Baccaro Roofing GuideFirst 24 Hours After Roof Storm Damage: Checklist
The first 24 hours after a storm damages your roof determine how much you'll pay and how smoothly your insurance claim will process. This checklist is built for Rio Grande Valley homeowners.
The quick checklist
If water is coming in, jump to step 1. If not, start with step 2.
Step 1: Stop the water damage (5-15 minutes)
Place buckets, pots, or any container under any active leak. Move furniture, electronics, rugs, and valuables away from the water. Don't go on the roof — it's slippery, dangerous, and probably still windy or raining.
If you have a large plastic sheet, you can put it over furniture you can't move. But don't try to cover the roof yourself.
Step 2: Document everything with photos and video (15-30 minutes)
Take photos and video from the ground of: - Each side of the roof (4 angles minimum) - Any visible damage (missing shingles, bent flashing, fallen branches) - Every interior water stain or damage point - Debris in your yard (especially shingle pieces or branches) - Hail size next to a coin or ruler, if hail event
Upload all photos to Google Photos, iCloud, or Dropbox. Don't leave them only on your phone — if you lose the phone, you lose the evidence.
Step 3: Check the attic (10 minutes, only if safe)
Go up to the attic with a flashlight and look for: - Daylight visible through the roof (means structural damage) - Wet spots or active water - Wet or fallen insulation - Bowed roof decking
Take more photos of anything you see. Don't go in the attic if the storm is still active or there are downed power lines nearby.
Step 4: Call Baccaro Roofing — NOT your insurance carrier first (5 minutes)
(956) 600-0501
Before filing the claim, you should know whether the damage actually exceeds your deductible. Filing claims that don't pay can affect your future premium. We do free inspections with no obligation and tell you honestly.
Why call us first? - Free inspection and detailed report - We know what to look for (damage isn't always obvious) - We tell you honestly if the claim is worth filing - If it is, we help you with the entire process
Step 5: Emergency tarp service if you need it
If there's active leaking or missing shingles in critical areas, we install industrial tarp same-day to stop water damage. The cost is typically covered by your insurance claim as damage mitigation.
Step 6: File the claim with evidence (after the inspection)
With our inspection report and your photos, file the claim with your carrier by phone or online portal. You'll have: - Exact date of the storm - Detailed damage report - Photos of damage - Preliminary cost estimate
This is much stronger than calling and saying "I think my roof might have damage."
What NOT to do in the first 24 hours
❌ Don't sign contracts from door-to-door contractors. Storm chasers flood the RGV after every event. Use our 10-question contractor checklist to filter them out.
❌ Don't accept "I'll waive your deductible" offers. It's illegal in Texas (Insurance Code §27.02). Your claim can be denied.
❌ Don't throw away debris before photographing it. The carrier wants to see the storm evidence.
❌ Don't go on the roof during or right after the storm. Slippery + possible structural damage = serious falls.
❌ Don't sign an "Assignment of Benefits" (AOB) without understanding it. It transfers your claim rights to the contractor.
❌ Don't delay. Most policies require notice within 30 days. After 90 days, you're often out of luck.
What insurance covers
- ✅ Hurricane wind damage (lifted or missing shingles)
- ✅ Hail damage (any size that causes functional damage)
- ✅ Wind-driven rain damage
- ✅ Fallen trees or branches
- ✅ Lightning damage
- ❌ Wear and tear from age (NOT covered)
- ❌ Lack of maintenance (NOT covered)
For more detail, see our complete insurance claim guide and the storm damage repair guide.
Frequently asked questions
What if the storm was more than 24 hours ago?
You can still file a claim, but document as soon as possible. After 30 days most carriers get difficult. After 90 days it's usually too late.
How much damage is needed to make a claim worthwhile?
Generally, damage exceeding 2-3× your deductible. We do free inspections and tell you honestly. We don't want you to file claims that don't pay — they affect your future premium.
Can you come the same day if I have an active leak?
Yes. Active leak calls are priority. Call (956) 600-0501 and we send someone as soon as possible.
Do I need insurance permission before installing a tarp?
No. Damage mitigation (including tarps) is something you're expected to do immediately. The cost is typically reimbursed as part of the claim.
Call now
(956) 600-0501 — 24/7 for storm emergencies. Free inspection. No pressure. Bilingual English/Spanish team.
We serve the entire Rio Grande Valley — from McAllen to South Padre Island.