Can hail damage a roof?
Unfortunately, yes. Hailstorms can cause huge damage to a commercial roof.
No one wants to worry about roof damage after a storm because that means calling the insurance company, making an insurance claim, and stressing over a full roof replacement.
However, when faced with damages caused by a natural disaster, it’s best that you know what to do and your options for your commercial roof.
Let’s learn more about hail roof damage before hiring a roofing contractor.
What Does Hail Damage to Your Roof Look Like?
If you’ve got an asphalt shingle roof, it likely reacts differently to hail. Hail damage to composition shingles varies compared to wood varieties.
Here’s what to look for when dealing with asphalt roof shingles:
- Random damage that has no discernable pattern
- Hail hits soft to the touch, similar to a bruise on apples and bananas
- Shiny asphalt and mats
- Loss of granules that might expose your roof felt
- Hits that appear black in color
Hail damage to wood shingles can look like:
- Impact dents or marks along your splits
- Splits in the shingle with little or no deterioration along the edges
- Splits in the shingle with sharp edges and corners
- Splits in the shingle that are orange or brown in color
- Random damage that has no discernable pattern
How to Deal with Roof Hail Damage?
The first step is to spot the roof damage.
Four factors might determine how bad the situation is:
- Wind speed – Strong winds might blow the hailstones onto the roof. If you’ve got damage already, it might make it worse.
- Material – Your roofing material affects what hail damage you get. Metal roofs might show dings, while vinyl and wooden shingles could show cracks or get knocked off the roof.
- Hail size – Hail is often the size of a pea. However, they can be softball-sized. There could be rough edges or points that cause more roof damage.
- Surrounding cover – You could catch a break if something blocks the hail from reaching the roof. The wind direction and angle, surrounding structures, and large trees may determine how much roof hail damage you see.
After storm damage has occurred, it’s important to follow these steps:
- Walk around the property to see signs of hail damage, such as dented gutters and roof vents. Hail might break the glass out of windows and create hazardous conditions. Wear boots, goggles, and gloves. Consider bringing a camera to document damages.
- Photograph damages you see. Write up a simple description, such as the date the storm happened, when damage was discovered, and more. That can be helpful when you file an insurance claim with your insurance company.
- Call the insurance company to say that you sustained hail damage. Insurance claims can get you back on your feet after inclement weather.
- Cover hail damage quickly with a tarp or something similar to reduce the risk of more issues happening. Contact a professional roofing contractor for hail damage repair as soon as you can.
[Read: Storm Damage Roof Repair Guide In Phoenix, AZ – What You Should Know]
How to Prevent Hail Damage on the Building’s Roof?
There are a few things you can do to protect your building (and everyone inside it) from significant damage in the future.
Here are a few tips:
- Make sure the roof is in good condition – Get a roof inspection periodically to find out if there’s wear and tear. Our roofing company can help you prolong your roof’s lifespan.
- Make repairs when needed – Don’t wait until hail impact occurs to get your roof repaired or replaced entirely. If you find any issues with your roof, have them inspected by a professional as early as possible.
- Choose the right roofing materials – Flat roofs and low-slope roofs might suffer more than a steep-sloped roof. You may also consider slate tile.
- Consider fiber cement siding – Most people go with vinyl siding, but fiber cement might be ideal because it resists hailstones better.
[Read: 5 Things To Know When Waterproofing Commercial Building Structures]
FAQs
How Big Does a Hailstorm Need to be to Damage a Roof?
Hailstorms that produce balls of 1-inch in diameter can damage your roof. Your insurance company may send out an insurance adjuster to assess your needs, but you must call them after hail falls.
Can 1/2-inch Hail Damage Roof Components?
Generally, 1-inch hail can damage the roof, but hail smaller than that may cause problems.
You may notice:
- Weather damage
- Shingle damage
- Broken corners of tile or shingles
- UV-light degradation
Can Pea-sized Hail Damage a Roof?
Small hail isn’t as likely to cause direct damage, though high winds can change this. If you experience small-sized hail more often, it might lead to problems with time. Make sure to get the roof inspected periodically for the best results.
What Type of Roof Is Best for Hail? Will Asphalt Shingles Work Well?
To avoid a hail-damaged roof, it’s best to use hail-resistant materials, such as metal and shingles. We use asphalt versions with a Class 3 or 4 and a UL2218 rating.
[Read: 8 Types Of Commercial Roofing: Everything You Need To Know]
Did a Hailstorm Damage Your Building’s Roof?
It’s unlikely that you will need to get the entire roof replaced after hail damages it. However, it’s crucial to check for protective granules, call your insurance adjusters, and request a free roof inspection from Easy Roof Solutions if you’re in Arizona.
Ken Byler
Founder of Easy Roof Solutions, LLC. He started in the construction industry at the age of 14 and has been involved in it for over 25 years. His wide experience in commercial roofing speaks for itself.
Outside his roofing work, Ken enjoys being in the great outdoors, traveling to new places, and bonding with his wife and children.