
How Bad Is Hail Damage?
This southern part of Texas is subject to some extreme weather conditions. From brutal hot sun rays to hard rains, high winds, and hailstorms. Each of those can take a toll on a roof, but the hailstorms may be the worse. Ask the insurance companies and roofing contractors what is the most common phone call from homeowners – hail damage repairs.
Does insurance cover roof hail damage?
This is probably the first question homeowners ask and the answer is yes, within boundaries and limits. Hail damage repair and any other repairs for roof damage from falling limbs, strong winds, tornados, and other weather-related causes are covered by homeowner’s insurance.
The limits are defined by what type of coverage you choose when you chose your insurance policies. It will also depend on what the insurance adjuster finds when they come out to inspect what hail damage repair or replacement may be needed. If they determine the roof wasn’t installed correctly, they will decline your claim. This can include the roofing you see being installed over another roof, a popular choice when budgets are an issue.
How can you tell if your roof has hail damage, what does roof damage from hail look like?
Hail damage shortens the lifespan of a roof and if hail damage repairs aren’t completed, it can lead to the roof needing a full replacement. However, hail damage isn’t always visible to the untrained eye. Knowing what to look for will determine what hail damage repair is needed.
Hail damage that leaves dents and dings is typically 1” in diameter or larger. But what if you don’t see any dents and dings like that on the roof, does that mean you don’t need any hail damage repairs? No, absolutely not! Not all hail damage is visible on the shingles. Other hail damage is found on gutters and roof flashing. This requires inspecting the roof while on the roof, not just viewing it from the ground.
Can roof hail damage be repaired?
Yes, many times hail damage repairs are possible on roofing. It all depends on the extent of the hail damage. Repairs can be replacing a few shingles and some flashing, maybe replacing some gutter runs and downspouts. Because it takes a trained eye to see all the possible hail damage repairs needed, it is always best to have a professional roofing contractor inspect your roof after a hailstorm.
What size hail will damage a roof?
On average, an asphalt shingled roof can take up to a 1″ size hailstone before hail damage repairs are needed. However, with just the right amount of force and at the right angle, even a ¼” size (pea-size hailstone) or ½” size (marble-sized hailstone) can cause the need for hail damage repair.
Any hailstone measuring from 3/4” inch or larger will definitely cause the need for hail damage repair on an asphalt roof and most other types of roofing materials. Hailstones the size of golf balls and softballs can reach up to four and a half inches in diameter will typically require a complete roof replacement.
Does Hail always damage a roof?
Always! It may not be as severe each time, but there is a dent or ding left behind somewhere on some surface. It may just be a scuff mark on the metal flashing, but it is roof hail damage, repair, or replacement of that strip of flashing may be necessary to keep your roof’s integrity. A few factors to be considered that hailstone damage could have on your home are:
- Wind – The wind direction and speed will vary during a hailstorm and those changes can affect the location the hailstones hit, and the severity of impact left behind.
- Density and Size – The density of the hailstone can be small like a pea, or it can be softball size. Regardless the size, they are rough in texture, and that texture can do a lot of damage no matter the size.
- Building materials – Hailstone impacts different building materials differently. For example, aluminum siding and gutters will dent easier from hailstones than asphalt shingles. Roof hail damage to wood shakes will be different than asphalt shingles and vary with the size of the hailstone. The age of the building material will determine how it is affected too.
- Barriers – How neighboring structures are situated, along with any natural barriers like trees and landscaping can reduce the hail damage.
What do you do if your roof has hail damage?
You should walk around your home and inspect the exterior, including any detached structures like barns, carports, and garages. Take notes, pictures, and possible, videos. Note the date and time of the hailstorm. You’ll need to give this information to your insurance adjuster, and always keep a copy for yourself.
Why is hail damage bad for a roof?
Hailstones and high winds will weaken the integrity of the shingles on your roof. Once that seal is weakened, the shingle is loose and can blow off with the next big wind gust, leaving the roof exposed and vulnerable to the elements. This leads to a leaking roof and other issues around your home.

How do you prevent roof damage from hail?
Or can you? Yes, there are a few steps you can take that will protect your home from hail damage, starting with a routine of doing your own inspection of the roof and around your home. It is important to notice when something looks loose or is missing so that you can address it immediately before it becomes a bigger problem. Another thing you can do include:
- Choose a steep-sloped roof style and replace the roofing materials when needed.
- Select impact-rated roofing materials and skylights.
- Choose fiber-cement siding when replacing or updating your home’s exterior.
- Close the blinds, drapes, or window shades during a hailstorm or when there are high winds.