What magic threshold determines whether a residential or commercial roof needs replacement after a hailstorm? In other words, how much hail damage must a house sustain before you need to replace the roof? Most people know that hail comes in many different sizes and shapes. Pea. Penny. Quarter. Golf Ball. Tennis Ball. Softball. Among others. The diameter of a hailstone plays a crucial role in the extent of damage a roof suffers. However, it is not the only factor.

How Much Hail Damage Can Your Home Withstand Before You Need To Replace The Roof

Understanding The Size Of Hailstones

Hailstones are measured by diameter. For instance, a ¼-inch diameter stone is considered “pea size,” a ½-inch diameter stone is mothball size, and a 1-inch diameter stone is quarter size. Most roofing professionals agree that hailstones under the size of 1 inch in diameter do not cause measurable damage to a roofing surface. Although that rule is not hard and fast, homeowners and businesses should use it to gauge whether to be concerned about hail damage.

Property owners need to have particular concerns when hail reaches a 1½ inch diameter (ping pong ball size) or more. Large hailstones, such as 2-inch (egg size), 2½-inch (tennis ball size), 4-inch (grapefruit size), and 4½-inch (softball size) diameters, can cause instant damage to a roof’s sublayers. They generate immediate and long-term issues, including water leaks requiring prompt mitigation to limit interior damage to a home or commercial building.

Considering Wind Speed And Direction

Wind speed plays a determining role in the magnitude of hail damage. Large hailstones dropping from the sky at rates faster than 100 mph have been known to cause fatalities. Powerful winds accompanying hail cause the stones to act like bullets. Similarly, wind direction can affect the amount of hail damage a roof suffers. Hail can fall at angles or even sideways, parallel to the ground. How hailstones drop from the sky will impact the extent of damage to a roof.

Recognizing 6 Signs Of Hail Damage To A Roof

Indentations to gutters, downspouts, fascia boards, painted surfaces, vents, chimneys, flashings, skylights, and other exposed roofing surfaces suggest the possibility of hail damage to the roof itself.

The more random the indentations on a roofing surface, the greater the likelihood that the roof suffered hail damage.

Hailstones impacting the shingles may cause granules to break away from the underlying asphalt and fiberglass mat, leaving a black irregular dent. The mat will break apart once exposed to the sun and weather.

Huge hailstones impacting a roof at great velocities and direct angles may punch holes through the roof’s outer surface or even some of the sublayers.

If a sudden buildup of shingle granules appears in the gutters or downspouts, a likely culprit is hail. Inspectors look for evidence of targeted granule loss in irregular patterns on the roof surface.

Usually, the sign of shingle wear and tear is tiny cracks developing over time. When hailstones strike a newer roof with no edge wear, the hail may cause shingles to produce fissures and tears instantly.

Large hailstone on black, asphalt shingle

Steps To Take Immediately Following A Hailstorm

Once the storm has passed, immediately conduct a walkaround of your property to assess the situation. Photograph and videotape any signs of damage to your property.

Identify an experienced local roofing contractor to inspect your property for signs of hail damage. Request that they prioritize meeting with you to prepare a game plan.

When the roofing professional assesses your property for hail damage, ask for written evidence, including photographs, test results, and a free estimate.

If your roof has suffered loss requiring immediate repair to avoid additional damage to your property’s interior spaces, retain the roofing professional to do this work.

Your coverage limits are spelled out within your insurance policy. Read it carefully so you know what steps to take. Also, review any warranties to determine coverage.

Assuming your roofing professional advises you to submit an insurance claim, work with your insurance agent to determine what they need to move forward.

Hiring A Prompt, Responsive Hail Damage Restoration Roofing Contractor

For homeowners and businesses in Western Michigan, Moore & Sons Roofing offers unparalleled roofing services following a destructive storm. We are passionate about delivering quick, efficient guidance in the wake of an adverse or catastrophic situation.

With our decades of experience, we understand the crucial importance of timing. Equally important, we know you need a knowledgeable roofing company to provide expert advice to help you proceed through the roof repair, restoration, and replacement process.

To learn more about our extraordinary roofing services or to schedule an appointment and receive a free estimate, contact Moore & Sons Roofing today.