Arkansas Hail Season 2025: What Hot Springs Homeowners Must Know

John Varnedore • July 9, 2025

Living in Hot Springs, Hot Springs Village, or Malvern means dealing with Arkansas weather. And nothing damages roofs faster than hail storms. As your trusted Hot Springs roofing company , Speedy Gonzalez Roofing has seen it all. Let's talk about what you need to know to protect your home this hail season.

When Does Hail Season Hit Arkansas?

Arkansas hail season runs from March through June. But here's the thing - it's getting worse each year. In 2025 alone, Arkansas already had 79 hail events by June. That's a lot of damaged roofs!

The worst months are April and May. That's when warm, moist air from the Gulf meets cold air from the north. This creates the perfect storm conditions right over our area.

Hot Springs Area Hail Patterns

Hot Springs sits right in Arkansas's "hail alley." The Ouachita Mountains can actually make storms stronger as they move through. Hot Springs Village and Malvern see similar patterns, but each area has unique challenges:

  • Hot Springs: Downtown areas see more wind damage along with hail
  • Hot Springs Village: Lakefront homes face extra moisture problems after storms
  • Malvern: Rural areas often get hit harder with less immediate help available

How to Spot Hail Damage on Your Roof

Not all hail damage is easy to see. Small dents might not leak right away, but they weaken your roof. Here's what to look for after a storm:

From the Ground

  • Dents in gutters, downspouts, or air conditioning units
  • Granules from shingles in your gutters
  • Shiny spots on shingles where granules are missing
  • Cracked or broken shingles

Inside Your Home

  • Water stains on ceilings or walls
  • Leaks during the next rain
  • Higher energy bills (damaged roof = poor insulation)

Important: Don't climb on your roof to check for damage. It's dangerous and could make damage worse. Call a professional Hot Springs Village roofing company like us for a free inspection. Contact us today to schedule your free roof assessment.

What to Do Right After a Hailstorm

The first 24 hours after a hailstorm are crucial. Here's your action plan:

Safety First

  1. Stay inside until the storm passes completely
  2. Check for immediate leaks and put out buckets
  3. Take photos of any visible damage (for insurance)
  4. Don't go outside if power lines are down

Document Everything

Insurance companies need proof. Take pictures of:

  • Your roof (from the ground)
  • Damaged gutters or siding
  • Hail on the ground (with a quarter for size comparison)
  • Any interior water damage

Call for Help

Contact your insurance company and a trusted roofing contractor. As a local Hot Springs roofing company, we offer free storm damage inspections. We know exactly what to look for and can help with your insurance claim. Get your free storm damage inspection here - we're available 24/7 for emergencies.

Best Roofing Materials for Arkansas Hail

Not all roofs are created equal when it comes to hail protection. If you're building new or need a replacement, consider these options:

Metal Roofing

Metal roofs are the toughest against hail. They can handle golf ball-sized hail without major damage. Learn more about metal roofing vs. shingles for Hot Springs homes.

Impact-Resistant Shingles

These special shingles have a Class 4 impact rating. They cost more upfront but can save you money on insurance premiums. Many insurance companies offer discounts for impact-resistant materials.

What to Avoid

Basic 3-tab shingles don't hold up well in Arkansas. They're cheap but will likely need replacing after major hail events.

How to Avoid Hail Damage Scams

After big storms, scammers come out in force. These "storm chasers" go door-to-door looking for easy targets. Here's how to protect yourself:

Red Flags

  • Door-to-door solicitation right after storms
  • High-pressure sales tactics
  • Asking for payment upfront
  • No local address or references
  • Prices that seem too good to be true

Choose Local Instead

Work with established local contractors who know Arkansas building codes and weather patterns. Find out what makes a good roofing contractor in our detailed guide.

At Speedy Gonzalez Roofing, we've been serving Hot Springs, Hot Springs Village, and Malvern for years. We're not going anywhere after the job is done. Contact our local team for honest, reliable service.

Preparing Your Roof Before Hail Season

The best time to prepare is before storms hit. Here's what you can do:

Spring Maintenance

  • Clean gutters and downspouts
  • Trim tree branches near your roof
  • Replace loose or damaged shingles
  • Check and seal around vents and chimneys

Our roof maintenance guide has more detailed tips for keeping your roof in top shape year-round.

Get a Professional Inspection

Have your roof inspected each spring. Small problems become big expensive problems during hail season. We offer free inspections for Hot Springs area homeowners. Schedule your free spring inspection now before storm season hits.

