Ping pong-sized hail detected near Davenport, IA on August 21, 2026
Hail was detected at a radar-indicated point within the Davenport monitoring area. Actual impact can vary by neighborhood, so nearby homes should use this as a signal to check roofs, gutters, siding, and vehicles.
Damage assessment
The radar-indicated strike center was approximately 11 miles northeast of downtown Davenport, with one report logged in Scott County that day. At 1.5 inches, architectural asphalt shingles are in the functional-damage zone — granule loss accelerates and mat bruising is likely on older surfaces, though shingles installed within the last five to seven years may show mostly cosmetic impact. Roofs already past fifteen years are the ones to watch closely; they lose the margin that newer shingles still have. Older stock with 3-tab shingles or wood shake, which exists in some parts of Davenport, can reach functional loss faster at this size.
On a $350,000 home with a 2% deductible, the out-of-pocket threshold is $7,000. Typical repair cost for a 2,000 sq ft roof runs $6,984, with a range of $5,714 to $8,254. Get a professional inspection before making any insurance decisions.
At these numbers, the typical repair cost exceeds a standard 2% deductible. Contact your insurer — damage at this level is likely worth filing before you pay out of pocket.
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Davenport inspection
Davenport repair cost reference
Historical context
Among 131 hail events of 1 inch or greater recorded in Scott County over the past ten years, this event ranks 51st by magnitude. The largest on record reached 4 inches on April 4, 2023. August is historically quiet for this county — only six events of this threshold have been recorded in August over the same period, well below the April peak of 79 events.
Storm system
This was not an isolated storm — the same system produced hail across a broad corridor, including 1.75-inch hail in Kane County, IL and 1.5-inch hail in Winnebago County, IL the same day. The pattern is consistent with a mesoscale convective system tracking northeast through the central Plains corridor.
Contractor guidance
Local contractor data shows current backlogs running 4 to 8 weeks in the Davenport market. The storm chaser risk assessment for this area is rated high — door-to-door solicitation from out-of-state crews typically starts within 24 to 48 hours of a notable event here. Iowa Code § 103A.71 governs residential contractors performing insurance-tied repairs and mandates specific contract disclosures; it does not require a separate state roofing license, so licensing alone tells you little. Before signing anything, ask for proof of general liability insurance, workers' comp, and confirmation that the contract includes the required Iowa consumer protection disclosures.
Permits & building code
At 1.5 inches, targeted repair rather than full replacement is the more common outcome — unless the roof is already aging or prior damage has accumulated. In Davenport, the contractor pulls the permit, inspections are required, and permit costs typically run $150 to $400. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles qualify for a 10–20% discount with most Iowa insurers.
- 1Photograph your roof, gutters, downspouts, and any exterior surfaces from ground level — date-stamp every image.
- 2Schedule a professional roof inspection with a licensed, locally established contractor.
- 3Vet any contractor before signing: request general liability insurance certificates, workers' comp documentation, and confirm the contract includes Iowa's required storm repair disclosures.
- 4Keep a written record of all contractor visits, quotes, and communications — including door-to-door solicitations you decline.
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Davenport inspection
Hail data for this event is sourced from NOAA NEXRAD radar via SWDI and is radar-confirmed, with a full NWS write-up still pending.