What Size Hail Will Damage a Roof? A Homeowner's Guide for Austin, TX

When a hailstorm passes through, homeowners in Texas often hold their breath, wondering if their roof is safe. One of the most common questions we hear at Capital City Roofing is: “How big does hail need to be to damage a roof?”

The truth is, there’s no single magic number, but there is a widely accepted benchmark. While even small hailstones can sometimes cause damage, a good rule of thumb is that hail typically needs to be at least one inch in diameter—about the size of a quarter—to cause significant harm to a standard asphalt shingle roof.

However, the size of the hail is only one piece of the puzzle. Several other crucial factors can determine the extent of the damage.

More Than Just Size: Other Factors That Influence Hail Damage

Wind Speed and Direction: Hail rarely falls straight down. Strong winds can propel hailstones sideways, increasing the force of impact and causing damage to more than just your roof’s top surface. Siding, gutters, and windows can also be affected by wind-driven hail.
The Age of Your Roof: An older roof is more susceptible to damage. As shingles age, they become more brittle and lose their elasticity, making them easier to crack or dent from a hail impact.
Roofing Material: Not all roofs are created equal. While a one-inch hailstone might cause significant damage to asphalt shingles, it might leave no mark on more durable materials like metal roofing. Concrete tiles and wood shake roofs also react differently to impacts.
The Roof’s Pitch: The slope of your roof can affect how much energy an impact delivers. A steeper roof may have less direct impact from hail, but a strong, angled storm can still cause severe damage.
Underlying Structure: The health of your roof’s decking and underlayment plays a role. If the underlying structure is weak, it is less resilient to impact.

Hail Damage Thresholds by Roof Type

Not all roofs are created equal. The type of material on your home determines how much damage hail can do:

Hail Size	Damage to Asphalt Shingles	Damage to Metal Roofing	Damage to Tile Roofs
< 1" (Pea-Sized)	Rare; may dislodge granules	Usually none	Minimal to none
1" - 1.25" (Quarter)	Bruising, granule loss	Dents possible	Minor cracks
1.5" - 2" (Golf Ball)	Cracks, punctures	Dents, coating damage	Cracks or broken tiles
> 2" (Tennis Ball+)	Severe; likely replacement needed	Heavy denting, structural issues	Significant cracking and leaks

Wind, Roof Age, and Slope: Key Damage Factors

Hail size isn’t the only factor to consider. Three more variables play a big role:

Wind Speed: Strong winds drive hail with more force, causing deeper impacts, especially on roof edges. Gusty conditions can shift the trajectory of hailstones, resulting in uneven damage across different parts of the roof.
Roof Slope: Flatter roofs are more vulnerable to hail because they receive more direct hits. Steeper pitches tend to deflect hailstones, reducing impact severity—but not eliminating it.
Material Age: Roofs naturally degrade over time. Aging shingles may lose their protective granules and become brittle, making them much more susceptible to damage even from smaller hailstones.

Other Considerations:

Roofing Layers: If your roof has multiple layers of shingles, the top layer may show different damage patterns than the underlying ones.
Installation Quality: Poorly installed roofing systems are more likely to sustain heavy damage, as fasteners may fail or flashing may lift under impact.

Pro Tip: Even if your neighbor’s roof looks fine, yours might have taken more damage depending on slope, age, and material type. Always get a professional inspection to be sure.

What Does Hail Damage Look Like?

Hail damage isn’t always obvious to the untrained eye. Even if you don’t see massive dents, damage could be present. After a storm, it’s wise to look for these signs from the ground:

Dents and Dings: Check your gutters, downspouts, and metal vents on your roof. Dents on these surfaces are a sure sign that the hail was large enough to cause damage.
Granule Loss: On asphalt shingle roofs, hail impacts can knock the protective granules off the shingles, creating “bald spots.” These granules may collect in your gutters or at the bottom of your downspouts.
Cracks and Splits: Hail can cause cracks or fractures in the shingle matting, which may not be immediately visible but can lead to leaks over time.

“See what hail damage looks like on a roof” is one of the most common homeowner questions we hear.

Austin, TX: A High-Risk Zone for Hail

Austin is no stranger to hail. The region experiences frequent hail events, especially in spring and early summer. What makes Austin unique?

Variable Weather: Storms range from small pea-sized hail to destructive tennis-ball-sized chunks.

Roofing Variety: Homes in Austin feature a mix of materials, each responding differently to hail.

Urban vs. Suburban Impact: Densely populated neighborhoods may be better protected by surrounding structures and tree cover, while open areas see higher impact.

Frequent Storm Paths: Many hail-producing storms move directly through Travis and Williamson Counties multiple times per year.

If your zip code is in Travis or Williamson County, you’re statistically at risk.

What Should You Do After a Hailstorm?

If you suspect your home has been hit by hail, it’s essential to take the right steps to protect your property and streamline any potential insurance claim.

Check for Ground-Level Signs: As mentioned above, check your gutters, siding, and outdoor items for signs of impact.
Call a Professional: Never assume a roof is safe just because it isn’t leaking. Minor, unseen damage can lead to major problems later. The best course of action is to call a trusted professional for a thorough, no-obligation inspection.
Document Everything: If you see any signs of damage, take photos to use for your insurance claim.

For a professional, comprehensive assessment of hail damage to your home, trust the experts at Capital City Roofing. Our team has the experience and expertise to identify even subtle damage and guide you through the repair or replacement process. We’re here to help you protect your biggest investment.

Insurance Claims Guide: What to Do First

Document Everything: Take photos of damage on your roof and around your property.
Contact a Contractor: Get an inspection from a certified roofing specialist before calling your insurer.
File Promptly: Insurance providers in Texas typically require filing within a year, but sooner is better.
Get Multiple Estimates: Use this to negotiate and ensure full coverage.

Helpful Tip: Many insurers require a contractor’s report before approving your claim.

Call Austin’s Trusted Hail Damage Experts

Your roof is your first line of defense. If you suspect damage or want peace of mind, contact the leading hail damage roofing contractors in Austin for a free inspection.

Don’t wait until leaks start – book your FREE roof inspection today.

FAQs About Hail Damage on Roofs

How to tell if a roof has hail damage?

Look for bruised or missing shingles, dented flashing, granule loss, or exposed fiberglass. Professional inspectors use tools to identify less obvious issues like soft spots or water infiltration.

Can 1 inch hail damage shingles?

Yes. Quarter-sized (1") hail is the threshold where asphalt shingles can start to show bruising, cracking, or granule loss, especially if the shingles are older.

Will pea-sized hail cause damage?

Typically no. Hail smaller than 1 inch rarely causes damage to roofing materials, though it may still affect soft metals like gutters or window screens.

Does penny size hail cause damage?

Penny-sized hail (around 0.75") can cause very minor damage but is unlikely to affect roofing unless combined with high wind speeds or falling on an aging roof.

Can Capital City Roofing help with the insurance process?

Yes! We handle everything from detailed documentation to meeting with your insurance adjuster. Our goal is to make the claims process easy and help you get the maximum coverage you’re entitled to—with zero pressure and full transparency.