Hail around 1 inch across, about the size of a quarter, can start to damage asphalt shingles, especially older ones. Hail 1.75 inches across, golf ball size, often damages shingles, gutters and vents. Larger hail can crack shingles, dent metal roofs and break skylights. Wind speed, roof age and roof material change how much damage a given size does.
Hail size chart
| Hail size | Compared to | What it can do |
|---|---|---|
| 0.75 inch | Penny | Usually little damage to sound shingles, may dent soft metal |
| 1 inch | Quarter | Can bruise older or worn shingles, dents gutters and vents |
| 1.25 inch | Half dollar | Damage to many shingle roofs likely |
| 1.75 inch | Golf ball | Bruising, cracking and granule loss common, dents in metal |
| 2.5 inch | Tennis ball | Broken shingles, cracked skylights, dented metal roofs |
| 3 inch or larger | Baseball or bigger | Severe damage, holes in shingles and decking possible |
General guide. Damage depends on hail density, wind and roof condition.
What else matters
- Wind: Wind-driven hail hits harder and at an angle, doing more damage than hail falling straight down.
- Roof age: Older, sun-dried shingles break more easily.
- Shingle type: Impact-rated Class 4 shingles resist hail much better.
- Hail density: Hard, icy stones do more damage than soft, slushy ones.
- Slope and direction: The side facing the storm takes the most hits.
Hail sizes in Pine Bluff history
NOAA records show hail of 1 inch or larger in Jefferson County 59 times from 2005 to 2026, and 1.75 inches or larger 25 times. Notable events include golf ball to tennis ball hail in Pine Bluff and Watson Chapel on 3 April 2025, hail up to 3.5 inches in Pine Bluff on 10 March 2018, and 4.25 inch hail near Ferda on 22 January 2012. FEMA’s National Risk Index puts hail risk for the county at relatively moderate, with about 4.3 hail events a year. See the Pine Bluff Roof Damage Report.
Why the same storm hits houses differently
Two houses on the same street can come out of a hailstorm very differently. A newer roof with Class 4 shingles may show nothing, while a 20 year old three-tab roof next door is bruised all over. The side of the house facing the storm usually takes the most hits, and trees can shield part of a roof. That is why each roof needs its own inspection after a storm.
How to measure hail safely
After the storm passes, pick up a few of the largest stones and photograph them next to a coin or ruler. Do it quickly, since hail melts. Hail reports from your area in the NOAA database, or from local news, also help confirm the size for a claim.
Small hail, big wind
Even pea-size hail with strong wind can strip granules and break shingle seals, and storms here often bring both. After any storm with wind gusts above about 50 mph, check for lifted shingles too. See wind-lifted shingles.
Are impact-resistant shingles worth it?
Class 4 shingles, tested to take 2 inch steel balls without cracking, hold up much better in hail. Some Arkansas insurers offer discounts for them, and Arkansas’s FORTIFIED roof program encourages stronger roofs. See FORTIFIED roof grants in Arkansas.
After a hailstorm
If hail was quarter size or larger, have the roof checked. Look for dents on gutters and vents from the ground first. See signs of hail damage on a roof and hail damage roof repair.
Can pea-size hail damage a roof?
Rarely on its own. With strong wind it can strip granules from older shingles.
Does quarter-size hail damage shingles?
It can, especially older or worn shingles.
Will insurance cover damage from small hail?
Insurers cover hail damage when there is real damage, regardless of size. Cosmetic-only damage may be excluded on some policies.
How do I prove what size hail fell?
Photos with a coin or ruler, NOAA storm reports and local news reports.