Golf ball-sized hail detected near Houston, TX on July 6, 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-indicated strike centered approximately 12 miles northwest of downtown Houston, with one hail report logged in Harris County that day. At 1.75 inches, golf ball-sized hail crosses the threshold for functional damage to architectural asphalt shingles — not just cosmetic bruising. Roofs older than 10–15 years are most vulnerable; granule loss at this size can accelerate deterioration even when a roof looks intact from the ground. Houston's housing stock includes older 3-tab and wood shake installations in some areas, which respond differently to impact than newer architectural shingles and may require separate claim handling.
On a $350,000 home with a 2% wind/hail deductible, you're looking at a $7,000 out-of-pocket threshold before insurance contributes anything. Typical repair costs for a 2,000 sq ft roof run $5,620, with the range spanning $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
Harris County has fewer than 10 hail events ≥1" in the NOAA record, so the historical dataset is limited and rank comparisons should be treated cautiously. The largest recorded event in the county reached 1.75" on 2025-08-19 — the same magnitude as today's event, placing it at the upper boundary of the county record. July is historically below average for hail in Harris County, with only two events in ten years; the peak season runs through May.
Storm system
No other tracked counties recorded hail activity on July 6, 2026. This was an isolated event rather than part of a broader multi-county outbreak.
Contractor guidance
Local contractor data shows current backlogs running 4–8 weeks in the Houston market, so scheduling sooner reduces wait time. The storm chaser risk in Houston is rated high — city intake data notes that out-of-state roofing contractors commonly begin door-to-door solicitation within 24–48 hours of significant storms. Texas does not require a state-level roofing contractor license, so verification falls on the homeowner: confirm a valid local business license, current liability insurance, workers' compensation coverage, and Secretary of State registration if the contractor operates as an LLC or corporation. Under Texas Insurance Code § 707.002, any contractor who offers to waive or absorb your deductible is breaking the law — and so are you if you knowingly accept it.
Permits & building code
At 1.75 inches, repair is plausible on newer roofs, but older or already-degraded surfaces may warrant full replacement after inspection. Permits in Houston are pulled by the contractor, cost $150–$400, and require a post-installation inspection. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles qualify for a 10–20% discount with most Texas insurers.
- 1Photograph your roof, gutters, downspouts, and any exterior metal surfaces (AC units, vents, flashing) while storm conditions are fresh — date-stamped photos establish pre-repair condition.
- 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.
- 3Before signing any contract, verify the contractor's local business license, liability insurance, workers' comp certificate, and state business registration.
- 4Keep all written estimates, inspection reports, and contractor communications in one folder — you will need this paper trail if a dispute arises later.
- 5Review your policy's wind and hail deductible percentage and confirm whether your insurer requires pre-approval before repairs begin.
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 storm data write-up pending.