Not all hail damages roofs — but you'd be surprised how small hail can be and still cause real problems. Here's the breakdown by size and what to do for each.
Hail Size and Damage Potential
Pea Size (1/4 inch) — Minimal Risk
Generally does not cause roof damage to shingles in good condition. May damage soft plants and car paint but your roof should be fine.
Marble Size (1/2 inch) — Low Risk
Unlikely to damage newer shingles but can accelerate granule loss on aging shingles (15+ years old). If your roof is old, even small hail can push it past the point of no return.
Dime to Penny Size (3/4 inch) — Moderate Risk
This is where real roof damage begins. 3/4-inch hail can bruise shingles (compressing the mat and loosening granules), damage soft metal flashing, dent aluminum gutters and downspouts, and crack older or brittle shingles. Many successful insurance claims start at this hail size.
Nickel to Quarter Size (7/8 - 1 inch) — High Risk
Shingles will sustain visible damage — circular impact marks, cracked shingles, significant granule loss. Flashing, vents, and ridge caps are commonly damaged. This size hail almost always justifies a professional inspection and likely an insurance claim. Dents will be visible on gutters, siding, and soft metals.
Half Dollar to Golf Ball (1.25 - 1.75 inches) — Severe Damage
Major shingle damage is virtually guaranteed. Cracked and split shingles, exposed mat, damaged decking in some cases. Siding damage (vinyl cracks, wood dents, fiber cement chips). Window seal damage possible. This is a clear insurance claim situation — call for an inspection immediately.
Tennis Ball and Larger (2.5+ inches) — Catastrophic
Massive roof damage. Shingles destroyed, decking may be compromised, skylights broken, siding heavily damaged, windows potentially broken. Emergency response needed.
How to Know What Size Hail Hit Your Area
Check the National Weather Service storm reports for your area, local news coverage, and social media (neighbors often post photos of hailstones with rulers). Your insurance company will also reference NWS data when processing claims.
The Hidden Danger: Hail You Can't See
Hail damage to shingles is often invisible from the ground. The impact bruises the shingle mat underneath the granules — the granules may still be in place, but the waterproofing integrity of the shingle is compromised. This is why a professional roof inspection (from ON the roof, not from the driveway) is essential after any significant hailstorm. How to spot hail damage on your roof →
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