On Friday night, the northeast part of San Antonio was struck by some of the largest hail recorded in the United States this year, with the heaviest damage centered on the south side of Converse. Local meteorologists reported hailstones large enough to fill the palm of an adult hand, and photos circulating online showed shattered windshields and dented vehicles across the area. The National Weather Service has pointed to a simple but dangerous combination: triple-digit heat feeding a fast-developing thunderstorm.

For homeowners across Texas, including here in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro, this storm is a timely reminder. North Texas sees its own share of severe hail every year, and a roof that looks fine from the ground can be hiding damage that leads to leaks, mold, and costly repairs months down the road.

Why Hail Like This Forms

Hail grows inside powerful thunderstorm updrafts, where strong rising air keeps ice pellets suspended long enough to pick up layer after layer of ice. The hotter and more humid the day, the more energy is available to fuel that updraft — which is exactly why extreme heat followed by a sudden storm, like what happened in San Antonio, so often produces the largest and most damaging hailstones. DFW’s own summer pattern of high heat and pop-up storms creates the same risk.

How to Tell If Your Roof Has Hail Damage

Hail damage isn’t always visible from the driveway. Homeowners should watch for:

• Dark, bruised-looking spots on asphalt shingles where granules have been knocked loose
• Granules collecting in gutters and downspouts after a storm
• Cracked, chipped, or dented shingles, especially on the roof slopes facing the storm
• Dents in gutters, vents, flashing, or the HVAC condenser — a sign hail also reached the roof
• New or worsening water stains on ceilings or interior walls after heavy rain
• Soft spots underfoot when walking the roofline

What to Do After a Hailstorm

If your area has just been hit by hail, don’t wait for a leak to appear before taking action. Document any visible exterior damage with photos, check gutters and downspouts for granule buildup, and schedule a professional roof inspection as soon as it’s safe to do so. Many insurance policies have a filing window for storm-related claims, so an early inspection also protects your ability to make a claim if damage is found.

How Lotus Roof Restoration Can Help

Lotus Roof Restoration provides thorough, no-obligation roof inspections for homeowners and property owners across Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Allen, Richardson, Carrollton, Addison, The Colony, Wylie, and Murphy, TX. Our technicians check the entire roofing system — shingles, flashing, vents, valleys, and gutters — document any storm damage with photos, and walk you through the findings in plain language. If hail or wind damage is found, we provide a clear written estimate and can support you through the insurance claims process from documentation to adjuster meetings.

Don’t wait for a small hail dent to turn into a bigger leak. Contact Lotus Roof Restoration today at (214)-499-1898 or schedule a free inspection online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was the San Antonio hailstorm connected to weather we might see in North Texas?

Not directly — the San Antonio storm was a separate, localized event. But the conditions behind it (extreme heat combining with a fast-building thunderstorm) are common across Texas in summer, including the Dallas-Fort Worth area, so the same type of severe hail can and does happen locally.

How big does hail need to be to damage a roof?

Hail as small as one inch in diameter (about the size of a quarter) can bruise asphalt shingles and knock away protective granules. Hail over golf-ball size, like what was reported in San Antonio, can crack shingles, dent metal roofing and gutters, and even puncture roof decking in severe cases.

My roof looks fine after a hailstorm — do I still need an inspection?

Yes. Hail damage is frequently invisible from the ground or even from a quick look on a ladder. Granule loss and shingle bruising often only show up in a close, hands-on inspection, and small impacts can worsen with the next heavy rain or high-wind event if left unaddressed.

Will homeowners insurance cover hail damage?

Most standard homeowner policies cover hail damage to roofs, but coverage details, deductibles, and filing deadlines vary by insurer. Lotus Roof Restoration documents damage thoroughly and can meet with your adjuster on-site to help support an accurate claim.

How quickly should I schedule an inspection after a hailstorm?

As soon as it’s safe to do so — ideally within a few days. Prompt inspection helps catch damage before the next storm makes it worse, and keeps you within most insurers’ claim-filing windows.

Do you offer emergency roof repair if a storm has already caused a leak?

Yes. If hail or wind has opened your roof to the weather, call (214)-499-1898. We provide emergency tarping and rapid leak response to stop water intrusion immediately, then schedule the permanent repair.