What Kind of Hail is Damaging to a Roof?

As a homeowner, it’s important to understand how different types of hail can impact your roofing. By knowing what kind of hail poses a threat to your home, you can manage and possibly mitigate roofing damage. In this post, we shed light on the various sizes of hail and their potential impact on roofs.

Understanding Hail Damage on Roofs

Hail comes in various sizes, with each diameter presenting different risks to a roof’s integrity. While small hailstones might seem harmless, their impact can accelerate the deterioration of an already vulnerable roof. Recognizing the potential of hail damage is the first step in protecting your property.

Small to Medium-Sized Hail

Hailstones as small as a dime (approximately 0.75 inches in diameter) can cause damage to roofs, especially if the shingles are worn or already damaged. These smaller hailstones might not significantly impact new or harder roofing materials but could lead to issues on older roofs. As hailstones reach the size of a quarter (about 1 inch in diameter), they can expedite the erosion process of the roof material and may result in breaking slate or tearing asphalt, particularly if these materials are not in optimal condition.

Large Hailstones

Hail larger than a quarter is considered significant and poses a considerable risk to roofing structures. Such hailstones can cause visible damage to shingles, break slate tiles, or dent metal roofs. Make sure to inspect your roof for damage following storms involving large hail.

Identifying Hail Damage on Different Roof Materials

The impact of hail varies across different roofing materials. Asphalt shingles, slate tiles, and metal roofs each show signs of hail damage in unique ways.

• Asphalt Shingles: Look for dislodged granules in gutters and downspouts, bare spots, and round dents or pitting on the shingles. Cracks or visible substrates are indicators of hail impact.
• Slate Tiles: Key signs of hail damage include clean, sharp-edged holes, punctures, or cracks resulting from hail impact. Broken or shattered tiles post-hailstorm necessitate immediate repair.
• Metal Roofs: Damage is often visible as dents or scour marks on the roof’s surface. These marks are indicators that the hail has compromised the protective coating of the metal.

When to Seek Professional Help

If the damage from hail is not apparent or if you feel uncomfortable assessing your roof yourself, consulting a roofing professional is the best course of action. These specialists can provide a thorough inspection, identifying any hidden damage and advising on the next steps.

Navigating Roof Insurance Claims

Should your roof sustain hail damage, it’s essential to document the damage thoroughly and contact your insurance provider promptly. The claims process usually involves providing detailed information about the incident, documenting the damage with photos, and possibly coordinating with a professional inspector to confirm the extent of damage for the insurance company.

US Roofing can assist you with storm damage repair and the insurance claims process. We guarantee prompt, high-quality service for your peace of mind. Call us at (978) 532-6300 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation.