PANHANDLE WEATHER · UPDATED OCTOBER 2026
Hail, siding and windows in the Texas Panhandle
Texas sees more large hail than any other state, and most Panhandle hail falls between May and September. Here is what that means for your siding, windows and roof.
How much hail Texas gets
Texas recorded 902 major hail events (hail one inch or larger) in 2025, the most of any state; Kansas was second with 375 (Insurance Information Institute, from NOAA Storm Prediction Center data). The National Weather Service in Amarillo reports that 93% of Panhandle hail events happen from May through September, and the region's record hailstone measured 6 inches at Sunray in June 2010 (NWS Amarillo climate brochure).
Roofs have a hail test. Siding does not.
UL 2218 Class 4 is a roofing test: a 2-inch steel ball is dropped on the same spot twice, and the product passes if the back shows no cracks or tears (GAF). There is no equivalent standard for siding or windows (IBHS). Be wary of anyone selling "hail-proof" siding.
How siding materials behave
- Steel does not crack, but it can dent; ask about panel gauge and how a single panel is replaced.
- Fiber cement is thick and rigid; manufacturers market it as hail resistant, but there is no independent rating.
- Vinyl becomes more brittle in intense cold (JLC); thicker panels hold up better.
- Engineered wood is lighter than fiber cement and relies on its finish and proper installation details.
Treat these as general guidance, not test results. We walk through the trade-offs for your house during the estimate.
Insurance and impact-resistant roofs
The Texas Department of Insurance says insurers set roof discounts company by company, with Class 4 roofs earning the largest credit, and installers document the roof on TDI form PC068 (TDI). More in our roofing and insurance guide.
Permits in Amarillo
City of Amarillo Building Safety requires permits for work on regulated building systems, roofing repairs over 100 square feet need a permit, and residential siding is its own permit category (Amarillo Building Safety). Smaller towns and county areas have their own rules. Confirm with the city or county before work starts; your written estimate should say who pulls any permit.
After a storm
- Stay off the roof. Photograph damage from the ground, including dents in gutters, downspouts and AC fins.
- Note the storm date and keep receipts for any emergency covering.
- Call your insurer about your policy and deductible before signing anything.
Common questions
When is hail season in Amarillo?
The National Weather Service office in Amarillo reports that 93% of hail events in the Panhandles happen from May through September.
Is there a hail rating for siding?
No. UL 2218 Class 4 is a roofing test. The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety has noted there is no comparable standard for siding or windows, so compare siding on thickness, warranty and repairability instead.
Will impact-resistant roofing lower my Texas insurance?
It may. The Texas Department of Insurance says insurers set roof discounts company by company, with Class 4 roofs earning the largest credit, documented on TDI form PC068. Ask your insurer before you buy.
Do I need a permit for windows or siding in Amarillo?
Check with City of Amarillo Building Safety. The city requires permits for work on regulated building systems, roofing repairs over 100 square feet need one, and siding appears as its own residential permit category.