damaging effects caused by a storm are often undetectable from the ground, but you can still gather valuable information safely.
Start your inspection from the ground using binoculars to examine your roof surface. Look for obvious signs like missing or displaced shingles, damaged flashing, or debris on the roof. Hail damage can’t always be seen from the ground, but visible damage often indicates the need for professional assessment.
Check your gutters and downspouts for granules from asphalt shingles, which indicate potential hail impact. Examine the exterior of your home for dented siding, damaged screens, or other signs that suggest your roof may have sustained similar damage.
What to Document During Your Initial Assessment
Take time-stamped photos and videos of any visible damage from multiple angles. This documentation will be crucial for insurance claims and contractor estimates. Focus on:
- Missing, cracked, or displaced shingles
- Damaged or bent flashing around chimneys and vents
- Granules in gutters or around downspouts
- Dented gutters, siding, or outdoor equipment
- Debris on the roof or in your yard
Recognizing Storm Damage Signs
Understanding what to look for helps you identify potential problems that require professional attention. Most thunderstorms that occur in Dallas bring torrential rainfall, gusting winds, and softball sized hail. These items can wreak havoc on any type of roofing system, and it is always recommended to have your roof inspected after a major Texas storm.
Hail Damage Indicators
Hail damage may not always be immediately obvious. Look for these warning signs:
- Granule loss: Check gutters and downspouts for excessive granules, which appear as small, sand-like particles
- Exposed mat: Areas where granules have been knocked off, exposing the underlying asphalt
- Cracked or split shingles: Impact damage that compromises the shingle’s integrity
- Dented metal components: Flashing, gutters, vents, and other metal elements showing impact marks
Wind Damage Assessment
High winds can cause different types of damage than hail:
- Lifted or missing shingles: Wind can catch shingle edges and tear them away
- Exposed nail heads: When shingles shift, nails may become visible
- Damaged ridge caps: The peak of your roof is particularly vulnerable to wind
- Compromised seals: Wind can break the adhesive bonds between shingle layers
Water Damage Warning Signs
Check inside your home for signs of water intrusion:
- Ceiling stains: Brown or yellow discoloration indicating leaks
- Peeling paint: Moisture can cause paint to bubble or peel near the ceiling
- Musty odors: May indicate hidden moisture or mold growth
- Attic moisture: Check for wet insulation or water stains on attic surfaces
When to Call Professional Roof Inspectors
The safest and most efficient approach to identifying and repairing storm damage to your residential roof is calling a professional roofing contractor in Granbury. Professional inspection becomes essential when:
- You suspect damage but cannot safely assess it yourself
- Your insurance company requires professional documentation
- You notice any signs of water intrusion inside your home
- The storm was severe enough to affect neighboring properties
Choosing Qualified Inspectors in the DFW Area
When selecting a roofing professional for your inspection, prioritize local companies with established reputations. Look for contractors who:
- Maintain proper licensing and insurance
- Provide detailed written estimates and inspection reports
- Have experience with insurance claims processes
- Offer references from recent local projects
- Use proper safety equipment and procedures
Our experienced team at roof replacement and installation services understands the unique challenges of North Texas weather and provides comprehensive storm damage assessments throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex.
Understanding the Insurance Claims Process
After documenting damage, contact your insurance company promptly to report potential claims. Navigating the insurance claims process after storm damage can be daunting. Absolute Construction provides comprehensive inspections that can document the extent of storm damage, making it easier to file a claim. Accurate and detailed reports from professional inspectors can streamline the claims process.
Important Texas Insurance Considerations
Remember that Texas law prohibits contractors from waiving or absorbing your insurance deductible. Any contractor offering to “cover your deductible” is breaking state law. Your deductible is a legitimate part of your insurance policy that you must pay.
Work with your insurance adjuster and roofing contractor to ensure all damage is properly documented and assessed. Having a professional present during the adjuster’s inspection can help ensure nothing is overlooked.
Emergency Temporary Protection Measures
If you discover immediate threats like exposed areas or active leaks, take temporary protective measures while waiting for professional repairs:
Safe Temporary Solutions
- Tarping: Use heavy-duty tarps to cover exposed areas, but only if you can do so safely from a ladder or ground level
- Interior protection: Place buckets or containers to catch drips and protect belongings
- Document everything: Photograph temporary measures and any additional damage that develops
For emergency situations requiring immediate professional intervention, our emergency roof repair services provide rapid response throughout the DFW area.
Post-Storm Inspection Checklist
Use this systematic approach to ensure thorough damage assessment:
Exterior Ground-Level Inspection
- Walk around your home: Examine all sides of your roof from the ground
- Check gutters and downspouts: Look for granules, dents, or clogs
- Inspect siding and windows: Document any visible impact damage
- Examine outdoor equipment: Note damage to HVAC units, fencing, or vehicles
- Photograph everything: Create a comprehensive visual record
Interior Inspection Points
- Attic examination: Look for water stains, wet insulation, or light coming through
- Ceiling assessment: Check all rooms for stains, sagging, or texture changes
- Wall inspection: Look for water damage near roof lines
- Ventilation check: Ensure bathroom and kitchen fans are working properly
Professional Inspection Scheduling
Contact qualified roofing professionals promptly after severe weather. Our roofing experts have been working in the Granbury area for years and know exactly what to expect and look for after a large storm. We know all of the little issues that can occur from one of these big storms.
