It seems like every year Charlotte, NC area roofs get hit with at least one hail storm. Hailstones can range from pea sized to the size of a baseball. What size can damage your roof to the point of needing a roof inspection or even a roof replacement? Since the best roofing contractors in Charlotte all offer free roof inspections, even after the smallest of hail storms you should schedule a roof inspection to make sure there is no damage to your roof. You’d be surprised at the amount of damage a pea sized hailstone can do to the metals on your roof. One good guide is if you notice any damage to your car exposed to hail, there is probably hail damage on your home’s roof too.
What Size Hail Will Cause Roof Damage?
Roof damage is one of the most common types of damage caused by hail. As a large, open area, roofs are frequently pelted by hail during storms, resulting in significant pock marks. Small hail may not appear to cause much damage, but enough of it can cause your roof’s shingles to crack, fold, or even fall off.
Should you then be concerned about hail? Understanding the size and impact of hail can help you determine if your roof is at risk. If you are uncertain, be sure to request an inspection from a roofer. They can identify signs of hail damage that may require roof replacement (and your insurance company may even cover it).
Hail sizes and roof damage
Consider some of the most prevalent hail damage sizes. Due to the overall force each type possesses when it lands, you’ll notice that each type has varying degrees of impact (depending on where it falls from and the amount of wind behind it).
Peanut sized hail
Mild hail storms produce hail the size of peas or even as small as barley. It measures roughly .25 inch. Typically, this type of hail lasts only a few minutes and can even appear to be heavy or frozen rain. The majority of roofs can withstand a hailstorm with hail of this size, unless the roof is already damaged or the storm lasts for an extended period. Do not ignore the possibility of damage even if you don’t notice any damage from the ground or any damage to your cars. If your roof was subjected to pea-sized hail for two to five minutes, it may have significant impact spots that require repair.
hail the size of marbles
With a diameter of approximately half an inch, hail the size of marbles may not appear much larger, but it is significantly more damaging. Even so, it is unlikely to be a problem for the majority of roofs unless they are in poor condition. If you are outside during this type of storm, you will likely be injured. It can also cause glass to shatter, particularly if it is thin. If your roof is older, you should inspect it after a hailstorm with hailstones of marble size.
Quarter- to dime-sized hail
Larger hail, such as 3/4 to 1 inch in diameter, has a greater capacity to cause damage. This hail is more likely to leave impact marks on asphalt shingle roofs, even those that are relatively new. Because it is heavier and falls so quickly, it is likely to strike the surface of the shingles, causing the edges to buckle or creating holes. Even if it appears to be in good condition from the ground, it is vital to have your roof inspected if you have dime- to quarter-sized hail.
Hail closer to 1 inch in diameter is most likely to cause substantial damage. At this size, it can damage a vehicle’s paint, as well as crack windows and dent home siding. Consider this hail to be serious.
Ping pong/ golf ball sized hailstones
The size of hail can grow to the size of a ping pong ball. This hail is at least 1.5 – to 2 inches in diameter and has greater potential than smaller hail to cause significant damage to your home. The majority of the time, this type of hail does not quickly melt away, and when it strikes the surface of the roof, it can cause significant penetration and even break off pieces. If this sized hail is hitting your home the sound of the impact would be impossible to ignore.
A roof inspection is mandatory for hail of this size or larger. Even though it is uncommon and typically lasts for only a few minutes, its potential to cause harm and injury is high. Stay inside and inspect any hail-damaged areas after the storm has passed.
Can hail get any bigger? Despite the rarity of larger hail, it is possible for it to attain larger sizes. When this occurs, there will likely be less hail, but a large hailstone striking your roof will cause damage not only to the shingles but also to the underlying structural material.
Unsure of the Size of the Hail that impacted your roof?
When you hear hail hitting your roof, you might not know how large it is. The size can be obtained from the weather station. After any significant hailstorm, it is advantageous to conduct a roof inspection, regardless of the size of the hail. In particular, have a roof inspector search for indications of damage. This may include holes, pot marks on the shingles, broken tiles, particularly if you have a clay tile roof, as well as areas of wear and tear.
How Do You Repair a Roof Affected by Hail?
Depending on the extent of the damage to the roof, repairs may be possible. Typically, repairs consist of removing the damaged sections and re-shingling the affected area. This is typically beneficial if the surrounding roof is in good condition overall.
Consider replacing your roof if there is a significant amount of damage. This provides the optimal level of protection for your home in the future. Typically, homeowner’s insurance will cover the cost of replacing your roof as a result of hail damage.
What should you do Immediately after getting hit with a hail storm?
Contact a roofing company if you notice hail damage to your home, or if you believe it may be possible. Request a quote. Many will perform a hail inspection, take photographs, and offer advice on what you can do moving forward. The good news is that this process takes only a few minutes, and you will immediately know what to do next.
