A hailstorm can be loud, fast, and confusing—like nature tossed a bag of marbles at your home and sprinted away. The good news? If you follow a simple timeline in the first 72 hours, you can protect your roof, document what matters for insurance, and avoid costly surprises. Here’s your step‑by‑step playbook from the pros at Apple Roofing.
A hailstorm can be loud, sudden, and stressful. The good news? With a simple 72-hour action plan, you can protect your property, capture important details, and take the right next steps toward repairs. Apple Roofing is here to guide you through the process with safety, clarity, and trusted service.
Hail Size & Likely Effects (Quick Guide)
- Pea (1/4″): Cosmetic dings to soft metals; light granule scuffing on older shingles.
- Marble (1/2″): Spot bruising on asphalt; thin‑gauge metal dents.
- Quarter (1″): Common leak starter—shingle mat fractures, tile edge chips, punctures on aged flat membranes.
- Golf ball (1.75″): Widespread functional damage—metal seam deformation, cracked tiles, membrane punctures.
- Baseball (2.75″+): Severe; expect broken tiles, skylight damage, shingle loss.
(Other factors like wind speed, roof age, and material type also matter.)
Safety First (Before You Do Anything)
- Wait for lightning to pass and surfaces to dry.
- Check from the ground or use binoculars—never climb onto a wet or steep roof.
- Take only safe photos of visible damage.
First 72 Hours: Step-by-Step
Hours 0–6: Initial Check
- Walk around your home: Look for dents in gutters, metal trim, or mailboxes.
- Take photos: Wide, medium, then close-up.
- Check inside: Look for water spots on ceilings or walls.
- Protect valuables: Place containers under leaks and move items if needed.
Hours 6–24: Temporary Protection
- Secure leaks: Professional tarping is the safest option.
- Start a storm log: Write down the date/time and keep weather alerts or photos together.
- Book an inspection: Apple Roofing offers free post-storm inspections, including a full roof review and documentation.
Hours 24–72: Professional Support
- Roof inspection: A roofer will assess slopes, flashing, skylights, and accessories.
- Plan repairs: Based on findings, you’ll get recommendations for repair or replacement.
- Coordinate next steps: Having organized photos and notes makes the process smoother.
72‑Hour Action & Evidence Table
| Time Window | Task | Where to Check | What to Capture | Why It Matters |
| 0–6 hrs | Exterior triage | Gutters, downspouts, metal trim, concrete, landscaping | Wide → medium → close‑up photos; coin/tape for scale | Establishes baseline storm impacts before anything changes |
| 0–6 hrs | Interior check | Ceilings, can lights, attic decking/insulation | New stains, damp insulation, daylight at penetrations | Early proof of active leaks; prevents secondary damage |
| 6–24 hrs | Runoff clues | Downspouts/splash blocks | Photos of granule piles; white‑cloth granule test | Granule loss = shingle aging/possible mat fractures |
| 6–24 hrs | Temporary protection | Leak areas, skylights, vents | Photo of installed tarping and invoices | Insurers often reimburse reasonable mitigation steps |
| 24–48 hrs | Pro inspection | All slopes, valleys, penetrations, accessories | Photo log by slope: bruises, cracks, punctures, seam damage | Distinguishes cosmetic vs. functional damage for coverage |
| 24–48 hrs | Claim decision | Policy docs; inspector’s findings | Notes on deductible, ACV/RCV, exclusions | Filing promptly links damage to the event |
| 48–72 hrs | Adjuster walk | Match adjuster scope to site conditions | Side‑by‑side photos, marked areas needing correction | Ensures scope covers all slopes/accessories, not just obvious areas |
| 48–72 hrs | Choose repair path | Asphalt/metal/tile/flat roof sections | Final scope + materials, dates, contractor details | Supports permits, warranty, and recoverable depreciation |
What NOT to Do
- Don’t climb onto your roof—safety comes first.
- Don’t ignore minor dents; they can worsen over time.
- Don’t rush into contracts without clear scopes and materials.
How Apple Roofing Helps (Fast, Documented, Local)
When you schedule a hail inspection, our team will:
- Provide a detailed roof condition report.
- Document findings with photos by slope and accessory.
- Recommend the best repair or replacement plan.
- Offer emergency tarping and leak protection if needed.
We focus on clear communication, dependable documentation, and local expertise—so you can move forward with confidence.
Service Area & Contact
Apple Roofing
Address: 3001 E Plano Pkwy #100 Plano, TX 75074, United States
Phone: (469) 908-4323
Website: Apple Roofing
FAQs
How soon should I get an inspection?
Within 24–48 hours after a storm is best.
Does hail always cause roof damage?
Not always—size, wind, and roof type all play a role.
Is emergency tarping worth it?
Yes, it protects your home until permanent work can be completed.
How do I choose the right contractor?
Look for licensed, insured, and local roofers with a track record of quality service.
Need fast help after a storm? Contact Apple Roofing for a thorough, material‑specific hail inspection and a clear action plan.
