Homeowners frequently question what size hail will damage a roof, especially during hail storms. In 2018, hail and high-speed winds accounted for 1.42 billion in damages in the US, a significant portion of which involved insurance company claims.
This figure covers around 40% of the insurance claims where hundreds of homes were severely damaged.
Hail shouldn’t be underestimated because the repair cost can add up quite quickly. Hail can affect anything on the outside, not only houses. Your window, your roof, and your car would be affected by the hail.
The damages caused by the hail can be obvious, such as a dented car or broken window. But it can be quite difficult to spot when it happens to your roof. Do you even know how to perform the proper check? If you experience hail and you don’t know what to do, read on so you can learn more about it.
What Size Hail Will Damage a Roof?
One thing that most homeowners are asking is, “What size hail will damage a roof?” Most people think that hail must be big (at least as big as the golf size) to cause significant damage, but this is a wrong misconception that mostly happens to people.
In most cases, hail as big as an inch can create significant damage. If you add in the wind direction and wind speed, the damage level can vary – and even more significant when the hail is bigger than an inch.
Why Is Hail Damage Bad for a Roof?
Hail typically originates as 2 inches in diameter but often reduces in size before reaching the ground. Regardless of whether it’s pea-sized hail or golf ball-sized hail, it can still inflict damage, particularly when propelled by high wind speeds.
In general, the common damages caused by hail are:
- Shingle granules loss
- Dents in siding, gutters, shingles, and others
- Clogged gutters
- Damages on the roof vent, skylight, and chimney
- Cracked asphalt shingles or vinyl siding
Read also: Quick Fix for Roof Vent Leak During Heavy Rain
Dealing with Hail Damage
After a hailstorm, it’s crucial to assess the damage. The damage might be less severe for smaller hail, such as pea-sized hail, but can still affect vinyl siding, window screens, and shingles. Golf ball-sized hail, however, size typically damages more significantly.
In such cases, it’s advisable to find a roofing contractor promptly to repair your roof and prevent further damage.
Signs of Hail Damage on Roof
How do you know whether your roof is damaged seriously or not? There are several places you can check, such as:
- Downspouts and gutters
- Shingle tabs, roof flashings, and shingles
- Skylights, chimneys, and vents
- The roof’s gables and eaves
This checking can be tricky or difficult for those not used to it. When in doubt, reach out to a professional service so they can inspect the roof. If there is any hail damage, they should be able to spot one. They can also provide solutions for the repair.
What’s important after finding hail damage is to do these two things:
- File the insurance claim
- Find professional roof inspection and help
Read also: Do I Need a Permit to Replace My Roof?
In general, most homeowner insurance covers hail damage. That’s why you should file a claim as soon as possible after the damage takes place.
Hail Size and the Damage
There are different kinds of hail sizes with possible damages that inflict
- ¾-inch hail. It can damage window screens, vinyl siding, deck paint, and metal fascia.
- 1-inch hail. It damages the fascia, gutters, siding, and shingle underlayment bruising.
- 1 ¼ inch hail. It can make your property look like Swiss cheese.
- 1 ½ inch hail. It causes severe damage.
- 1 ¾ inch to 2-inch hail. This hail, like plastic roof vents and ridge caps, can penetrate the roof’s softer area. When accompanied by the speedy wind, this hail can completely tear the siding off the house, damage metal fixtures, and crack windows.
- 2-inch hail. With this hail size, you can be sure the damage will be severe.
Insurance Claims for Hail Damage
Dealing with hail damage often involves contacting your insurance company. Most homeowner policies cover hail damage, so filing a claim quickly is important. The insurance company may require an inspection by a professional to assess the extent of the damage and determine the appropriate coverage for repairs.
Conclusion
Hail can cause serious damage to your property and your belongings. That’s why you should check your roof immediately during a hailstorm. These are the facts of what size hail will damage a roof when a hailstorm hits your area.
