What to Do After Storm Damage Hits Your Roof
Texas storms — hail, high winds, hurricanes, and tropical storms — can damage your roof in minutes. If you're a homeowner in Katy, Cypress, Cinco Ranch, Richmond, or anywhere in the greater Houston area, knowing what to do after a storm can save you thousands of dollars and months of headaches.
At Jerrys Roofing, we've helped hundreds of homeowners navigate the insurance claims process. Here's our step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Document the Damage
Before you do anything else, document everything. Take photos of your roof from the ground (don't climb up — it's not safe after storm damage), photograph any interior water damage, and save any weather alerts or news reports about the storm. This documentation supports your claim.
Step 2: Call a Trusted Roofer FIRST
Before calling your insurance company, call a trusted local roofer for a free inspection. At Jerrys Roofing, we inspect your roof and document the damage professionally — photos, measurements, and a detailed report. This gives you an accurate picture of what's wrong before the insurance adjuster arrives.
Why this matters:
- Insurance adjusters are not roofers. They may miss hidden damage that a trained eye catches.
- Having your own professional assessment protects you from being underpaid on your claim.
- A good roofer will be there when the adjuster comes to make sure nothing is overlooked.
Step 3: File Your Claim
Contact your insurance company to file a claim. Important details:
- In Texas, you have up to two years after a natural disaster to file a claim for storm damage.
- Your insurance company will send an adjuster to inspect the damage.
- Jerrys Roofing can meet the adjuster on-site to ensure all damage is properly documented.
Step 4: Review the Adjuster's Report
Once the adjuster submits their report, your insurance company will issue an estimate. Compare this to the assessment from your roofer. If the numbers are significantly different, you have the right to request a re-inspection or file a supplement.
Step 5: Get the Work Done Right
Once your claim is approved, choose a roofer you trust — not a storm chaser who knocked on your door. At Jerrys Roofing, we're a locally-owned Katy company. We've been here since 2024 and we'll be here long after the job is done.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Door-to-door roofers who show up right after a storm. Many are out-of-state companies that do quick work and disappear.
- Anyone who asks you to sign over your insurance claim. This removes your control over the process.
- Unusually low estimates. If a price seems too good to be true, corners will be cut.
Recent Natural Disasters in the Katy Area
Texas storms are becoming more common in the greater Houston area. Some major recent events include:
- East Texas Flood & Hail (04/30/2024) — 2-year deadline: 04/30/2026
- Houston Derecho (05/14/2024) — 2-year deadline: 05/14/2026
If your home was affected by any of these events and you haven't filed a claim yet, you may still be within the deadline. Contact Jerrys Roofing for a free storm damage inspection.
We Handle the Paperwork
At Jerrys Roofing, we work with your insurance company through the entire process — from the initial inspection to the final invoice. Our goal is to make sure you get the coverage you're entitled to, with zero stress. Call (409) 351-1529 or request a free inspection online.