Did the April 2026 Hailstorm Damage Your DFW Roof? What’s Left of Your Claim Window

On the evening of April 25, 2026, severe storms rolled across North Texas with hail from quarter- to tennis-ball size, and baseball-size reports in parts of Tarrant County. Wind gusts neared 90 mph in Parker County, affecting roughly 40,000 power customers. Dallas, Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Arlington, Irving and much of the Metroplex were in the storm’s path.

If you haven’t had your roof looked at since, you’re not alone. But the calendar is not on your side.

Your claim window

Many Texas homeowners’ policies give you about a year from the date of loss to file a claim, though some allow less. For an April 25 storm, that puts a typical deadline around April 2027, which means you likely still have time. Don’t assume, though. Check your policy’s declarations page or ask your carrier for the exact deadline, and remember that waiting makes it harder to tie damage to that specific storm, since later weather and normal wear can muddy the picture.

Hail damage isn’t always visible from the ground

It often isn’t. Look for:

• Dark, circular spots or bare patches where granules have knocked off
• Soft spots or “bruises” on shingles
• Dents in vents, flashing, gutters and downspouts
• Dented AC fins or dinged fences and outdoor furniture, which suggest the roof took hits too
• Cracked or chipped tile or missing shingle pieces
• Ceiling stains from slow leaks

What to do, in order

1. Find your policy and check the deductible. Texas policies often carry a separate, percentage-based wind and hail deductible.
2. Get the roof inspected. A professional can spot damage you can’t see and document it.
3. Take dated photos of anything you find.
4. File the claim with your carrier and meet the adjuster. Keep records of every conversation.
5. Make temporary repairs if needed to prevent more damage, and save the receipts.

Understanding your deductible

A percentage-based wind and hail deductible is calculated from your home’s insured value, not from the size of the claim. If your policy has one, it can be a bigger number than the flat deductible people are used to on other claims. Knowing it before you file helps you decide whether a claim makes sense, especially if damage is limited.

What to expect from the claim process

Every carrier is a little different, but the general shape is familiar. You report the loss, an adjuster is assigned, the adjuster inspects the roof, and the carrier sends its estimate and decision. If your contractor’s inspection finds damage the adjuster missed, you can share your documentation and ask the carrier to review it. Keep every communication in writing where you can.

Ask your carrier whether your policy pays actual cash value or replacement cost for roofs. That difference, which often depends on roof age, can change how much you’re paid up front and how much you owe after.

Repair or replace?

It depends on how much of the roof was hit, and how badly. Scattered damage in a few spots can sometimes be repaired. Widespread bruising or granule loss across a slope or the whole roof often points toward replacement. Your contractor’s inspection and your carrier’s adjuster will both weigh in, and their conclusions don’t always match, so good documentation helps.

What to have ready for the adjuster

• Your policy number and declarations page
• Dated photos of the damage, from the ground and, if a professional took them, from the roof
• Your contractor’s inspection notes or estimate
• A list of anything else damaged, like screens, gutters, vents or outdoor items
• Receipts for any temporary repairs

Temporary repairs done right

If water is getting in, a temporary repair like a tarp can protect your home while you wait. Take photos before and after, keep the receipts, and avoid anything permanent until your carrier has had a chance to inspect. If you’re not sure what’s safe, ask your carrier and your contractor.

Common questions

How do I know it was hail and not age? A professional inspection looks at the pattern of damage, the materials and the age of the roof, and documents what they find. That documentation is what helps tie damage to a specific storm.

Can I file for damage I found today from an April storm? Possibly, if you’re within your policy’s deadline. Confirm the date with your carrier.

Will an inspection cost me anything? Ours is free, and it doesn’t commit you to a claim.

We can’t promise what your insurer will cover, and we won’t tell you a claim is a sure thing. What we can do is give you an honest look at your roof and clear documentation. See our roof repair services and our Dallas-Fort Worth page.

Book a free hail damage inspection. Call 800-306-6953 or visit empoweryourhome.com.