A storm just rolled through Austin, and you're worried about your roof. Maybe you heard impact during the hail, noticed missing shingles, or see water dripping from your ceiling. Whatever the situation, you need to act fast—but also act smart.

This guide walks you through exactly what to do in the hours and days after storm damage, from emergency safety steps to getting a permanent repair.

Immediate Safety Steps (First Hour)

1. Ensure Personal Safety

Stay off the roof. Never climb on a wet, damaged, or unstable roof
Watch for electrical hazards. Downed power lines, sparking wires, or water near electrical outlets
Evacuate if necessary. If you see significant structural damage or sagging ceilings, leave the home
Call 911 for any emergencies involving injuries, gas leaks, or immediate danger

2. Stop Active Water Intrusion

If water is coming into your home:

Place buckets or containers under active leaks
Move valuables and electronics away from water
Turn off electricity to affected areas if safe to do so
Document everything with photos and video before touching anything

3. Temporary Exterior Protection

If it's safe to access and the storm has passed:

Cover holes with tarps. Secure with boards, bricks, or sandbags (not nails through the roof)
Clear debris from gutters if accessible from the ground
Don't make permanent repairs. Temporary protection only—permanent repairs come later

Within the First 24 Hours

Document Everything

Before any repairs or cleanup, create a thorough record:

Photos and video of all visible damage (interior and exterior)
Wide shots and close-ups of affected areas
Write down details: date, time, what you observed during the storm
Save damaged materials (fallen shingles, broken pieces) as evidence
Screenshot weather reports from the storm date

Call for Emergency Tarping

If you have open holes or significant damage, call a roofing company for emergency tarping. At Hive, we offer:

24/7 emergency response for Austin and Central Texas
Professional tarping that actually protects your home
Proper installation that won't cause additional damage
Documentation of emergency measures for your insurance claim

Emergency line: (512) 862-1164

Contact Your Insurance Company

File your claim promptly:

Report the damage and provide your policy number
Get a claim number and adjuster contact information
Ask about emergency repair coverage
Document the call (date, time, who you spoke with)

Important: Filing the claim creates a record that your insurance company is now responsible for further damage from the existing breach.

Within 48-72 Hours

Schedule a Professional Inspection

Get a HAAG-certified inspector to examine your roof. This should happen:

Before the adjuster's visit so you know the full extent of damage
As soon as weather permits after the storm
While damage is still fresh and clearly storm-related

At Hive, we provide free 47-point inspections that document all storm damage—not just obvious issues.

Prepare for the Adjuster

When the insurance adjuster comes:

Have your contractor present (essential for ensuring all damage is documented)
Share your inspection report and photos
Point out all damage areas
Ask questions about anything you don't understand

Common Emergency Situations

Active Roof Leak

Immediate action: Contain water, protect belongings, document

Next step: Call for emergency tarping

Don't: Try to patch from inside or climb on a wet roof

Missing Shingles

Immediate action: Document the damage, save any fallen shingles

Next step: Schedule inspection and tarping if extensive

Don't: Wait too long—exposed underlayment can fail quickly

Tree on Roof

Immediate action: Evacuate if there's structural concern, call 911 if needed

Next step: Call a tree removal service, then a roofer

Don't: Try to remove the tree yourself—it may be preventing worse damage

Visible Structural Damage

Immediate action: Evacuate the home, call emergency services if needed

Next step: Contact insurance and a professional immediately

Don't: Enter areas with sagging ceilings or structural concerns

What NOT to Do

Don't climb on the roof. Leave this to professionals with proper safety equipment
Don't make permanent repairs before filing your claim. Temporary protection is fine; permanent work should wait
Don't sign contracts under pressure. Beware of "storm chasers" who show up unsolicited after storms
Don't throw away damaged materials. Insurance may want to see them
Don't wait too long. Most policies have time limits for filing claims

Choosing an Emergency Roofing Company

After a major storm, you'll see trucks from out-of-state companies swarming neighborhoods. Be careful. Look for:

Signs of a Reputable Company:

Local presence: Established business in Central Texas
Proper licensing: Texas roofing license and general contractor license
Insurance: Workers' comp and liability coverage
Certifications: HAAG, GAF Master Elite, manufacturer certifications
Reviews: Strong Google reviews from local customers
No pressure: Willing to let you think before signing

Red Flags to Avoid:

Demands large deposits upfront
Offers to "waive your deductible" (this is insurance fraud)
Pressures you to sign immediately
Can't provide local references
Has out-of-state license plates
Won't provide written estimates

Austin Storm Patterns

Central Texas experiences unique weather challenges:

Hail season: March through May (peak), but can occur year-round
Severe thunderstorms: Spring and fall
High winds: Often accompany cold fronts
Flash flooding: Can cause secondary roof damage

After any significant weather event, it's worth having your roof inspected—even if you don't see obvious damage.

Hive's Emergency Services

When storms hit Austin, we're ready to help:

24/7 emergency response for active leaks and severe damage
Professional tarping to prevent further damage
Free 47-point inspections within 24-48 hours of your call
Insurance claim assistance from start to finish
Quality repairs backed by manufacturer warranties

Call Now for Emergency Help

If you have storm damage that needs immediate attention, don't wait. Call our emergency line:

(512) 862-1164

We'll dispatch a team to protect your home and start the process of getting it back to normal.

For non-emergency inspections after a storm, schedule your free 47-point inspection online. We'll thoroughly document any damage and help you navigate the insurance claims process.

Emergency Roof Repair in Austin: What to Do After a Storm