What Size Hail Will Damage a Roof?

When a hailstorm hits, many homeowners wonder what size hail will actually damage their roof. The answer depends on more than just the size of the hailstones. Factors like wind speed, roof slope, material type, and the age of your roof all play a role.

What Size Hail Causes Roof Damage?

Generally, hailstones that are 1 inch in diameter or larger (about the size of a quarter) can cause damage to most roofing systems. However, even smaller hail can still harm your roof, especially if the storm includes strong winds or if your roofing material is aging or not impact-resistant.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• ¾” hail can dislodge granules from shingles, dent gutters, and damage window screens and siding.
  

• 1” hail starts to bruise underlayment, damage gutters and fascia, and loosen shingle granules.
  

• 1¼” hail increases the risk of surface penetration, even without wind.
  

• 1½” hail causes widespread damage, especially when combined with prolonged exposure or high winds.
  

• 2” hail and above almost always results in severe roof and exterior damage.

What Determines the Size of a Hailstone?

Hail forms in thunderstorms and grows as it’s lifted by strong updrafts. Several factors influence how large a hailstone becomes:

• Atmospheric conditions: Larger temperature differences between the ground and upper atmosphere encourage bigger hailstones.
  

• Updraft strength: The stronger the updraft, the longer a hailstone stays suspended in the cloud, collecting layers of ice.
  

• Supercooled water droplets: These droplets freeze onto the hailstone on contact, helping it grow in size.
  

In rare cases, hailstones can freeze together or form jagged edges, which can increase their damaging potential.

How Storm Duration Affects Hail Size

The longer hailstones stay in a storm cloud, the larger they grow. Storms with multiple cells or long durations allow hail to remain aloft longer, increasing the chance of large, damaging hail.

How Hail Size, Speed, and Impact Angle Affect Your Roof

Larger hailstones fall faster and strike harder. Wind can increase their speed and alter their impact angle, which increases the force of contact. The pitch of your roof also matters. Flatter roofs may take more direct hits, which can lead to more severe damage.

Why Roofing Material Matters

Not all roofing materials are created equal. Some can withstand hail better than others:

• Asphalt shingles: Vulnerable to granule loss, cracks, and bruising, especially as they age.
  

• Clay and tile roofing: Can crack or shatter on impact.
  

• Metal roofing: Typically more durable for impact resistance.
  
  

For homeowners in North and South Carolina, choosing a hail-resistant roofing system is a smart investment.

Can You Repair Hail Damage?

Yes. Depending on the severity, repairs may involve replacing a few shingles or replacing the entire roof. It’s important to get a professional inspection after a storm, even if damage isn't obvious. Guy Roofing offers free inspections and can help guide you through the insurance claims process.

What Happens If You Ignore Hail Damage?

Small issues can turn into big problems. Ignoring hail damage can lead to roof leaks, wood rot, mold, insulation damage, and even electrical issues. Addressing hail damage early helps protect your home and prevent costly repairs.

Even hail under one inch can harm your roof. After any significant hailstorm, schedule a free inspection with our storm restoration team. Your roof may appear fine from the ground, but a trained eye can detect signs of hidden damage. Acting quickly helps you stay ahead of costly problems and keeps your home protected.

Need a roof inspection after the storm? Give us a call at 800-771-0778, or schedule online.