Golf ball-sized hail detected near Joliet, IL on June 11, 2026
Hail was detected at a radar-indicated point within the Joliet 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
Golf ball sized hail at 2 inches represents a significant threat to standard architectural asphalt shingles, the dominant roofing material in Joliet. At this magnitude, functional damage is likely on roofs older than 10-15 years, with newer installations potentially showing granule loss and exposed mat areas. Even newer shingles may sustain impact marks that compromise long-term weather resistance. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles would likely show minimal damage at this hail size.
With a typical 2% deductible on Joliet's median home value of $350,000, homeowners face a $7,000 out-of-pocket cost before insurance coverage begins. Typical repair costs for a 2,000 square foot home range from $7,945 to $11,477. An inspection can help determine whether damage is cosmetic, repairable out of pocket, or significant enough to discuss with your insurer. Homeowners should check their policy declarations page for specific filing deadlines.
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 Joliet inspection
Joliet repair cost reference
Historical context
This event ranks #5 of 118 recorded hail events in Will County's 10-year record, making it among the most significant storms on record. The largest recorded event remains 2.5-inch hail on September 28, 2019. June historically sees above-average hail activity in the county with 22 events over the past decade.
Storm system
This storm was part of a broader regional hail outbreak affecting multiple counties across Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Seven neighboring counties reported hail ranging from marble to golf ball size on the same day.
Contractor guidance
Current contractor backlogs in Joliet's dense roofing market extend 4-8 weeks following storm events. Illinois law prohibits roofing contractors from offering to waive, pay, or absorb insurance deductibles under the Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act and Home Repair and Remodeling Act. Illinois requires roofing contractors to hold state licenses through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation with mandatory insurance, bonding, and exam requirements. Homeowners should verify contractor licenses through the IDFPR public database before signing contracts.
Permits & building code
At golf ball magnitude, roof repair is more common than full replacement for most properties. Contractors handle permit pulling with costs ranging $150-$350 and inspections required for roofing work. While Class 4 shingles aren't required by code, the 10-20% insurance discount may justify the upgrade given Joliet's moderate hail risk profile.
- 1Schedule professional roof inspection within 2-3 weeks to avoid contractor backlog
- 2Document visible damage with photos for insurance records
- 3Review insurance policy declarations page for claim filing deadlines and deductible amounts
- 4Verify any contractor's Illinois IDFPR license before signing contracts
- 5Consider Class 4 impact-resistant shingles if replacement is needed for insurance discounts
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Joliet inspection
Data sourced from NOAA NEXRAD radar through the Severe Weather Data Inventory, with full National Weather Service analysis pending.