Hail Size vs. Roof Damage: What New Mexico Homeowners Should Know

Hail Size vs. Roof Damage: A Practical Guide for New Mexico Homeowners

When a hail storm hits New Mexico, it happens fast. Thunderstorm updrafts create conditions where hail forms high inside a storm cloud, as hailstones collide and freeze into layers. These large hailstones can fall at high wind speeds, causing roof damage, broken windows, and dents across siding and gutters in just minutes.

This guide explains the relationship between hail size vs. roof damage, how small stones can cause minor damage, while golf ball-sized hail or larger can lead to severe damage and full roof replacement.

You’ll learn how different roofing materials react to hail impact, how to identify hail damage, and when to call a professional roofing contractor for a thorough inspection.

Hail Sizes, Translated: From Pea to Golf Ball

Hail forms when supercooled water droplets in a storm cloud freeze together and circulate in thunderstorm updrafts. Not all hailstones reach the same size. Some fall as smaller hailstones, while others grow large enough to damage a roof, siding, or window screens.

According to the NWS Hail Size Chart, severe hail begins at quarter-sized hail (1 inch), the point where damage occurs on most homes.

Hail Type Diameter Potential Roof Impact
Pea ¼ inch Light surface wear may loosen protective granules on older shingles
Dime ~0.7 inch Granule loss on asphalt shingles, occasional dented gutters
Quarter 1 inch Common size where significant damage begins; bruises or cracks in shingles
Golf Ball 1¾ inches Severe hailstorm force; can cause structural damage, cracked shingles, and punctures in flat roofs

Hail impact strength depends on wind direction, wind conditions, and roofing materials. Even short bursts of spiked hail can create unseen damage that isn’t immediately visible, especially on older roofs.

What Hail Does to Asphalt Shingles (by Size)

Asphalt shingles are common across Central New Mexico. While durable, they’re especially vulnerable when hail hits at high speed. Each size of hailstone affects shingles differently:

Pea–Dime (¼”–¾”)

Usually cosmetic damage. You might notice granule loss or scuffing, especially on older shingles. Check gutters and roof vents for missing granules, which expose the asphalt layer to UV rays and weathering.

Quarter (1″)

This is the typical New Mexico hail damage threshold. Circular bruises that feel soft or spongy show fiberglass mat fractures beneath the surface. If ignored, further deterioration occurs, leading to leaky roof damage within months. Quarter-sized hail often marks when insurance claims become valid.

Golf Ball (1¾”)

Golf ball-sized hail produces significant damage, cracking shingle mats and dislodging protective granules. These impacts often justify a roof replacement under homeowners’ insurance, especially when bruises are widespread.

To learn how impact-resistant shingles perform against hail, review IBHS Shingle Performance Ratings or FORTIFIED Hail Protection That Works.

What Hail Does to Metal Roofing (by Size)

Metal roofing holds up well against hail damage, but large hailstones and high winds can still leave visible dents or cosmetic damage.

Pea–Dime (¼”–¾”)

Low risk; may cause small dings in soft metals like aluminum.

Quarter (1″)

Can cause dented gutters, minor bends at eaves, or loosened fasteners on thinner panels. Always check overlaps and roof vents for movement.

Golf Ball (1¾”)

Larger hail can deform ribs or roofing panels, leading to structural damage if seams lift. When wind direction concentrates impacts on one slope, repetitive denting may signal the need for necessary repairs.

For more insight, read the IIBEC: Effects of Hail on Metal Roofing Systems (PDF), which details how hail affects metal panels during inclement weather.

What Hail Does to TPO and Flat Roofs (by Size)

Flat roofs and low-slope roofs, common across Albuquerque and Santa Fe, face unique risks. When hail hits these systems, water often pools around punctures, causing further damage if not addressed.

Pea–Dime (¼”–¾”)

Low risk, but older membranes near roof vents or drains may scuff or blister.

Quarter (1″)

Increases the risk of hailstone penetration and membrane bruising, especially in areas where water pooling occurs.

Golf Ball (1¾”)

Large impacts can split seams or cause leaks around penetrations and HVAC curbs. These often qualify as functional hail damage in insurance claims, particularly when damage to your roof includes punctures.

How to Spot Bruising, Granule Loss & Hidden Damage

Identifying hail damage early prevents costly repairs later.

  • Bruising (Shingles): Feels soft or spongy under pressure; hidden cracks form beneath.
  • Granule Loss: Dark spots or loose grit in gutters indicate missing granules.
  • Metal Roofing: Watch for visible dents or patterns concentrated by wind conditions.
  • TPO or Flat Roofs: Look for tiny craters, stretch marks, or membrane punctures near drains.

Some unnoticeable damage leads to water stains, vinyl siding cracks, or further deterioration over time. A professional roofing contractor can perform a thorough inspection to uncover unseen damage before it spreads.

Local Hail Trends: Albuquerque, Santa Fe & the East Mountains

Hail affects every region differently:

  • Albuquerque & Rio Rancho: Wind-driven hail from the west causes dent clusters on one slope.
  • Santa Fe & Eldorado: Thin air and temperature swings make shingles brittle and prone to cracking.
  • Edgewood, Sandia Park, Cedar Crest: Overhanging trees and tree debris increase the risk of further damage after storms.

Local property owners benefit from materials suited to our climate—metal roofing, impact-resistant shingles, and TPO roofing for flat roofs all perform better under severe hailstorm conditions.

DIY Checks vs. Calling a Pro: How to Decide

After any hail event, start with a ground-level inspection before climbing onto your roof.

DIY Checks (Safe from Ground Level)

  • Photograph hailstones with a coin or ruler to record hail size.
  • Examine window screens, vinyl siding, and dented gutters for signs of hail.
  • Look for water stains inside ceilings or attics after hail hits.

When to Call a Pro

  • When you see golf ball-sized hail or significant roof damage.
  • If you suspect structural damage or can’t safely inspect pitched roofs.
  • If your roof has multiple hail impacts or unseen damage.

A professional roofing contractor can identify hail roof damage, document it for your insurance company, and guide you through the insurance claim process.

Get a Hail Damage Assessment Before the Next Storm Season

Even small hail can quietly shorten your roof’s lifespan. Because hail affects every roofing material differently, what seems like light surface wear today can lead to leaks or costly repairs later.

If your home recently weathered a hailstorm, give yourself peace of mind with a free roof inspection from East Mountain Roofing. Our team can help you understand your roof’s condition, explore insurance discounts, and determine if a roof replacement is needed.

Call (505) 264-7081 or visit our contact page to schedule your inspection. We proudly serve Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Edgewood, Moriarty, Sandia Park, Rio Rancho, and nearby communities.

Every new roof we install comes with a 10-year labor warranty and up to 30-year manufacturer coverage, so you can move forward knowing your home is protected for the long run.