What size hail causes roof damage?
On average, it takes a 1″ or above diameter hailstone to cause damage to common asphalt shingles. When referring to hail sizes, here are a few common objects to compare:
- Pea = 1/4-inch in diameter
- Marble = 1/2-inch in diameter
- Dime or penny = 3/4-inch in diameter (hail the size of a penny or larger is considered severe)
- Nickel = 7/8-inch
- Quarter = 1 inch
- Golf Ball = 1½ inches
- Tennis Ball = 2½ inches
- Baseball = 2¾ inches
- Tea cup = 3 inches
- Softball = 4 inches
Several surveys and studies have been completed to show to damage potential of different size hail stones on various types of common roofing materials. Field observations and ice stone impact tests provide some common correlation between stone size and damage potential.
Material | Hailstone Size |
---|---|
3-Tab organic asphalt shingles | 1″ |
3-Tab fiberglass asphalt shingles | 1¼” |
Cedar shingles | 1¼” |
Fiber-cement tiles | 1¼” |
Flat concrete tiles | 1¼” |
Heavy cedar shakes | 1½” |
30-year laminated shingles | 1½” |
Built-up gravel roofing | 2″ |
S-shaped concrete tiles | 2″ |