Austin sits in Hail Alley. Here's what that means for your roof.

Meteorologists call the corridor from Texas up through the plains "Hail Alley," and Central Texas sits squarely inside it. The September 2023 storm caused roughly $300 million in damage across Williamson County alone, and the May 2025 storm dropped golf-ball hail across East Austin. This is not occasional bad luck. It is a recurring season, and your roof is the part of your home that takes the hit.

What hail actually does to a roof

Hail bruises shingles, knocks granules loose, cracks mats, and dents soft metals like vents and flashing. Much of this is invisible from the ground, and a bruised roof can look fine for months before leaks start. That delay is why Texas gives homeowners generally up to 2 years to file a storm claim.

What homeowners can do

• After any hailstorm, check gutters, downspouts, and window screens for dents, and look for shingle granules collecting at downspout exits.
• Photograph hail on the ground next to a coin or tape measure, and note the date and time of the storm.
• Get a professional inspection before signing anything with an out-of-town crew. Out-of-town crews arrive with the weather and leave with it.
• Ask about impact-resistant Class 4 shingles when you replace. They stand up to hail better, and many Texas insurers offer premium discounts for them. Read our guide on Class 4 upgrades.

A free 50-point inspection is the fastest way to know where your roof stands, and the photo documentation makes any insurance claim far stronger. Learn how we handle the whole claim on our storm and insurance page.