Hail Damage on Katy Roofs: What the Storm Record Shows
Katy has seen large hail in recent years. Here is what that record means for your roof, and how to handle the damage and the insurance process.
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Ten years of hail near Katy
NOAA's Storm Prediction Center logged 20 hail reports within 10 miles of Katy from 2015 through 2024. Of those, 6 were 1.75 inches or larger, about the size of a golf ball. Large hail showed up in 2019, 2020 and 2023.
The biggest stone in that period measured 2.5 inches, reported on May 9, 2019. Hail that size can crack shingles, split the mat underneath, dent metal vents and gutters, and break skylight lenses.
Katy spans parts of Fort Bend, Harris and Waller counties (U.S. Census Bureau). A report within 10 miles does not mean every street was hit. That is why an inspection of your own roof tells you more than any storm map.
What hail does to each part of the roof
Asphalt shingles
Dark bruises, soft spots and lost granules. The mat can fracture from a hit you cannot see from the ground. Learn how to identify hail damage on asphalt shingles.
Vents and flashing
Dents on metal are easy to spot and help show the size and direction of the hail.
Gutters and downspouts
Dents and loose seams slow drainage and can push water toward the fascia.
Wood shake and tile
Split shakes and cracked tiles let water reach the underlayment.
Hail damage or normal wear? How to tell them apart
Hail marks are scattered at random. Blistering and wear tend to follow the slopes that get the most sun.
A hail bruise feels soft when pressed. An aging shingle feels hard and brittle.
A fresh hit shows dark, clean mat where granules were knocked off. Old damage looks gray and weathered.
Hail leaves matching dents on vents, gutters and outdoor units. Normal wear does not.
Wind lifts or creases shingles along edges and ridges, a different pattern. See wind damage vs. hail damage.
After the storm: a short checklist
Look from the ground
Check for missing shingles, dented gutters and granules near the downspouts. Do not climb a wet roof.
Take dated photos
Photograph the roof, gutters, windows, cars and any hail on the ground. See photos to take after roof storm damage.
Stop active leaks
If water is coming in, a temporary cover keeps the damage from growing. Emergency roof repair is there for that.
Get a documented inspection
GemSco inspects the roof, documents the damage with photos and gives you a written estimate.
Read before you sign
Storms bring door knockers. Read what to know before signing a roofing contract after a storm.
Insurance: what to expect
Whether a claim is paid, and how much, depends on your policy and your insurance company. Deductibles and the difference between actual cash value and replacement cost both change the outcome. Our roof insurance claims page and the guide on how a roof insurance deductible works explain the terms. If a claim is denied or comes in low, read what to do if your roof insurance claim is denied.
What a contractor can give you for the adjuster is clear evidence: photos, measurements and a written scope of the repair. If the roof needs replacement, ask about Class 4 shingles tested to UL 2218 for the new one. For repairs after hail, see our hail damage roof repair service and roofing in Katy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does hail damage always cause a leak right away?
No. Hail often cracks the shingle mat or knocks off granules without letting water in at first. The weak spot then wears faster in the sun and rain, and a leak can appear months later. That is why a roof inspection after a storm with large hail is worth doing even if the ceiling looks fine.
Is there a deadline to file a hail claim?
Deadlines are set by each policy and insurer, so check yours or ask your agent. Filing sooner is usually easier because the damage is fresh and the storm date is clear. Photos taken right after the storm help connect the damage to that event.
What size of hail damages a roof?
There is no single cutoff. Shingle age, material and the angle of the hit all matter. Stones of 1.75 inches or larger, like the 6 reported near Katy from 2015 through 2024, can damage most standard shingles. Smaller hail can still hurt older or worn roofs.
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