Storm Damage Roof Repair in Hot Springs: What to Do First

Storm damage to your roof in Hot Springs requires quick, specific action. The first few hours after a severe storm determine how much damage you end up with, whether your insurance claim goes smoothly, and whether you avoid the storm chaser contractors that descend on central Arkansas after every major weather event. This guide walks you through the right sequence, step by step.

Before you think about your roof, make sure the immediate environment is safe. After significant storms in the Hot Springs area, downed power lines, unstable trees, and debris-strewn yards are real hazards. Once it's safe to go outside, look up from the ground — don't get on the roof. Walk the perimeter of the house and scan each roof plane from a safe distance. Look for obvious structural damage: large branches on the roof, significant sections of missing shingles, collapsed fascia or gutters, or visible holes. If you see any of this, temporary protection and a call to a licensed local contractor come first — before you contact your insurance company.

Before any cleanup or temporary repairs, photograph everything — the full roof from multiple angles, any damage visible from the ground, dents on your AC unit and gutters, window screen damage, fence damage, and anything else on the property the storm affected. Date and timestamp your photos. Check the National Weather Service storm records to confirm the storm date and any reported hail size in your area — your insurance adjuster will use these records, and you should too. Our full Arkansas hail season guide explains what hail damage looks like on different roofing materials so you know what to photograph specifically.

This is the single most important piece of advice in this guide. Call a local, licensed roofing contractor for a professional inspection before you file your insurance claim. Your insurance adjuster works for the insurance company — they're often managing high claim volumes after major storm events and may miss items that aren't immediately obvious without a thorough roof inspection. Having a professional roofer's independent written assessment before the adjuster arrives means your claim is supported by documentation that advocates for what your roof actually needs.

We provide free storm damage inspections for Hot Springs area homeowners. We get on the roof, document everything with photos, and give you a written assessment you can use with your insurer. Call 501-701-8766 — we're available 7 days a week and prioritize storm inspections after major weather events. Before choosing a contractor, our guide to choosing a roofing contractor in Hot Springs covers what licensing, insurance, and red flags to look for — especially important after storms when unscrupulous contractors are active.

After every significant hail event in central Arkansas, out-of-state contractors arrive in force — going door to door, offering to handle your insurance claim, promising fast work and sometimes offering to waive your deductible. These storm chasers are a real and persistent problem in the Hot Springs area. The warning signs are consistent: no verifiable local address, no Arkansas roofing license they can produce immediately, pressure to sign a contract the day of the visit, and promises to handle your deductible. Waiving insurance deductibles is insurance fraud in Arkansas.

Use a contractor with a physical address you can verify, a license number you can look up with the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board, and a track record in the community. We've been at 209 Albert Pike in Hot Springs for over 20 years. AR Roof License RR0540931024. No payment until the job is done. Read our reviews here.

If the storm caused active leaks, emergency tarping is the standard temporary measure — heavy-duty polyethylene tarps secured over damaged areas to prevent further water intrusion while permanent repairs are arranged. Tarping should be done by a professional — getting on a damaged, wet roof is dangerous, and improperly secured tarps can blow off or cause additional damage. Emergency tarping costs are typically covered under most homeowners policies as part of the damage claim. Keep receipts and submit them with your claim. Call 501-701-8766 for emergency services.

For homes with flat or low-slope sections that sustained damage, our TPO roofing guide covers how storm damage presents differently on flat roof systems versus pitched roofs, which matters for both documentation and repair planning.

After you've filed your claim, your insurance company will assign an adjuster who will schedule an inspection. Ask your roofing contractor to be present during the adjuster's visit or available by phone — having your contractor's documentation in hand during the inspection helps ensure nothing is missed. If the adjuster's scope doesn't match what your contractor documented, you have the right to dispute it. Our roof replacement cost guide also covers how insurance coverage type (RCV vs. ACV) affects what you receive and what to expect from the payment process.

How long do I have to file a storm damage claim in Arkansas?
Most Arkansas homeowners policies require claims within one year of the damage event, though some have shorter windows. File promptly after getting a professional inspection.

Does storm damage repair require a permit in Hot Springs?
Significant storm damage repairs — particularly full or partial re-roofs — typically require a permit from the City of Hot Springs. We handle permitting as part of every job.

What if my roof was already old when the storm hit?
Age affects ACV coverage — older roofs are depreciated more. But if you have an RCV policy, damage from a covered storm event is covered regardless of roof age. If replacement is needed, our signs your roof needs replacement guide can help you assess the full condition picture.

We serve Hot Springs, Hot Springs Village, Malvern, Benton, Bryant, Jessieville, and surrounding areas. Call 501-701-8766 for a free estimate — 7 days a week.

Speedy Gonzalez Roofing is a licensed roofing contractor serving Hot Springs AR and central Arkansas. We specialize in roof repairs , shingle roofing , metal roofing , TPO roofing , gutters , siding, hail damage , and storm damage repair. AR Roof License RR0540931024. Free estimates. No payment until the job is done.