What Is Hail and How Hail Can Damage Your Roof?

Ever since recorded history, as far back as the bible, there’s been mention of hail and how destructive it can be. Well, we at Eagle Watch Roofing believe our customers should know just how hail can damage your roof. And if your roof isn’t in good enough condition to withstand a bad hailstorm, the damage could be much worse.

What Is Hail

Hail is chunks of ice that drop from the sky during certain weather conditions. Whereas sleet falls in cold, winter weather, hail generally forms and falls during warmer temperatures. Hail forms when a thunderstorm creates a powerful updraft that lifts rain high into the atmosphere, where it freezes. Sometimes, the frozen rain immediately falls as small hail. But if the updraft is powerful enough, it lifts the falling hail back into the atmosphere, where more water freezes onto the hailstones. Every time the hailstone falls and is lifted back up, it grows. The more powerful the updraft, the larger the hailstones can grow.

Areas Most Prone To Hail

Colorado, Nebraska, and Wyoming are known as hail alley. They are subject to hailstorms from March to October, usually during the afternoon and the evening hours. Most hail events, however, happen from May through September. Cheyenne, Wyoming averages nine to ten significant hailstorms per season.

Although some areas are more prone to hailstorms, hail can form anywhere there are thunderstorms. If you live in the Southeast, you may see hailstorms less frequently, but hail can still damage your roof when it falls.

Where Hail Damage Occurs The Most

Being experienced experts in roofing, we have seen hail events can damage roofs. In addition to roofs, areas susceptible to hail include:

• Automobiles
• Aircraft
• Glass roof structures such as skylights and greenhouses
• Livestock (when the hail is especially large)
• Crops in the field

In the most violent hailstorms, even humans caught without adequate overhead protection may receive severe head trauma. Roof-wise, the ways hail can damage your roof include torn shingles, damaged siding, and dented gutters.

Selecting a Roofer After a Hailstorm

Selecting the right roofer after a hailstorm is critical. Many people don’t realize that they need a roofing contractor who knows how to work with an insurance adjuster. Your roofer is your advocate in determining the final cost of the repair and settling your claim. Homeowners and commercial property owners should always check their insurance policies for adequate hail coverage.

Besides working with your insurance, the right roofer will perform a high-quality roof repair. Always verify that you are working with a licensed, certified, and reputable roofer. Your roofer can help select the right materials for your repair project. In areas prone to hailstorms, we recommend replacing damaged shingles with hail-resistant shingles.

Prepare now for future hail and storm events by scheduling a free evaluation of your roof’s condition. The customer service representatives at Eagle Watch Roofing are happy to answer your questions and provide any additional information you need. Contact Eagle Watch Roofing today.