Insurance and Hail Damage Claims

Most homeowner's insurance covers hail damage, but you need to act fast. Here's what you should know:

Time Limits

Most insurance companies require claims within one year of the damage. But don't wait - the sooner you file, the better.

Working with Adjusters

Insurance adjusters aren't roofing experts. Having a professional contractor present during the inspection helps ensure nothing gets missed.

Know Your Deductible

Many Arkansas policies have separate, higher deductibles for wind and hail damage. Know what yours is before you need it.

Why Choose a Local Hot Springs Roofing Company

When hail damage hits, you want someone who knows the area. Local contractors understand:

  • Arkansas building codes and permit requirements
  • Common weather patterns and problem areas
  • Local insurance company procedures
  • How to source materials quickly during busy seasons

We're not storm chasers - we're your neighbors. When you need a reliable Hot Springs Village roofing company or service in Malvern, we're here year-round.

Emergency Roof Repairs When Hail Hits

Sometimes hail damage needs immediate attention to prevent bigger problems. If you discover leaks in your metal roof or other urgent issues after a storm, here's what to do:

  • Place buckets under active leaks
  • Move valuables away from damaged areas
  • Don't attempt DIY repairs on a wet roof
  • Call for emergency roof repair services

Our team offers 24/7 emergency services for Hot Springs residents dealing with storm damage. Call us immediately for emergency repairs - don't wait for the damage to get worse.

Planning Your Roof Replacement After Hail

If your roof suffers major hail damage, it might be time for a complete replacement. Replacing your roof in Hot Springs is a big decision, but it's also an opportunity to upgrade to more hail-resistant materials.

Consider this the perfect time to invest in impact-resistant shingles or metal roofing that will better protect your home during future storms.

Frequently Asked Questions About Arkansas Hail Season

When is Arkansas hail season and how bad does it get?

Arkansas hail season runs from March through June, with April and May being the worst months. Hot Springs sits in "hail alley" where warm Gulf air meets cold northern air. We can see hail ranging from pea-sized to golf ball-sized, with larger stones causing severe roof damage. In 2025, Arkansas has already experienced 79 hail events by June, making it one of the most active hail seasons on record.

How can Hot Springs homeowners tell if their roof has hail damage?

Look for visible signs like dents in gutters, granules in downspouts, shiny spots on shingles where granules are missing, or cracked shingles. Inside your home, watch for water stains, leaks during rain, or higher energy bills. However, hail damage isn't always visible from the ground. Professional inspections can spot hidden damage that might not leak immediately but will cause problems later.

What should I do immediately after a hailstorm hits my area?

First, stay safe and wait for the storm to completely pass. Check for immediate leaks and place buckets if needed. Take photos of any visible damage for insurance purposes, including hail on the ground with a quarter for size comparison. Don't climb on your roof - it's dangerous and could worsen damage. Contact your insurance company and schedule a professional roof inspection within 24-48 hours.

Which roofing materials best protect against Arkansas hail?

Metal roofing offers the best hail protection, able to withstand golf ball-sized hail with minimal damage. Impact-resistant shingles with Class 4 ratings are the next best option and may qualify for insurance discounts. Avoid basic 3-tab shingles in hail-prone areas like Hot Springs, Hot Springs Village, and Malvern, as they're more likely to need replacement after major hail events.

How do I avoid hail damage repair scams after storms?

Avoid door-to-door solicitors who show up right after storms using high-pressure tactics or demanding payment upfront. Be wary of prices that seem too good to be true or contractors with no local address. Choose established local roofing companies with good reviews, proper licensing, and references in your area. Local contractors understand Arkansas building codes and will be available for warranty work long after storm chasers leave town.

Does homeowners insurance cover hail damage in Arkansas?

Most Arkansas homeowners insurance policies cover hail damage, but you typically have one year to file a claim. Many policies have separate, higher deductibles for wind and hail damage. File your claim as soon as possible after damage occurs, and consider having a professional roofing contractor present during the insurance adjuster's inspection to ensure all damage is properly documented and covered.

Get Ready for Hail Season

Don't wait until the sirens are going off to think about your roof. Arkansas hail season is here, and preparation is your best protection.

Need help getting your roof ready? Contact Speedy Gonzalez Roofing for a free inspection. We serve Hot Springs, Hot Springs Village, Malvern, and surrounding areas with honest, reliable roofing services.

Remember - we're not just any roofing company. We're your local Hot Springs roofing experts who understand Arkansas weather and care about protecting your home.

Ready to protect your home? Call us today at (501) 701-8766 for your free hail damage inspection!

Don't wait for the next storm - get your free roof assessment now and sleep better knowing your home is protected.

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