San Antonio Hail Damage Repair: Reading the Roof After a Big Storm
San Antonio has seen some of the largest hail in Texas in the last decade. This guide explains what the records show, how to check your roof and how to handle repairs and the insurance side.
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San Antonio hail by the numbers
136 reports
NOAA's Storm Prediction Center logged 136 hail reports within 10 miles of San Antonio from 2015 through 2024.
48 large-hail reports
Of those, 48 were 1.75 inches or larger, roughly golf ball size and up.
4.5 inches
The largest stone in that period was reported on April 12, 2016. Hail that size can break tile, dent metal and punch through shingles.
4 years out of 10
Large hail was reported in 2016, 2020, 2021 and 2024. Quiet years in between make it easy to forget the risk.
Why hail damage often goes unnoticed
Most hail damage is not a hole you can see from the street. On asphalt shingles, a hit knocks off granules and can crack the mat underneath. The shingle still lies flat, so the roof looks fine. Over the next months, sun and rain work on the bruise until water finds a way through.
Half of the homes in San Antonio were built before 1985 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020-2024). On an older roof, shingles are already more brittle, so the same storm tends to leave more damage than on a new one. Our guide on why roof damage may not cause an immediate leak explains the delay in more detail.
Tile and metal roofs react differently. Large stones can crack tile outright and leave dents in metal panels and trim, which are easier to spot but still need a close look at seams and fasteners.
A quick check you can do from the ground
Dents on gutters, downspouts, mailboxes and the top of the AC unit.
Granules washed out of downspouts onto the driveway.
Broken pieces of tile or shingle in the yard.
Torn window screens or chipped paint on the side that faced the storm.
New stains on ceilings or in the attic in the weeks after.
Cracked skylight lenses or dented vent caps on the roof, visible from a distance with binoculars.
Handling repairs and a possible claim
Record the storm
Write down the date and take photos of anything damaged. See photos to take after storm damage.
Have the roof inspected
GemSco walks the roof, documents hits with photos and writes up what it finds.
Read your policy
Deductible, cosmetic exclusions and how the roof is valued all matter. Our article on how a roof insurance deductible works is a good primer.
Decide on repair or replacement
Light, scattered damage may be repairable. Hits across most slopes point toward roof replacement in San Antonio.
Insurance, contractors and what no one can promise
Whether a claim is paid depends on your policy and your insurance company, and its adjuster makes that decision. A contractor can give you clear photos and a written estimate, which helps you have an informed conversation, but no contractor can promise an approval. Be wary of anyone who does.
After big storms, out-of-town crews often go door to door. Ask for licensing and insurance, read questions to ask before hiring a roofing contractor, and take your time before signing. GemSco is family owned, fully licensed and insured, with 20+ years of experience, and estimates are free. Learn more on our hail damage roof repair page or see GemSco in San Antonio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does hail damage on shingles always need a full roof replacement?
No. If hits are limited to a few shingles or one slope, a repair may be enough. When bruises are spread across most of the roof, or the shingles are older and brittle, replacement is often the more lasting fix. An inspection with photos shows which case you are in.
How soon after a San Antonio hailstorm should I get my roof checked?
As soon as it is safe, ideally within days. Many policies have deadlines for reporting damage, and early photos make the storm record clearer. Waiting also lets cracked shingles take on water, which can turn a roof repair into decking and ceiling repairs.
Are impact-rated shingles worth it in San Antonio?
Many owners choose Class 4 shingles, the top rating under the UL 2218 impact test, after a hail loss. They resist cracking better than standard shingles in testing, though no shingle is hail-proof. Some insurers treat them differently, so ask your agent how your policy handles them.
What if my roof claim is denied?
A denial is not always the final word. Review the reason in writing, compare it with your own photos and inspection report, and ask your insurer about its appeal process. Our article on what to do if your claim is denied walks through the options.
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