What Size Hail Causes Roof Damage?
Not all hail is created equal. The size, density, wind speed, and even the angle of impact all play a role in whether your roof is damaged.
General Hail Size Guidelines:
Pea-sized (¼”) to marble-sized (½”) hail
Usually does not cause significant damage, but can contribute to long-term wear.Dime to quarter-sized hail (¾” to 1”)
May begin to cause minor granule loss or soft damage, especially on older roofs.1” to 1.25” hail (quarter to half-dollar size)
This is where real damage typically begins. Most asphalt shingle roofs can sustain noticeable damage at this size.1.75” to 2”+ hail (golf ball size and larger)
This size hail almost always causes significant roof damage and often leads to insurance claims.
Important Factor: Shingle Type
Not all shingles perform the same. Standard architectural shingles are more vulnerable than impact-resistant shingles.
If your roof has Class 3 or Class 4 impact-resistant shingles, like those from Atlas Roofing, it may take larger hail (closer to golf ball size) to cause damage.
Why Hail Damage Isn’t Always Obvious
One of the biggest misconceptions homeowners have is:
“If I don’t see damage, my roof must be fine.”
That’s not always true.
Hail damage can be subtle and still compromise your roof’s integrity. In many cases, damage is only visible during a professional inspection.
Even smaller hail can:
Loosen granules
Create soft bruising in shingles
Accelerate aging over time
Multiple storms over the years can compound this damage.
How to Identify Hail Damage on Your Roof
While you should always rely on a professional inspection, there are some common signs homeowners can look for after a storm.
1. Bruising or Dents on Shingles
Hail impacts can leave soft spots or dimples on shingles. These areas may not always be easy to see, but they weaken the shingle and can lead to premature failure.
Signs include:
Dark spots
Soft “spongy” areas
Random impact marks across slopes
2. Damage to Metal Components
Metal surfaces often show hail damage more clearly than shingles.
Check for dents on:
Roof vents
Flashing
Gutters
Chimney caps
If these are dented, there’s a strong chance your shingles were impacted as well.
3. Granule Loss in Gutters
Asphalt shingles are coated with granules that protect them from UV rays and weather.
After a hailstorm, check:
Inside gutters
Around downspouts
On the ground near your home
Excessive granule buildup after a storm is a strong indicator of damage.
4. Collateral Damage Around Your Property
Sometimes the easiest way to identify hail damage is by looking at everything except the roof.
Check for:
Dents in garage doors
Torn window screens
Dings in HVAC units
Marks on siding or shutters
Damage to mailboxes or outdoor furniture
If you see these signs, your roof may have been impacted as well.
Will Insurance Cover Hail Damage?
If hail damage is significant and affects the performance of your roof, insurance will often cover repairs or replacement.
However, the outcome depends on your policy.
Two Common Policy Types:
RCV (Replacement Cost Value)
Covers full replacement cost (minus deductible)
Most favorable for homeowners
ACV (Actual Cash Value)
Pays based on the depreciated value of your roof
Typically results in higher out-of-pocket costs
A knowledgeable contractor can help you understand your policy and guide you through the process.
At Restoration Roofing, we help homeowners:
Document damage properly
Meet with insurance adjusters
Ensure nothing is overlooked
Why Impact-Resistant Shingles Matter
If you live in Memphis, hailstorms are not a rare event—they’re part of the climate.
That’s why many homeowners are upgrading to impact-resistant shingles.
Brands like Atlas Roofing offer shingles designed to withstand higher impact forces from hail.
Benefits of Impact-Resistant Shingles:
Better resistance to hail damage
Longer roof lifespan
Potential insurance discounts
Fewer repairs after storms
In many cases, upgrading to impact-resistant shingles can reduce the likelihood of future claims and give homeowners peace of mind.
Why a Professional Inspection Matters
Even if you know what size hail can damage a roof, there’s no substitute for a trained eye.
A professional inspection can:
Identify hidden damage
Document findings for insurance
Determine repair vs replacement
Prevent small issues from becoming major problems
Climbing on a roof can also be dangerous, so it’s always best to leave inspections to professionals.
What to Do After a Hailstorm
If your home was recently hit by a storm, here’s what we recommend:
Look for visible signs of damage around your property
Check gutters and downspouts for granules
Avoid climbing on your roof if unsafe
Schedule a professional inspection
The sooner damage is identified, the easier it is to address.
Protect Your Home with Restoration Roofing
Hail damage isn’t always obvious—but it can have a major impact on your roof’s performance and lifespan.
Understanding what size hail causes damage is the first step. The next step is making sure your roof is properly evaluated.
At Restoration Roofing, we specialize in:
Storm damage inspections
Insurance claim assistance
Roof repairs and replacements
Impact-resistant roofing upgrades
If your home has recently experienced hail, our team is here to help you understand your options and protect your investment.
Schedule Your Roof Inspection Today
If you’re unsure whether your roof has hail damage, don’t guess.
Contact Restoration Roofing for a professional inspection and expert guidance on next steps.
Your roof protects everything underneath it—make sure it’s ready for the next storm. Call us or fill our online form today—because home‑prepared means peace of mind. Contact Restoration Roofing today for a roofing solution tailored to your home. Give us a call at 901-854-402 or fill out our Contact Us form and we will reach out to you with our next available inspection. Make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more tips on finding the best roofing contractor for you.
