Most people worry about vehicle damage during a hailstorm, so they forget to think about their roof. Since they serve as your home’s first line of defense against weather elements, roofs are particularly vulnerable to the pellet-like movements of hail. Strong hailstorms, in particular, can be destructive, and the extent of damage depends greatly on a number of things.
4 Key Factors in Assessing Hail Damage on Roofs
Here are four factors that determine the extent of hail damage on roofs.
Hail size – Hail comes in different shapes and sizes. Most hailstones are no bigger than a quarter, but some rare ones can be bigger than a golf ball. The larger these hailstones are, the more likely they will cause severe damage to your roof.
Hail density – Denser hailstones, or those with a greater weight per unit volume, have the tendency to cause more damage due to their higher momentum. Keep in mind that denser hailstones appear darker than their counterparts. When they hit your roof, be sure to contact trusted roofers to consult about possible repairs.
Hail speed – Prevailing wind speeds and the height at which hail is formed are some of the factors that determine its speed. A small hailstone traveling at a high speed can cause the same damage as a relatively larger one traveling at a slower speed.
Roof slope – Ever noticed that straight-falling hailstones cause more damage on flat roofs than on their sloped counterparts? Hitting a roof perpendicularly results in a more intense impact, which is why roof slopes should be seriously considered when living in a hail-prone region.
After a hailstorm, you can use these four factors when gauging shingle damage. If the storm was particularly strong, however, it’s best to get in touch with expert roofing contractors like TEO Construction. We’ll make sure to keep your roof in tiptop shape through repairs or replacement, regardless of how fierce the storm was. Give us a call at (301) 466-3630, or complete our contact form to schedule a FREE consultation.
