After every significant storm, Atlanta homeowners ask the same question: was the hail big enough to actually damage my roof? The answer depends on your roof material, age, and the hail characteristics.
Hail Size Reference Chart
| Size | Diameter | Reference | Risk Level | |——|———-|———–|————| | Pea | 0.25″ | Pea | Low | | Marble | 0.5″ | Marble | Moderate on aged roofs | | Dime | 0.75″ | Dime/Penny | Functional damage possible | | Quarter | 1.0″ | Quarter | Functional damage likely | | Ping pong | 1.5″ | Ping pong ball | Severe damage | | Golf ball | 1.75″ | Golf ball | Severe, possible punctures |
What “Functional Damage” Means
Insurance companies distinguish between cosmetic damage (appearance only) and functional damage (affects the roof’s ability to shed water). For a viable insurance claim, damage generally needs to be functional.
Quarter-size hail (1 inch) is the threshold for functional damage to standard asphalt shingles in good condition.
By Material
Asphalt shingles: Most vulnerable. Quarter-size causes bruising and granule displacement. 1.5 inches causes cracking and splitting on standard shingles.
Class 4 impact-resistant shingles: Tested to withstand 2-inch steel balls dropped from 20 feet. Typically survive golf ball hail intact.
Metal roofing: Dents from hail as small as 0.75 inches but rarely penetrates. Denting is often considered cosmetic on metal.
Tile roofing: Cracks or chips from 1.5-inch hail.
Age Matters
A 20-year-old asphalt roof sustains functional damage at a lower threshold than a 5-year-old roof. If your roof is over 15 years old, even 0.75-inch hail warrants an inspection.
How to Find Out What Hit Your Neighborhood
After any storm, check the NOAA Storm Events Database at ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents. Enter your county and date to get official storm reports.
Not sure if you have damage? A free inspection takes 30-45 minutes and gives you a definitive answer. Book yours →