In this article 14 sections
- When Is Hail Season in San Antonio?
- Pre-Season Roof Checklist
- Protect Rooftop Equipment and Skylights
- Document Your Roof’s Condition Before the Storm
- Prepare Your Business, Not Just the Roof
- What to Do in the 72 Hours After a Hailstorm
- Upgrades That Reduce Hail Risk
- FAQs | Hail Season Preparation
- Why should I photograph my roof before hail season?
- Are impact-rated commercial roofs worth it?
- How often does San Antonio get hail?
- Does hail happen in San Antonio in the fall?
- What should facility managers do during a hailstorm?
- Book a Pre-Season Roof Inspection
When Is Hail Season in San Antonio?
That gives you a clear window: get the roof ready in February and early March, and be ready to inspect fast after every spring storm. Here’s the checklist we use with facility teams as part of commercial roofing in San Antonio.
| Month | Hail reports near San Antonio (since 2004) | Average size of largest hail |
|---|---|---|
| March | 29 | Smaller than April–May |
| April | 53 | about 2.3 inches |
| May | 35 | about 2.5 inches |
| June | 7 | Activity tapering |
| July – August | Few or none | |
| September – February | 0 – 2 per month |
Source: StormerSite, hail reports within 10 miles of San Antonio (NOAA/NWS storm reports, 2004 onward).
Pre-Season Roof Checklist
- Schedule a spring inspection in February or early March.
- Clear drains, scuppers and gutters so heavy storm rain can leave the roof.
- Repair open seams and loose flashing before storms test them.
- Secure rooftop equipment: HVAC panels, vents and anything that could become wind-blown debris.
- Check skylights for cracks and add protection where needed.
- Review your policy: wind/hail deductible, ACV or RCV, cosmetic exclusions, reporting deadlines.
- Save your roofer’s contact for emergency response.
Protect Rooftop Equipment and Skylights
- Install hail guards or wire mesh over HVAC condenser coils
- Check skylights for cracks and add screens or impact-rated units
- Secure loose panels, vents and anything that can become debris
- Replace thin gutters and downspouts with heavier steel where they’re repeatedly dented
Equipment and gutter measures: SBA Hail Hazard Checklist.
Document Your Roof’s Condition Before the Storm
The strongest hail claims compare “before” and “after.” A dated, photo-documented inspection report from early spring shows the roof’s condition before any storm, which makes it much harder for an insurer to blame wear or an earlier event.
- Dated photos of the full roof, seams, flashings and rooftop units
- A roof plan with problem areas marked
- Notes on age, membrane type and recent repairs
- Copies of warranties and maintenance records
Prepare Your Business, Not Just the Roof
- Review your insurance policy and wind/hail deductible before the season
- Inventory critical equipment with photos or video for claims
- Bring signs, pallets and outdoor equipment inside or anchor them
- Park vehicles and movable equipment under cover when hail is forecast
- Set a shelter area away from windows and share a staff communication plan
- Plan for remote work and IT backup if the building is closed after a storm
SBA Hail Hazard Checklist.
What to Do in the 72 Hours After a Hailstorm
| When | Action |
|---|---|
| Same day | Check inside for leaks; protect inventory; photograph hail on the ground with a size reference if safe |
| Day 1 | Photograph exterior damage from the ground: gutters, rooftop units, cars, skylights |
| Day 1 – 2 | Call for a professional roof inspection; make temporary repairs if water is entering |
| Day 2 – 3 | Review the inspection report; report the claim to your insurer with photos and the report |
See storm and hail damage roof repair and emergency roof repair in San Antonio.
Upgrades That Reduce Hail Risk
- Thicker membranes (60 to 80 mil) on single-ply roofs
- High-density cover boards under the membrane, which absorb impact and protect insulation
- Assemblies rated for hail (FM Global Severe Hail or Very Severe Hail ratings)
- Skylight guards and protected rooftop equipment
- Thicker-gauge metal on metal roofs
FAQs | Hail Season Preparation
Why should I photograph my roof before hail season?
It proves the roof’s condition before a storm. If hail hits, your before-and-after photos show the damage is new, which is one of the most common points insurers dispute.
Are impact-rated commercial roofs worth it?
In a hail-prone area like San Antonio, upgrading to a thicker membrane and high-density cover board during a planned replacement usually costs far less than the damage it can prevent.
How often does San Antonio get hail?
The area averages several hail and wind events a year, concentrated in spring. Some years bring major storms; others are quiet. The point is to be ready every spring.
Does hail happen in San Antonio in the fall?
Rarely. Storm reports since 2004 show only zero to two hail reports per month from September through February.
What should facility managers do during a hailstorm?
Keep people indoors and away from skylights and windows, move vehicles under cover if it’s safe beforehand, and stay off the roof until the storm has passed and a professional can assess it.
Book a Pre-Season Roof Inspection
We’ll inspect and document your roof before hail season, fix weak points and give you a dated report to keep on file.
- Free pre-season inspection across San Antonio, including Westover Hills, commercial roofing in Stone Oak and Helotes
Book your free roof inspection in San Antonio or see commercial roof maintenance programs.
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