Shingles Blown Away by a Storm? Here’s What Texas Homeowners Need to Do Next

blown away shingles

Texas homeowners are no strangers to severe storms, especially in areas like Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, and San Antonio, where strong winds and hailstorms frequently cause roof damage. One of the most common issues after a storm is missing or damaged shingles. The sight of scattered shingles in your yard or visible gaps on your roof can be overwhelming. 

You might wonder if your home is now vulnerable to leaks, whether your insurance will cover the damage, or if you need a minor repair or a full roof replacement.

Delaying action can lead to serious consequences. Exposed roof decking can allow water infiltration, leading to mold growth, rot, and interior damage. Additionally, waiting too long can make insurance claims more difficult to process. This guide will help you understand the right steps to take immediately after discovering blown-away shingles to minimize damage and ensure a successful repair or replacement process.

Assessing the Damage: What Texas Homeowners Need to Do First

Safety First: Inspect from the Ground

The first and most important step is ensuring your safety. Climbing onto a damaged roof can be extremely dangerous, especially after a storm. Instead, use these safer methods to assess the damage:

  • Walk around your property and look for missing shingles, granules, or debris in the yard.

  • Use binoculars or a drone to get a closer look at your roof from the ground.

  • Check your gutters for an excessive amount of asphalt granules, which could indicate further roof deterioration.

Look for Interior Signs of Roof Damage

Even if your roof appears mostly intact, hidden damage could be present. Inside your home, check for:

  • Water stains or discoloration on ceilings and walls.

  • Damp insulation or visible daylight through the attic.

  • Peeling paint or wallpaper, which can be signs of moisture problems.

Call a Professional Roofer for Assessment and Documentation

If you suspect roof damage, contact a professional roofer who can assess the roof thoroughly and provide emergency repairs or tarping. A roofer can also help document the damage properly for your insurance claim, ensuring you have the necessary evidence to support your case.

Taking Immediate Action: Emergency Tarping & Preventing Further Damage

Why Emergency Tarping is Critical

After a storm, exposed roofing can quickly lead to water intrusion, mold growth, and structural deterioration. Immediate tarping prevents further interior and exterior damage.

emergency roof tarping by Legacy Roofing Pros

What is Roof Tarping?

Tarping is a temporary protective measure used to cover damaged areas of a roof after a storm. It helps prevent further water intrusion, interior damage, and structural issues until permanent repairs can be made. Professional tarping involves securing a durable tarp over the affected area, ensuring a tight seal to withstand wind and rain. Roofers use weighted anchoring, wood strips, roofing tape, or strategically placed nails to secure the tarp and prevent it from lifting or leaking, ensuring maximum protection against further storm damage.

Call a Professional for Emergency Tarping

While it may be tempting to do it yourself, emergency tarping is best left to professionals who have the skills and equipment to do it correctly. Expert roofers ensure secure and wind-resistant placement, preventing the tarp from blowing away in high winds.

A safe installation is also crucial, as improper tarping can lead to roof collapses or personal injury. Professional tarping provides reliable protection until permanent repairs can be made, ensuring your home remains dry and structurally sound.

Scheduling a Full Roof Inspection: Evaluating Hidden Damage

Why a Professional Inspection is Necessary

Calling a roofer for emergency repairs or tarping is also an opportunity to have a full roof inspection. High winds may have caused more than just missing shingles—underlying damage could be present. A professional inspection ensures you catch issues early, whether they require minor repairs or a complete roof replacement.

What Roofers Check For

  • Loose or missing shingles that could lead to further damage.

  • Structural issues like decking sagging, which may compromise the roof’s stability.

  • Signs of hail or impact damage, which may not be visible from the ground.

  • Potential insurance claim documentation to support your case for coverage.

A full inspection gives you the necessary information to determine whether your roof can be repaired, needs upgrades, or qualifies for an insurance claim. Acting promptly ensures you don’t face unexpected roofing issues down the line.

Considering an Upgrade: Choosing Wind-Resistant Shingles for Texas Weather

If your roof has suffered significant storm damage, it may be time to consider upgrading to wind-resistant shingles. Texas storms are unpredictable, and choosing a more durable roofing material can protect your home from future wind-related damage.

Why Upgrade?

Standard shingles may not survive future storms, leaving your home vulnerable to repeated damage and costly repairs. Upgrading to architectural or impact-resistant shingles provides better durability, ensuring that your roof can withstand high winds and extreme weather conditions. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles are especially beneficial, as they can endure hail, heavy rain, and wind speeds up to 150 mph.

Best High-Wind Roofing Materials for Texas Homes

Several roofing materials offer superior wind resistance, making them ideal for Texas homeowners:

  • Architectural Laminated Shingles are designed with a multi-layer construction that improves strength and durability, rated up to 130 mph.

  • Metal Roofing is one of the most wind-resistant options, capable of withstanding 150 mph winds and providing a long lifespan with minimal maintenance.

  • Synthetic Roofing (DaVinci Roofscapes) offers advanced durability, combining impact resistance and wind resistance with a natural slate or shake appearance.

