How Big Does Hail Need to Be to Damage Your Roof?

Living in Nebraska, hailstorms are a fact of life — and they can do a number on your roof. At Stonebrook Exterior, we’ve seen firsthand how even seemingly minor storms can lead to costly damage if not addressed quickly.

But how big does hail actually need to be before you should be concerned?

Let’s break it down so you know when to take action — and when you’re likely in the clear.

🟢 Hail Smaller Than ½ Inch (Pea- to Marble-Sized)

These mild hailstorms usually pass quickly and don’t cause significant damage to newer or well-maintained roofs. However, if your roof is older or already has wear and tear, even small hailstones can make things worse.

🔍 What to do:

If your roof is aging or you’ve had past issues, it’s still a good idea to schedule an inspection after the storm passes.

🟡 ¾-Inch to 1-Inch Hail (Dime- to Quarter-Sized)

This is the point where you should start paying close attention.

Hail in this size range can cause dents, cracks, and bruising to your shingles — even if it doesn’t look bad from the ground. And once damage begins, it can lead to costly leaks and structural issues later.

📞 What to do:

Call a licensed local roofing contractor (like Stonebrook Exterior!) and contact your insurance provider. Document the storm if possible, and don’t wait for the damage to worsen.

🔴 1 ¾-Inch to 4 ½-Inch Hail (Golf Ball-Sized and Up)

Golf ball-sized hail is no joke. At this size, the force of impact is strong enough to:

  • Crack or break shingles
  • Dent or puncture metal roofing
  • Shatter skylights
  • Cause leaks or structural damage
🚨 What to do immediately:
  1. Call your insurance agent
  2. Schedule a roof inspection
  3. Avoid doing it yourself — it’s dangerous and difficult to spot hail damage without training

🛑 Why Acting Quickly Matters

Roof damage from hail isn’t always obvious right away, but that doesn’t mean it’s not serious. Left unaddressed, small issues can turn into major repairs — or even full replacements.

And unfortunately, storm-damaged neighborhoods attract out-of-town contractors looking for quick business. Many aren’t licensed in Nebraska and won’t be around if issues arise later.

Why Trust Stonebrook Exterior?

We’ve been working in Nebraska since 2002 — and we’ve lived here our entire lives. We understand the weather, the building codes, and the best way to protect your home or business. When hail strikes, you want a contractor who is:

  • Licensed & insured
  • Experienced with insurance claims
  • Locally owned and operated
  • Focused on quality, not just speed

If your area recently experienced hail larger than ½ inch, don’t wait. Schedule a free, professional roof inspection with a team that’s been through it all — Stonebrook Exterior.

We’re not just here for one storm — we’re here for the long haul.

📞 Contact us today for an honest assessment and peace of mind. (402) 438-5559

 

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