Hail Size Damage Chart: What Each Stone Size Actually Does to Your Roof
From pea-sized to softball — a size-by-size guide to what hail does to asphalt, metal, and tile roofs.
Not all hail causes roof damage. The threshold for functional damage on asphalt shingles is roughly 1 inch — quarter-sized hail. Below that, most claims get denied.
Under 0.75" (pea to marble)
Rarely damages asphalt shingles. May dent aluminum gutters and screens. Insurance claims usually denied unless collateral damage is severe.
1.0" (quarter)
Damage threshold for asphalt. Expect granule loss on aging roofs; new roofs may show minor bruising only.
1.25–1.5" (half dollar to ping-pong ball)
Consistent bruising and granule loss on asphalt. Visible dents on metal roofing and gutters. Cracked tile edges.
1.75–2.0" (golf ball)
Full replacement damage on asphalt. Deep dents on metal panels. Widespread tile fractures.
2.5"+ (tennis to baseball)
Structural damage. Punctures through shingles, split decking, cracked skylights, and broken windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where do I look up hail size for my address?
- NOAA Storm Events Database (free), or paid tools like HailTrace and HailStrike (usually $30) for parcel-level maps.
Storm damage on your roof?
Check live storm radar, then use our tools to document damage and estimate repair cost.