Hail Damage in Texas: How Hail Impacts Shingle, Metal, and Tile Roofs

Texas leads the nation in hail claims year after year—and for good reason. Our wide-open skies and fluctuating weather patterns create the perfect conditions for powerful thunderstorms. Cities like Harker Heights, Killeen, and most of Central Texas are especially prone to spring and summer hail events.

The Texas heat can also amplify roofing issues. For example, shingles baked under the sun become more brittle and susceptible to cracking, while metal roofs expand and contract more dramatically during extreme temperature swings, weakening fasteners over time. When hail is thrown into the mix, it’s a recipe for roofing disaster.

Hail damage might not always be visible from the ground, but make no mistake: it can significantly weaken your roof’s structure and lifespan. Whether you have a shingle, metal, or tile roof, hail can wreak havoc in different ways. In this article, we’ll break down how hail affects different types of roofing systems, what signs to look for, and what steps to take after a storm to protect your home—and your wallet.

How Hail Damages Different Roofing Materials

Not all roofs are built the same—and that means hail doesn’t affect them the same way either. Here’s how hail can impact the most common roof types we see across Central Texas:

Asphalt Shingles: Granule loss, bruising, and sometimes holes straight through the plywood decking. Think of hail as simliar to tiny ice rocks flying at terminal velocity into your roof. The impact cause small "craters" in your asphalt shingles and knocks off the protective granules that shield shingles from UV rays and fracturing the asphalt and fiberglass part of the shingle underneath. As time goes on, the tiny crater expands and grows (just like a pothole in an asphalt road), allowing water to leak through those fractures into the plywood under decking. If never caught, this will lead to mold and mildew growth in your attic, which can then spread to the rest of your home. Replacing your roof after a hail storm isn't fun. But it's a lot less fun--and more expensive--if you add mold and mildew restoration to the mix.

Metal Roofs: Dents and chipped coatings might seem cosmetic, but they can impact longevity and cause rust if left untreated. Just like fractures in asphalt shingles, rust spots on metal will eventually let water infiltrate through, causing excessive moisture, mildew, and mold growth in your attic and house.

Tile Roofs (Clay or Concrete): While more rare, hail that is large enough can lead to cracks or breaks in tiles, which will allow water to seep into the underlayment, leading to hidden leaks and interior water damage.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Repair Hail Damage

  • ✔ Small damage can lead to major leaks over time.
  • ✔ Moisture intrusion causes mold and structural decay.
  • ✔ Insurance claims may be denied if you delay.
  • ✔ Roof warranties may be voided if damage isn't addressed.

The Financial Benefits of Early Repairs

Addressing hail damage promptly can save you significant money in the long run:

  • Insurance Coverage: Most policies require timely claims after storm events. Delaying could mean full out-of-pocket expenses, and we've seen insurance companies deny claims if the damage occurred more than 12 months in the past, arguing that homeowners did not fulfill their due diligence to mitigate the damage in a timely manner as required by their policy. We've found that the sweet spot to make a claim is within the first 2 months after a hailstorm, if you want to maximize your chances of a successful insurance claim.
  • Prevent Costly Repairs: Fixing a few damaged shingles today is cheaper than replacing decking or repairing ceiling leaks later. It is definitely much cheaper than a mold/mildew removal project, which can cost upwards of $10,000 by itself, depending on how far the mold has spread throughout your house. While replacing your roof isn't fun or convenient, doing so quickly after a storm can save you thousands of dollars in the long run, and keep your family healthier as well.
  • Protect Your Property Value: A roof in good shape boosts curb appeal and resale value. A brand new roof can easily increase your house's property value by $15,000-$20,000, making a roof replacement a good idea for homeowners looking to move or sell their house soon.

Signs You Might Have Hail Damage

  • ✔ Dented gutters, vents, or flashing
  • ✔ Missing, cracked, or bruised shingles
  • ✔ Loose granules collecting in gutters
  • ✔ Water spots on your ceilings or walls

What To Do After a Hailstorm

  1. Inspect from the ground: Look for visible damage. Take lots of photos of the damage to help build your case for your insurance claim. Even the smallest amount of damage should be reported to your insurance company.
  2. Schedule a professional inspection: Most roofing contractors offer free inspections for homeowners immediately following a hailstorm. At Green Shield Roofing, our inspections are also always complimentary. We offer inspections for any roofs in Bell, Williamson, Travis, Hays, Comal, Guadalupe, & Bexar Counties.
  3. File your claim promptly: At Green Shield Roofing, our team is trained to spot the subtle signs of hail damage and give you a detailed assessment. We’ll help you gather the documentation and assist through the insurance claim process.

Protect Your Home—and Your Budget

Texas weather is unpredictable—but your roof’s health doesn’t have to be. Don’t wait until a small issue becomes an expensive emergency. If your home has recently been through a hailstorm, let us take a look. You may not see the damage, but we know exactly where to find it—and how to fix it affordably.