Insurance Discounts for Wind-Rated Shingles

Beyond the added protection, many insurers offer policy discounts for installing wind-resistant shingles. By upgrading to a stronger roofing material, you not only safeguard your home but also save money on future repairs and insurance premiums. Investing in high-quality shingles now can help you avoid costly damage when the next storm hits.

HAVE YOUR ROOF ASSESED

How Legacy Roofing Pros Helps Texas Homeowners with Storm-Damaged Roofs

  • Emergency tarping & fast storm response: We provide rapid and secure tarping to prevent further storm damage and protect your home while permanent repairs are arranged.

  • Comprehensive roof inspections: Our thorough inspections identify both visible and hidden damage, ensuring no underlying issues are missed.

  • Insurance claim assistance: Navigating insurance claims can be complex. We help Texas homeowners document damage accurately, increasing the chances of a successful claim.

  • High-wind-rated shingle upgrades: We install premium shingles from DaVinci, TAMKO, and Atlas, designed to withstand Texas storms and provide lasting durability.

  • Local, trusted roofing professionals: As a Texas-based company, we know the challenges of local weather and offer expert solutions that keep your home safe year-round.

Contact Us Today!

Get Your Free Roof Estimate Today!

Legacy Roofing Pros specializes in storm damage assessment, emergency tarping, and high-wind-rated roof replacements. Our experienced team ensures your home is protected with fast, reliable, and expert roofing services tailored to Texas homeowners.

Fill out the form below to request your FREE roof estimate today. Let us assess your roof and provide the best solutions to restore and strengthen your home. No cost, no obligation—just expert guidance and peace of mind!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Storm-Damaged Roofs in Texas

While missing shingles are a clear sign of damage, your roof may have underlying structural issues that aren’t immediately visible. Wind uplift can loosen adjacent shingles, weaken the roof decking, or damage flashing, increasing the risk of future leaks. A comprehensive roof inspection from Legacy Roofing Pros can determine if your roof needs simple repairs or a full replacement to restore its integrity and ensure long-term durability.

Yes! Emergency tarping is one of the most effective ways to prevent water intrusion, mold growth, and interior damage while waiting for permanent repairs. Properly installed tarping ensures your home is protected against additional rainfall and wind exposure. At Legacy Roofing Pros, we provide secure, professional tarping services to safeguard your home until full repairs or replacement can be completed.

A temporary roof tarp can protect your home for weeks or even months, but it is not a long-term solution. Extended exposure to sun, wind, and rain can cause tarps to degrade, leading to leaks or further damage. If your home has a tarp in place, it’s crucial to schedule a professional roof assessment. Legacy Roofing Pros ensures that tarps are properly secured and offers fast repair or replacement services before additional issues arise.

Most homeowner’s insurance policies cover storm-related roof damage, but the extent of coverage depends on the policy and the cause of the damage. Insurance may pay for repairs or full replacement, but you need proper documentation of the damage. Legacy Roofing Pros assists with insurance claims by providing detailed inspection reports, photo evidence, and expert guidance to help you maximize your claim.

High-wind-rated shingles, such as Class 4 impact-resistant shingles, are designed to withstand strong winds, hail, and extreme weather conditions common in Texas. These shingles have better adhesion, reinforced materials, and enhanced resistance to wind uplift, reducing the risk of damage. Legacy Roofing Pros installs premium wind-resistant shingles from top manufacturers like DaVinci, TAMKO, and Atlas, helping homeowners secure their roofs against future storms.

Some storm-related roof damage isn’t immediately visible but can cause significant problems later. Signs include loose shingles, granule loss, soft spots on the roof decking, water stains on ceilings, or flashing damage around vents and chimneys. Legacy Roofing Pros offers thorough roof inspections to uncover hidden damage and provide timely repairs before small issues escalate into costly problems.

It’s best to schedule a roof inspection immediately after a storm, even if there are no obvious signs of damage. Delays can lead to worsening leaks, mold growth, and insurance claim denials due to late reporting. Legacy Roofing Pros provides fast, no-obligation roof inspections to identify storm damage early and recommend the best course of action for repairs or replacement.

If you notice leaks, act fast to prevent further interior damage. Move furniture, place buckets under leaks, and contact a professional roofing company for emergency tarping. A leaking roof could indicate severe storm damage that requires immediate repairs. Legacy Roofing Pros responds quickly to emergency calls, providing temporary tarping and expert repair solutions to minimize water damage inside your home.

To reduce future storm damage, consider installing wind-rated shingles, reinforcing roof decking, securing flashing, and maintaining gutters to prevent water buildup. Regular inspections and proactive maintenance can extend your roof’s lifespan. Legacy Roofing Pros offers expert roofing upgrades and maintenance services, ensuring your home stays protected from Texas storms.

Scheduling a free roof estimate is easy! Simply fill out our online form or call Legacy Roofing Pros, and we’ll send a professional roofing expert to assess your home. Our team will inspect your roof, provide a detailed evaluation, and recommend the best solution, whether it’s a repair, replacement, or upgrade. We make the process hassle-free so you can restore your home quickly and confidently.

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James Tababa

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