Common Storm Damage in the Granbury Area
Understanding local weather patterns helps you know what to expect. If you live in the 76049 zip code, you were directly in the storm’s path during recent severe weather events. The Granbury area experiences:
Typical Damage Patterns
- Spring hail storms: Often produce golf ball to softball-sized hail
- Summer wind events: Can generate straight-line winds exceeding 70 mph
- Combination storms: Multiple weather elements creating compound damage
Material-Specific Vulnerabilities
Different roofing materials respond differently to North Texas weather:
- Asphalt shingles: Susceptible to granule loss and impact damage
- Metal roofing: May show denting but often performs better in hail
- Tile roofing: Can crack or break from direct hail impact
- Flat roofing: Vulnerable to ponding water and membrane damage
Working with Local Contractors
Due to the overwhelming number of properties in need of repair, there could be a shortage of roofing materials. MINT Exteriors ® has been allocated enough shingles for 500 homes. Don’t delay getting your free property inspection. This highlights the importance of acting quickly after widespread storm events.
Red Flags to Avoid
Be cautious of contractors who:
- Go door-to-door immediately after storms
- Demand full payment upfront
- Offer to waive your insurance deductible
- Provide verbal estimates only
- Cannot provide local references or proof of insurance
Building Permit Requirements
Inspections are required to be called in with permit numbers at (682) 205-1621. All inspection requests received by 4:30 p.m. are scheduled for the following business day. Check with the City of Granbury regarding permit requirements for your specific repair or replacement project.
Long-Term Roof Health Monitoring
Regular maintenance and monitoring help prevent small issues from becoming major problems:
Seasonal Inspection Schedule
- Spring: Pre-storm season assessment and minor repairs
- Summer: Heat damage evaluation and ventilation check
- Fall: Pre-winter preparation and gutter cleaning
- Winter: Post-storm assessments and ice damage prevention
Professional Maintenance Benefits
Professional inspections can uncover minor problems before they escalate, saving property owners from the hefty expenses associated with major repairs or complete roof replacements. Regular roof maintenance and inspections ensure that your roof stays in optimal condition.
Consider scheduling annual professional inspections even without storm damage. This proactive approach helps identify potential issues before they become costly problems and maintains your roof’s warranty coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon after a storm should I inspect my roof?
You should conduct a preliminary ground-level inspection as soon as it’s safe to go outside, typically within 24-48 hours after the storm passes. However, avoid going outside during active weather conditions or when there are still safety hazards like downed power lines. For professional inspections, contact contractors within a few days of the storm, as demand increases quickly after severe weather events. If your roof is damaged in a storm, you may not even know it. The ONLY way to know for sure is to take advantage of our FREE roof inspection services at MINT Exteriors ® as soon as you can.
What are the most common signs of hail damage I can spot from the ground?
The most visible signs of hail damage include granules in your gutters and downspouts, dented metal components like gutters or HVAC units, and damaged outdoor equipment. You may also notice bruised or cracked shingles, especially on south and west-facing slopes that receive direct impact. Hail damage leads to secondary issues that you may overlook, thereby leaving your home susceptible to interior leaking, significant rot, and mold. Use binoculars to examine your roof surface for missing or displaced shingles, but remember that some damage may only be visible to trained professionals.
Should I file an insurance claim even if the damage seems minor?
Yes, you should contact your insurance company to report potential damage even if it appears minor. Many insurance policies have time limits for reporting claims, and what appears minor from the ground may be more extensive upon professional inspection. The only way to accurately assess the condition of your roof is to arrange for an inspection from qualified storm damage restoration professionals. Document all visible damage with photos and keep records of when the storm occurred. Your insurance adjuster can help determine whether the damage warrants a claim.
Can I safely inspect my roof myself after a storm?
While you can and should conduct an initial assessment from the ground, climbing onto your roof after a storm is dangerous and not recommended. Wet surfaces, loose debris, and potentially damaged structural elements create serious safety hazards. Use binoculars to examine your roof from the ground, and leave detailed inspections to qualified professionals who have proper safety equipment and training. A strong, unpredictable storm can put your family, home, and belongings at risk, which is why swift storm damage repair is necessary, but your personal safety should always come first.
How do I choose a reliable roofing contractor in the Granbury area?
Look for local contractors with established reputations, proper licensing and insurance, and experience with storm damage repairs. Ask for references from recent projects and verify their credentials with local business organizations. Avoid contractors who go door-to-door immediately after storms or offer to waive your insurance deductible, as this violates Texas law. Get written estimates from multiple contractors and ensure they provide detailed inspection reports. Our team serves the entire Dallas–Fort Worth area and can provide the professional assessment and quality workmanship you need to restore your home’s protection.
Don’t wait to assess potential storm damage to your roof. Contact our experienced team today for a comprehensive inspection and honest assessment of your roofing needs. We serve Granbury, Dallas, Fort Worth, and communities throughout the DFW metroplex with professional roofing services you can trust. Schedule your free inspection and protect your most important investment.