What Kind of Hail Is Damaging to a Roof?

Hail can vary significantly in size and density, posing a risk to different roofing materials in distinct ways. In this post, Crown Roofing LTD takes a look at the specifics of hail size as a factor in determining the extent of roof damage.

The Correlation Between Hail Size and Roof Damage

Hail can range from the size of a pea to the size of a softball, and its potential to damage roofs depends largely on its size. Small hailstones, while generally not a threat to newly-installed roofs, can still inflict damage to those that are already compromised. Dime-sized hail may not pose a significant threat on their own, but can exacerbate existing damage on aged or previously worn shingles.

As the size of hail increases, so does its potential to cause significant damage to roofs Hail that is between the size of a dime and a quarter can begin to strip away the protective granules from asphalt shingles and accelerate the aging of the roof. You can imagine further the severity of damage that larger hailstones can cause.

The Risk Associated With Larger Hail

When hail surpasses the size of a quarter, the damage to different roofing materials, including metal, asphalt shingles and slate, is too obvious not to ignore. Larger hailstones can puncture, crack or completely shatter roofing materials upon impact, necessitating immediate repairs or even replacement in severe cases. Additionally, the velocity at which these hailstones hit the roof can dramatically increase the extent of the damage.

Hail Damage on Different Roofing Materials

Hail damage on roofing systems will depend on the type of material installed:

• Asphalt Shingles. Indications include dents, missing granules, or areas where the underlying roof material is exposed.
• Slate. Key indicators include cracked or shattered pieces of tile, which can compromise the roof’s integrity.
• Metal Panels. Dents and potential rust points can indicate hail impact.

Navigating Insurance Claims for Hail Damage

If you suspect roof hail damage, it is important that you inform your insurance provider about filing a claim. Providing detailed information, including the size of the hail and photos of the damage, can expedite the claims process. An insurance adjuster will likely inspect the roof to assess the damage further, and the outcome will determine the coverage for repairs or replacement.

It’s also imperative that you work with a contractor who can perform immediate repairs to bring your roof back to its previous condition before the hailstorm occurred. For that, you can rely on Crown Roofing LTD. Call (604) 370-6288, or fill out our contact form to request an estimate.