Hailstorms can threaten the integrity of your roof. What Size Hail Will Damage a Roof ? Hail is not just loud when it hits your roof. It can also lead to damage depending on factors such as:
- Hail size
- Wind speed
- Impact angle
- Roofing material
- Roofing condition
At District Roofing, we have prioritized educating homeowners about hail and precisely what size hail will damage a roof.
As a rule of thumb, hailstones with a diameter of at least 1” can damage your roof; however, this doesn’t mean that minor hail is not an issue. When combined with strong wind and material that can’t withstand hail, small-size hail can also cause damage.
What size hail will damage a roof? To put it in simple terms, the more significant, the more harm, but your roof is only sometimes safe with minor hail.
Velocity & Angle – What Size Hail Will Damage a Roof?
Size matters, but it’s not all. The reason why more giant hailstones will cause more damage is because size affects their terminal velocity. They will hit your roof with more force, where damage is more likely to occur.
Additionally, wind speed and direction can influence impact angles. Steeper angles can cause more harm to your roof. Finally, it would help if you considered the roof slope. Low-slope roofs are more prone to hail damage as hailstones hit at a 90-degree angle.
Roofing Materials to Prevent Hail Damage
Not all roofing materials have the same level of resistance to hail damage. In regions prone to hailstorms, hail-resistant material such as UL2218 Class 4 Impact Rating is a better choice.
Generally, metal roofing will surpass asphalt shingles or clay tiles; therefore, homeowners do not need to worry as much about what size hail will damage a roof. Some metal roofs even have a warranty for hail penetration up to 2.5” in diameter.
Traditional materials, including asphalt shingles and clay tiles, can become more vulnerable to hail damage. They can become brittle as they age, increasing the hail damage risks.
Identify Hail Damage on Your Roof
Hail damage may not be immediately visible with traditional roofing materials. For instance, small cracks may not be apparent, yet they can lead to leaks and structural roof damage.
If you are wondering what size hail will damage your roof, use 1-inch diameter as a basis. This is enough to cause noticeable dents on your roof. So, following a hailstorm, you want to start looking for dents and splatter marks on roof vents, gutters, and flashing.
We specifically advise against inspecting your roof yourself. Instead, focus on collateral damage, such as downspouts, gutters, or any soft metals around your property, including mailboxes, grills, or garage doors.
Handle Hail Damage on Your Roof and Conclusion of What Size Hail Will Damage a Roof?
If you suspect hail damage, your first step should be to get in touch with your insurer. They will handle the inspection through an adjuster or a professional roofing contractor.
Once your claim is approved, you want to contact a professional roofer like District Roofing, who is experienced in handling insurance claims. We provide roofing Leesburg VA, roofing Ashburn VA and ….
In conclusion, it’s essential to understand what size hail will damage a roof and how to spot signs of damage to get it fixed professionally. At District Roofing, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
