Storm Damage and Roof Replacement: What Homeowners Need to Know, as Seen on KXAN

Storm Season in Texas: When Your Roof Takes the Worst of It

Living in Texas means you get used to dramatic weather shifts. One afternoon you are grilling in the sun, and by evening the sky turns green with rotating clouds. For homeowners in and around Austin, that transition often ends with roof damage. I have worked on roofs across this region for more than a decade, and I can tell you that the aftermath of a hailstorm or a straight-line wind event is one of the most stressful things a family can face. The questions come fast: Is the leak from the shingles or from the flashing? Will my insurance cover it? Should I repair or replace? Those questions are exactly what we discuss when you see the Austin Roofing Company team on local TV segments as seen on KXAN.

In this article I will walk through the practical decisions you will face after storm damage, how insurance claims work in practice, and what to look for during a roof inspection. No fluff, just the real conversations I have with homeowners every week.

First Things First: Safety and a Good Roof Inspection

After a storm passes, the natural instinct is to climb up and look for damage. Please do not do that. Wet shingles are slippery, and hidden structural damage can make the roof unstable. Instead, start from the ground. Walk around the house and look for obvious problems: missing shingles, dented gutters, pieces of metal roofing that look bent or torn. If you see a tree limb on the roof, leave it there until a professional can assess whether the deck is compromised. A good roof inspection by a licensed contractor will cover the flashing around chimneys and vents, the condition of the underlayment, and any soft spots in the decking. At Austin Roofing Company we always do a full inspection before talking about costs, because every storm leaves a different pattern of damage.

One thing I have learned over the years is that what looks minor from the ground can be serious up close. A few displaced shingles might mean the felt underlayment is torn, letting moisture into the attic. On the other hand, a dramatic dent in a metal roof sometimes leaves the underlying structure untouched. You need someone who knows where to look. That kind of real-world advice is what we share when we appear on programs like KXAN Studio 512 or CBS Austin's We Are Austin. The goal is to help homeowners separate urgent problems from cosmetic ones before they call their insurance company.

Roof Replacement Costs: What Drives the Price?

One of the first questions I get is about roof replacement costs. It makes sense. A new roof is a significant investment, and the price varies a lot based on size, slope, material, and accessibility. In the Austin area, a typical residential roofing job on a 2,000-square-foot home can run anywhere from eight thousand to fifteen thousand dollars, depending on those factors. But cost is not just about square footage. The steepness of the roof, the number of penetrations like skylights or plumbing vents, and the type of shingle types you choose all move the number up or down.

For example, architectural asphalt shingles from a brand like GAF or Owens Corning tend to be mid-range in price and offer good durability for our climate. CertainTeed makes a nice line of impact-resistant shingles that perform well in hail. TAMKO is another manufacturer I have seen hold up well in central Texas storms. On the other end of the spectrum, metal roofing can be more expensive upfront but often lasts longer and handles hail better than some asphalt products. The trade-off is that metal can dent, and repairing a dented panel is sometimes harder than swapping a few shingles. Your choice should reflect your budget, your home's style, and the typical weather in your neighborhood.

When I talk about these options on TV, I always emphasize that the cheapest bid is rarely the best value. A roof is a system, not just a surface. Cheap underlayment or improper flashing installation can lead to leaks years before the shingles wear out. That is the kind of practical judgment we try to convey in every segment as seen on KXAN.

Insurance Claims and Storm Damage: Navigating the Process

Storm damage in Texas often triggers homeowners insurance claims, and the process can be confusing. I have sat with dozens of homeowners who assumed their policy covered everything, only to find out that certain types of wind or hail damage have separate deductibles. For instance, many policies now have a separate percentage deductible for hail damage, often one percent or two percent of the home's insured value. On a $400,000 house, that means you are paying the first four thousand to eight thousand dollars out of pocket.

When you file a claim, the insurance adjuster will inspect the roof and write an estimate based on their own pricing model. That estimate rarely matches what a contractor would charge for the same work. The difference often comes down to materials, labor rates, and the scope of work. A good contractor will help you review the adjuster's estimate and point out line items that are too low or missing entirely. That is where a company like Austin Roofing Company adds value. We know the local market, we know what CertainTeed shingles cost versus the generic ones the adjuster might have used, and we can advocate for you.

One thing I always tell people: do not sign a contract with a storm-chaser who shows up at your door the day after a storm. Legitimate local roofers are busy after a big event, but they will schedule you fairly and show you their work. We have built our reputation on being here before the storm and after it, not just when the TV cameras are rolling. When we do appear on shows like We Are Austin or KXAN Studio 512, it is to share that same message: take your time, get multiple bids, and understand what your insurance actually covers before you commit to anything.

Residential Roofing vs. Commercial Roofing: Different Animals

Most of the roofs I work on are residential roofing projects, but I have also done commercial roofing for local businesses. The two worlds are surprisingly different. Residential roofs are usually sloped, with asphalt shingles, metal panels, or sometimes tile. Commercial roofs are often low-slope or flat, using built-up roofing, modified bitumen, or single-ply membranes like TPO or PVC. The materials and installation methods are distinct, and so are the costs and warranties.

For a homeowner, the key difference is that residential roofing contractors focus on aesthetics and water shedding. A shingle roof has to look good and shed water fast. Commercial roofs rely on a continuous waterproof membrane and proper drainage. If you own a commercial property, you need a contractor who understands slope-to-drain ratios and seam welding. At Austin Roofing Company we handle both, but we always match the crew's experience to the job. You would not want a residential roofer learning commercial details on your building.

Practical Tips for Your Next Roof Repair or Replacement

Whether you are dealing with storm damage or planning ahead, a few things can save you money and stress. First, get at least three written estimates. Do not let anyone pressure you into a same-day decision. Second, ask about the underlayment. A good synthetic felt or self-adhered membrane adds cost but significantly extends the life of the shingles. Third, verify that the contractor carries liability insurance and workers' compensation. That protects you if someone gets hurt on your property. Fourth, check their references, especially from jobs done after a major storm. That is when you see how a company handles pressure and timelines.

Finally, think about the long term. A roof is a 20- to 30-year investment. Spending a little more on impact-resistant shingles from Owens Corning or a thicker metal panel from TAMKO can pay off the first time a hailstorm rolls through. I have seen too many homeowners choose the cheapest option and then regret it when the next storm reveals the shortcuts.

If you have watched our segments on CBS Austin or KXAN, you know we are not about selling you something you do not need. We are about helping you make an informed decision. That is the value of local expertise. When you see the Austin Roofing Company name as seen on KXAN, it stands for straightforward advice and quality work. The next time a storm rolls through, take a breath, do your research, and call someone who treats your home like their own.

In the end, your roof is your first defense against the Texas weather. Treat it accordingly, and do not be afraid to ask tough questions about materials, labor, and warranties. A good roofer will welcome those questions. A bad one will dodge them.