In Texas, we’re no strangers to damaging wind and hailstorms. There’s no mistaking that noise on the roof when a hailstorm comes through your area. We routinely see hail as small as little ice balls, but sometimes we get those monster-sized hail stones. But how big does hail need to be to cause damage? The answer depends on several factors, including the type of material used for the roof, and, of course, the size of the hailstones. In this article, we’ll explore why hail can be damaging and how to determine the size of hail needed to cause damage. Click here to read more about wind damage.
What is hail? And how can it damage my roof?
Hail is simply a type of precipitation, like rain or snow. Hail usually forms high in the atmosphere during violent storms. A raindrop is surrounded by a layer of ice. The size of the hailstone is determined by the number of layers of ice. There are two main types of hail: soft hail and hard hail. Soft hail is ice that forms from water droplets that have frozen. It’s typically less than 1 inch in diameter, which is about the size of a quarter. Hard hail is formed from larger drops of water that freeze and is dangerous due to its size. Hard hail can be as big as golf balls or as small as a softball! When it falls on a roof, hail can cause significant damage by denting or sometimes cracking the shingles. Hail is heavy, and it can fall at high speeds, causing damage as it falls. Soft hail can also leak through damaged shingles and accumulate on the roof deck. Hard hail can break through roofing materials and even damage the roof deck itself, causing leaks that can lead to extensive water damage inside the home.
Factors that affect hail damage
When it comes to hail damage, there are a few factors to keep in mind. First, the roofing material that’s used is key. Hail resistance is rated for roofing materials, and the size of hail that each material can handle is also given. This means that certain roofing materials can handle larger hail than others. Another crucial factor is the distance of the hail from the roof. The closer the hail is to the roof, the greater the chance it has of causing damage. Hail that falls at a distance of 100 feet or more, for example, has a much lower chance of causing damage. Additionally, the duration of the hail is important. Roofs can withstand one or two large hailstones, but if the hail continues, it can cause significant damage.
Hail size for various roofing materials
When it comes to the size of hail that can cause damage, it depends on the type of material used for the roofing. Here are some common roofing materials and the hail size they can withstand: Asphalt Shingles: 1″-1.5″ Clay or concrete shingles: 3/4″-1.5″ Metal Roofing: 1″-1.5″ Slate Roofing: 1″-1.5″ Wood Shakes: 1″-1.5″ Wood Shingles: 3/4″ – 1.5″ When determining the size of hail needed to cause damage, it’s important to keep in mind that hail can vary in size. This means that you can get larger hail mixed in with smaller hail. So, even if the hail is smaller than the material you’re using, it can cause damage if it’s mixed in with larger hail. Furthermore, if hail falls at a distance of 100 feet or more, it has a lower chance of causing damage than hail that falls closer to the roof.
How to identify hail size
If you’re worried about hail damage and want to determine the hail size, you can do so in a few different ways. First, if the hail is still falling, you can use a ruler to measure the diameter of the hail. You can also use a tape measure to measure the length of hail that has fallen on the ground. Keep in mind that hail can vary in size, so take multiple measurements to determine the average hail size. Another way to measure hail is by using a hail gauge. A hail gauge is a device that’s used to measure the size of the hail. They’re available in several different forms and can be purchased online, at hardware stores, and even at some local gardening stores. Hail gauges come in many shapes and sizes, but they all work the same way. To measure hail, you first have to freeze it. You can do this by putting it in a freezer or by placing it in a bag of ice. Once the hail is frozen, you place it in the hail gauge, where it will be measured. There are many different types of hail gauges, so be sure to use an accurate one.
Determining hail damage on roofs
When it comes to determining if a roof has been damaged by hail, there are a few factors to keep in mind. First, you want to look for broken or missing shingles. If there are broken shingles, you may be able to detect a gap in the roof where water can get inside. If the shingles are missing, there’s a chance water could be inside your attic. Second, you can check for any water damage, such as stains or mold, on the roof deck. This may indicate that water managed to get inside the roof and cause damage. If you believe the hail has caused damage to your roof, you’ll want to have it assessed by a professional. A qualified roofing contractor can tell you the extent of the damage and let you know if the roof can be repaired or if it needs to be replaced. Repairing a roof can be expensive, so it’s best to find out how bad the damage is as soon as possible.
Ways to protect your roof from hail
There are many things you can do to protect your roof from hail. First, make sure your roof is in good condition. If it’s been a while since it was last replaced or repaired, it’s a good idea to schedule roof maintenance. If your roof is in good shape, it’s less likely to get damaged by hail. You can also use roof protection products to prevent hail damage. You can install roof shingles or roof tiles made with a material that’s hail resistant. You can also install ice shields, which are sheets made from a material that’s resistant to hail damage. Another option is to install a hail guard. A hail guard is a device that’s placed near the roof line and helps stop hail from reaching the roof. If you have trees around your home, you can also prune them to help keep hail from reaching your roof. Finally, you can use a hail insurance policy to protect your roof from hail damage. It’s important to note, however, that hail insurance doesn’t cover roof repairs or roof replacement; it only covers the damage caused by hail.
Tips for minimizing hail damage
In addition to protecting your roof from hail, you can also take steps to minimize hail damage. For example, you can clean your roof before hail season. Cleaning your roof regularly can help stop debris from building up, which can make it more likely that hail will damage your roof. You can also place umbrellas on the roof during hailstorms. These can help shield your roof from hail and prevent damage. You can even use a tarp to protect your roof from hail. You can also prepare for a hail storm by shutting off your HVAC system, closing your windows and vents, and keeping your utilities turned off. This can help prevent damage caused by hail.
Insurance coverage for hail damage
If your roof sustains damage caused by hail, your insurance company will likely cover the damage. The amount of coverage you have, however, is important. If you want to know the amount of coverage you have, you can call your insurance company and ask. Your insurance company may ask you to take photographs of the hail damage and mark the damaged shingles so they know where to cover it. They may also want you to take a sample of the hail and send it to them so they can determine if it was soft hail or hard hail. If you have hail damage, it’s important to have it assessed as soon as possible. Waiting too long could cause the damage to get worse and could result in more extensive repairs and higher costs.
Professional roofing services
If your roof gets a lot of damage and you want to replace it, you can get help from a professional roofing contractor like Bell County Roofing. Always hire a local company and avoid “storm chasers” and other disreputable companies.