Golf ball-sized hail detected near Houston, TX on July 5, 2026
Hail was detected at a radar-indicated point within the Houston 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-confirmed strike landed approximately 7 miles northwest of downtown Houston, with one hail report logged across Harris County that day. At 1.75 inches, architectural asphalt shingles are at genuine risk of functional damage — granule loss, cracked tabs, and compromised mat integrity are all plausible outcomes at this size. Roofs older than 10 to 15 years with existing wear are more vulnerable; newer installations may show only cosmetic bruising. Harris County's largest recorded event reached 2.75 inches on May 31, 2024, so this storm sits well below that benchmark, but 1.75 inches is not cosmetic-only territory for aging shingles.
On a $350,000 home with a 2% wind/hail deductible, the deductible comes to $7,000. Typical repair cost on a 2,000 square foot roof runs $5,620, with a range of $4,598 to $6,641. Get a professional inspection before making any insurance decisions.
At these numbers, you're better off repairing out of pocket — the typical repair cost falls below your deductible. Filing a claim likely isn't worth it unless a full inspection reveals significantly more damage.
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Houston inspection
Houston repair cost reference
Historical context
Among 156 hail events of 1 inch or greater recorded in Harris County over the past 10 years, this event ranks 39th by magnitude — solidly mid-pack. The largest on record reached 2.75 inches on May 31, 2024. July is historically quiet for hail in this county, with only 2 events of 1 inch or greater logged in the 10-year dataset, making this storm an outlier for the month.
Storm system
Smith County recorded 1.5-inch hail the same day, suggesting this was part of a broader storm system rather than an isolated cell. The activity appears to have tracked across multiple Texas counties.
Contractor guidance
Local contractor data shows current backlogs running 4 to 8 weeks in the Houston market. The intake assessment rates storm chaser risk as high — Houston regularly draws out-of-state roofing crews after notable hail, and door-to-door solicitation typically begins within 24 to 48 hours of a storm. Texas does not require a state-level roofing license, so verification falls on the homeowner: confirm a valid local business license, general liability and workers' comp coverage, and Secretary of State registration if the contractor operates as an LLC or corporation. Texas Insurance Code § 707.002 prohibits any contractor from waiving, absorbing, or offsetting your deductible — any contractor who offers to do so is committing a Class B misdemeanor.
Permits & building code
At 1.75 inches, repair is the more likely outcome for roofs in good condition, though older or already-compromised roofs may cross the threshold for full replacement. Houston requires a permit for roof work; the contractor pulls the permit, cost runs $150 to $400, and an inspection is required upon completion. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles qualify for a 10 to 20% discount with most Texas insurers.
- 1Photograph your roof, gutters, downspouts, and any exterior metal surfaces (AC units, vents, flashing) now — before any repair work begins.
- 2Get a repair estimate from a licensed contractor before contacting your insurer — at these numbers, out-of-pocket repair is likely cheaper than filing a claim.
- 3Vet any contractor who contacts you: request proof of local business license, liability insurance, and workers' comp before discussing work.
- 4Keep all written estimates, contracts, and inspection reports in one file — you will need them if damage is discovered later or if a dispute arises.
- 5If you sign a repair contract over $1,000 tied to an insurance settlement, confirm it contains the legally required bold 12-point deductible notice.
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Houston 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.