Storm leaves behind extensive damage

AUSTIN (KXAN) - After a storm blew through Northwest Austin with a fury, the Avery Ranch neighborhood finds itself replacing roofs, removing trees and repairing windows.

"All of a sudden, you saw the clouds coming in, and I turn on the television and I saw all the weather report talking about how you need to take cover due to tornado warnings and things like that," said Renee Pietzsch, who had her windows upstairs blown out of her home.

Her home was one of several dozen in the Avery Ranch neighborhood that suffered damage on the north side. It is the type of damage that will require the work of professionals and insurance coverage.

"It looks like this side of the house is affected the most, and it broke both panes, the hail did," said Broughton Garrett, with ServiceMaster by Cantu. "Then, you have the rain that is coming in sideways."

His company can take care of water damage that many suffered when the wind blew in windows by the handfuls.

"Already, we've got about 50 calls this morning- people looking to get their roof checked out, gutters checked out,” said Paul Kern, with Apex Construction. “Around the corner, she's got a lot of windows that are broken."

Kern works close with insurance companies and knows he will help with a number of claims.

"We're looking at not only the roof but, again, the gutters and the windows,” said Kern. “We want to make sure the entire claim is taken care of for the customer with the insurance company."

He knows this was one of the hardest hit areas in Austin and warns homeowners to beware of roof scam artists.

"Make sure the company that you are dealing with is a local company," said Kern. "Some of the biggest signs that they may not be is magnets on the truck. Make sure they are giving a warranty of at least two years."

Before you have anything such as windows or roofs repaired after a big storm, the Better Business Bureau recommends checking out any company before shelling out any money. You also have the option of asking your insurance company for recommendations.