Hail about 1 inch across or larger can bruise asphalt shingles, knock off the granules that protect them, and dent vents and gutters. Leaks may not show up until weeks later, when the damaged spots break down. We inspect the roof after a hailstorm, photograph every hit for your insurance claim, and repair or replace the damaged areas.
Hail is part of life in Jefferson County. The NOAA Storm Events Database lists 80 hail reports in the county since 2005, and 25 of them were 1.75 inches (golf ball size) or bigger. On 3 April 2025, golf ball to tennis ball size hail fell in Pine Bluff and Watson Chapel. On 10 March 2018, 3.5 inch hail was reported in Pine Bluff.
Signs of hail damage on your roof
- Dark spots on shingles where granules were knocked off
- Soft, bruised spots that feel like a bruised apple when pressed
- Cracked or split shingles
- Dented metal vents, flashing, gutters and downspouts
- Granules piled in the gutters or at the downspout outlets
- Dents or dings on cars, mailboxes or siding after the storm
Our answer on signs of hail damage on a roof shows what to look for from the ground.
What size hail damages a roof?
| Hail size | What it usually does |
|---|---|
| Pea to marble (under 3/4 inch) | Rarely damages shingles in good shape |
| Quarter (1 inch) | Can bruise older or brittle shingles |
| Golf ball (1.75 inch) | Often bruises and cracks shingles, dents vents |
| Tennis ball (2.5 inch) and up | Serious damage, broken shingles, dented metal roofs |
The National Weather Service uses 1 inch as its severe hail threshold. Older shingles are damaged by smaller hail than new ones.
See what size hail damages a roof for more.
How we handle hail damage
Inspect
We check every slope, marking and counting hits in test squares on each side.
Document
Photos of hits, damaged vents and gutters, plus measurements, organized for your insurer.
Price it
A written price for repair or replacement that you and your adjuster can review.
Repair
Replace damaged shingles and vents, or the roof if the damage is widespread, with after photos.
Text Jacob photos of the hail and your roof. We document the damage with photos you can send to your insurance company.
Hail damage and insurance
Hail damage is usually covered by homeowners insurance, minus your deductible. Many Arkansas policies have a separate wind and hail deductible, sometimes set as a percentage of your home’s coverage amount, so check yours. File soon after the storm. Most policies set a deadline.
We never pay or waive your deductible. A roofer who offers to is usually billing your insurer more than the real cost, which can be treated as insurance fraud and can put your claim at risk. Arkansas law also gives you three business days to cancel an insurance repair contract after your insurer denies the claim in writing (Arkansas Code 4-88-904). Our answer on whether a roofer can waive your deductible explains why, and roof insurance claim help covers the steps.
Watch out for storm chasers
After big hail, out-of-town crews knock on doors with offers of a free roof. Some do fine work, many disappear when something goes wrong. Ask for a local address and phone number, get everything in writing, never pay the full amount up front and never sign over your insurance check. See how to spot storm chasers after hail in Arkansas.
Big hail near Pine Bluff since 2005
These are NOAA Storm Events reports of hail 1.75 inches (golf ball size) or larger in and around Pine Bluff:
| Date | Place | Hail size |
|---|---|---|
| 3 April 2025 | Watson Chapel | 2.5 in |
| 3 April 2025 | Pine Bluff | 1.75 in |
| 10 March 2018 | Pine Bluff | 3.5 in |
| 10 March 2018 | White Hall | 2.75 in |
| 10 March 2018 | Watson Chapel and Hooker | 1.75 to 2 in |
| 19 April 2015 | Sulphur Springs | 2 in |
| 22 January 2012 | Hooker and Pinebergen | 1.75 to 2.75 in |
| 26 April 2011 | Pine Bluff | 1.75 in |
Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, Jefferson County AR. See the full Pine Bluff Roof Damage Report.
Hail damage FAQ
Can hail damage my roof without causing leaks right away?
Yes. Bruised shingles lose granules and break down faster. Leaks can start weeks or months later.
How soon after a hailstorm should I get an inspection?
Within a few days to a few weeks, and before the claim deadline in your policy. Take photos of the hail and any damage right away.
Will hail damage raise my insurance rates?
Claims for weather events are handled differently from other claims, but policies vary. Ask your agent.
Can you repair only the damaged shingles?
If damage is limited to a few spots, yes. If hits are spread across every slope, the insurer may cover a full replacement.
Can hail damage a metal roof?
Large hail dents metal panels. Cosmetic dents usually do not leak, but hail can crack the washers on exposed screws and damage trim. Many policies treat cosmetic metal dents differently, so read yours.
Are impact-resistant shingles worth it?
Class 4 impact-resistant shingles hold up better to hail, and some insurers give discounts. They are worth considering when you replace the roof.