Austin Hail Damage: What a Storm Leaves on Your Roof and How to Fix It
Hail in Austin does not show up every spring, but when it does it can be large. This guide walks through what the records say, what damage looks like and how to move from storm to repair.
Schedule Your Roofing Inspection Today
Fill out the information below and we’ll reach out to complete your estimate as soon as possible!
Ten years of hail records around Austin
NOAA's Storm Prediction Center logged 91 hail reports within 10 miles of Austin from 2015 through 2024. Of those, 30 were 1.75 inches or larger, about the size of a golf ball. The largest was 3 inches, reported on September 24, 2023, which is a reminder that hail season here is not limited to spring.
Large hail did not fall every year. Stones of 1.75 inches or more were reported in 2015, 2016, 2021, 2023 and 2024, so 5 of the 10 years. That pattern is why many owners go a few years without trouble and then face a roof that needs real work after a single afternoon storm.
How hail damage shows up on different roofs
Asphalt shingles
Dark round bruises where granules were knocked off, cracked mats and soft spots that feel like a bruised apple when pressed.
Metal roofs
Dents on panels and trim. Many are cosmetic, but dents near seams or fasteners can open a path for water.
Tile and stone-coated roofs
Cracked or chipped tiles and lost coating on stone-coated panels. Broken pieces can slide and expose the underlayment.
Soft metals on any roof
Dented vents, flashing and gutters are often the easiest evidence that hail of a certain size hit the house.
From the storm to a finished repair
Look from the ground first
Check gutters, downspouts, fences and cars for dents and note the date. Our list of photos to take after storm damage helps you record it.
Stop active water
If water is coming in, a temporary cover protects the house. Emergency roof repair is the place to start.
Get a roof inspection
A contractor walks the roof, marks hits by slope and photographs them. A detailed roof inspection in Austin gives you a record you can use.
Get a written estimate
It should list what is damaged, what will be replaced and which materials will be used.
Decide on the claim
If you file, the insurer sends its own adjuster. What is covered depends on your policy and your insurance company.
Insurance after hail: what to expect
Coverage is never automatic. Your deductible, whether the policy pays actual cash value or replacement cost, and any cosmetic damage exclusions all shape the outcome. Our article on actual cash value vs. replacement cost explains the difference, and the roof insurance claims page covers how GemSco documents damage with photos and a written estimate.
If a hailstorm hit hard enough to bruise most slopes, a repair may not be the right answer. Compare the numbers on roof replacement in Austin before you commit to patching.
GemSco is family owned, fully licensed and insured, and an elite contractor for Owens Corning and GAF. Estimates are free, and financing is available if the repair is larger than planned.
Hail mistakes Austin owners can avoid
Waiting months to check the roof. Bruised shingles can leak much later, and many policies set deadlines for reporting damage.
Signing with the first crew that knocks on the door. Read what to check before signing a contract after a storm.
Assuming no leak means no damage. Cracked mats often take a few rains to let water through.
Forgetting the gutters. Dented gutters and downspouts are part of the storm record.
Frequently Asked Questions
How large does hail need to be to damage a roof in Austin?
There is no single number. Older asphalt shingles can bruise from smaller stones, while newer or impact-rated shingles hold up better. Hail of 1.75 inches or more, which NOAA recorded 30 times near Austin from 2015 through 2024, often leaves damage worth a close look.
What does a Class 4 shingle mean?
Class 4 is the highest rating under the UL 2218 impact test, where steel balls are dropped on the shingle. It means the shingle resisted cracking in that test. It does not make a roof hail-proof, but it is a common choice where large hail is part of the history.
Will GemSco tell me whether my insurance will approve the claim?
No contractor can promise that. GemSco inspects the roof, documents the damage with photos and gives you a written estimate. Your insurance company decides what is covered under your policy, and its adjuster makes that call after its own inspection.
More Roofing Help in Austin
Roofing in Austin, TX
City overviewRoof Repair in Austin
Learn MoreRoof Replacement in Austin
Learn MoreRoof Inspection in Austin
Learn MoreCommercial Roofing in Austin
Learn MoreGutters in Austin
Learn MoreSolar Panel Installation in Austin
Learn MoreSolar Removal & Reinstall in Austin
Learn MoreStorm & Hail Damage Near Austin
We’re Here to Help!
GemSco Roofing & Solar serves Houston, DFW, Austin, San Antonio and surrounding areas. We’re family owned and fully licensed and insured.