Storm and hail damage repair

Storm season around Texarkana

The National Weather Service office in Shreveport, which covers Texarkana, says severe thunderstorms pick up in October and stay frequent through June. Tornadoes peak from March through May, with a second, smaller peak from mid-November to mid-December. Hail and damaging wind ride along with those same storms, so a roof can take a hit in fall just as easily as in spring.

What storm damage looks like

Some of it is obvious. A lot of it isn't visible from the yard.

• Hail: dark spots on shingles where granules were knocked off, and dents in gutters, vents, and downspouts
• Wind: shingles lifted, creased, or missing, often along ridges and edges
• Fallen limbs: cracked shingles, broken decking, or a hole straight through
• Inside: new ceiling stains or damp insulation in the attic

After a storm, in this order

• Stay off the roof. Wet shingles are slick, and damaged decking may not hold your weight.
• Take photos of damage you can see from the ground and inside the house, and write down the date of the storm.
• If water is coming in, call (903) 838-8430 for a tarp. Stopping the leak keeps interior damage from piling up.
• Report the damage to your insurance company if you think it's covered.
• Book a free drone inspection so the damage is photographed before the adjuster comes.

Storm chasers leave. We live here.

After a big hailstorm, out-of-town crews show up with door hangers and fast promises, and some are gone by the time a warranty question comes up. Bohon Roofing has been in Texarkana since 1980, and it's still run by the Bohon family.

Whoever you hire, check for a local address, get a written estimate, and make sure you'll be able to reach them next year.