Neighbors Helping Neighbors After the Anna–Melissa Storm

Storm Damage Roofing Guidance for Anna, Melissa & Van Alstyne Homeowners

Driving through Van Alstyne, Anna and Melissa after the storm, what stood out to me wasn’t just the damage to homes, it was the people. Neighbors were already outside, checking on each other, pointing out what they’d seen, offering to lend a hand. That’s North Texas. When storms hit, we come together.

Kerri and I were out the next morning, and the damage was obvious. Some roofs already had shingles scattered across yards and gutters dented from hail. Others looked fine from the street, but that doesn’t always tell the full story. A roof can look normal and still have damaged shingles, missing granules, or cracks that will turn into leaks down the line. And when that happens, the damage spreads; suddenly you’re not just fixing a small leak, you’re dealing with sheetrock, flooring, even structural repairs. Worse yet, wait too long and your insurance company may not cover it.

The National Weather Service called last month’s storm “one of the most concentrated hail events to hit Collin County in recent years.” And Anna’s Former Mayor Nate Pike said it best in a press briefing: “It’s not just about property damage—it’s about neighbors pulling together and helping each other recover.” We’ve seen that spirit firsthand this month.

The calls coming into our office all sound the same: “I’m not sure if I should file a claim or just wait it out.” It’s a fair question, and one we hear every time a storm like this rolls through. The truth is, there isn’t one right answer. Filing too quickly on something minor can drive up your premiums. Waiting too long on something serious can cost you thousands out of pocket. That’s why a comprehensive assessment from a qualified tradesperson and thorough documentation matters.

Owning a roofing and remodeling company in the middle of a major storm zone puts things in perspective. We know that nationwide, wind and hail make up nearly 40% of all homeowners’ insurance claims. And yet, adjusters don’t always catch everything in one quick visit. Having your own damage assessment from someone experienced makes all the difference when it’s time to settle.

That’s why now is the right time to reshare one of our most helpful resources: our Homeowners Guide: When to File an Insurance Claim vs. When to Pay Out-of-Pocket. We published it a few months ago, but after a storm like this, it couldn’t be more relevant. It breaks down deductibles, timelines, and red flags to watch for, helping families make informed smart decisions with clarity instead of pressure and confusion.

At the end of the day, roofing is our trade, but community is our calling. We live here. We raise our family here. And when storms sweep through North Texas, our work isn’t just about shingles and insurance claims, it’s about helping our neighbors find peace of mind.

If you’re unsure about your roof, don’t wait for the next rainstorm to tell you something’s wrong. We’ll come by, take a careful look, and give you the straight truth. Sometimes that means filing a claim. Sometimes it doesn’t. Either way, you’ll know where you stand, and that’s what matters most.