Professional Roof Hail Damage Repair | Better Built Contractors (2024)

FAQs

What size hail will damage a shingle roof? ›

Generally speaking, hailstones at least one inch in diameter can cause damage to a roof. Smaller hailstones can cause damage, especially when accompanied by strong winds or when striking roofing materials that were not engineered to withstand hail impact. As hail size increases, the potential for damage also increases.

Yes! In fact, even hail smaller than 1 inch can cause damage to a roof or to other areas of your house. After a hailstorm, the size of the hail can be the easiest indicator as to what types of damage you may face.

Here's what to look for. This includes hail divots that are black in color, or are soft to the touch, like the bruise on an apple. Also, look for any loss of granules, visible damage to the shingle, and asphalt and/or mat that appears shiny.

It's a common myth that metal roofing will be dented or compromised by almost any hail event it comes in contact with. This is actually untrue. In fact, most hailstorms don't produce hailstones large enough to affect a metal roof.

And if you think about what a professional golfer might do to your home if he or she hit high-speed balls at your house, you'll know this type of hailstorm can cause significant damage. From metal roofing to roof shingles, it's unlikely that any roofing materials will survive unscathed.

Class 4 impact-resistant shingles are specifically made to absorb or withstand impacts from hail or other fallen debris. Class 4 is the highest rating an IR shingle can have, with the ability to withstand hail up to 2” in diameter. Hail storms are becoming more and more frequent across the United States.

Even minor hail damage (from pea-sized or smaller hail) can cause roof leaks.

1/4 inch is about the equivalent of a pea. This size of hail could be potentially damaging but is unlikely to cause major holes and tears in roofing since it's the smallest measurable variety and can be blown away by horizontal winds. With minimal impact, it's most likely to leave a quick-melting mess on your lawn.

Large Hail - Hail from 1 inch to 1 3/4 inch in diameter (from the size of quarters to golf balls) causing minor damage. Very Large Hail - Hail from 1 3/4 inch to 2 3/4 inch in diameter (from the size of golf balls to baseballs) causing moderate damage.

What is the best way to estimate the size of hail that fell at a property? ›

When reporting hail, estimates comparing the hail to a known object with definite size are good, but measurements using a ruler, calipers, or a tape measure are best.

Hail around 1” in diameter or bigger will damage your roof and warrant an insurance claim. When hail is this size, it will actually cause dents/dings and compromise the integrity of asphalt shingles.

Strikes from hailstones will usually leave one of two types of marks: spatter or indentations.

Shingles may become bruised when pelted with solid objects at high speeds, like hail, rocks, or debris. These shingles are typically darker in color than the surrounding roof, and they showcase a round, concave dent embedded with shingle granules.

Class 4 impact-resistant shingles are specifically made to absorb or withstand impacts from hail or other fallen debris. Class 4 is the highest rating an IR shingle can have, with the ability to withstand hail up to 2” in diameter. Hail storms are becoming more and more frequent across the United States.

Despite their higher costs, rubber shingles are usually better for their overall durability, lack of maintenance requirements, and long-term cost-effectiveness.

Shingles that are “impact-resistant” are considered a class 4 product, and are designed to withstand high winds and hail damage. They may be made of copper, aluminum, resin and plastic (composite). Shingles with a Class 4 rating have an impact resistance rating of UL 2218.