Roof Hail Damage Repair

What is hail, and how can it affect my roof?

Hailstones are bits of frozen precipitation that can fall from the sky, especially during thunderstorms. Hail is created when a thunderstorm updraft carries water droplets high into the atmosphere. At these elevations, the water droplets freeze and become a small granule of ice. As the weather system continues to move the bit of ice further up into the atmosphere, the hailstone continues accumulating and freezing other drops of water. Eventually, once the hailstone becomes heavy enough to resist the pull of the updraft, gravity sends it crashing down toward Earth.

Depending on its size, hail can cause significant damage to vehicles, crops, people, and homes. Roofs are particularly prone to hail damage. Because roofs are our home’s covering, they tend to be the hardest hit when hail comes along. If you have a metal or tile roof, you don’t have to worry much about hail damage. However, hail can cause extensive damage to asphalt shingle roofs. 

Asphalt shingles get their name from the protective layer of asphalt granules that cover the shingle’s surface. These granules are intended to provide extra security against UV damage and the elements. However, when hail strikes the pliable surface of asphalt shingles, it can cause them to indent. Similarly, protective granules can scuff off, and these things could lead to leaks or further damage.

If your city has recently experienced a hailstorm, it’s important to take note of whether the roof has incurred some damage. If the roof has sustained injury, reach out to your home insurance company first! More often than not, your insurance policy will cover the cost of repairing or replacing a roof compromised by hail. If you need help navigating the process, please give us a call at (785) 259-3477.