How to Determine if Your Roof Has Suffered Hail Damage?
There are several key factors to consider when assessing potential hail damage on a roof or other surfaces, such as the size of the hail, the material it strikes, and the angle at which it impacts.
The Role of Hailstone Size in Damage
Firstly, the size of the hailstone plays a critical role in the extent of damage it can cause. Essentially, the primary force driving a hailstone is gravity. Thus, a larger, heavier hailstone will impact with greater force compared to a smaller one. To put it simply, think about whether you’d prefer a baseball or a bowling ball dropped on your foot—the same principle applies to hail: the smaller the stone, the lesser the impact.
Material Resilience and Impact Variation
Secondly, the material that the hail hits is crucial. As has been noted, different materials have varying degrees of resilience. For instance, various grades and thicknesses of metal are used in cars and roofing. Shingles, a common roofing material, may react differently to hail impact compared to metal. An anecdote to illustrate this: During a severe storm, my car and my father’s were parked next to each other without any cover. Despite the barrage of golf ball-sized hail, my car remained unmarked, whereas my father’s vehicle sustained multiple dings and dents on the roof and hood. This discrepancy was likely due to my car having a slightly thicker gauge of metal.
Influence of Hail Impact Angle
Thirdly, the angle of hail impact, which is largely influenced by wind conditions, also affects the type and degree of damage. Hail driven by sideways winds can cause damage in different patterns compared to hail that falls vertically. For example, in one instance, hail that fell almost straight down predominantly damaged the top surfaces of vehicles, such as my dad’s car. Conversely, another friend’s car, caught in a hailstorm with high winds, showed minimal damage on the roof but significant dents on the sides due to the lateral impact of the hailstones.
General Considerations and Damage Potential
In general, hailstones the size of a quarter or larger are likely to cause damage to the average car and can result in painful injuries, as I’ve experienced firsthand. When it comes to hail damage roof repair and other materials like windows, it’s more challenging to predict the effects due to varying material grades and types. The diverse reactions of materials to hail impact underscore the importance of considering all these factors when evaluating hail damage.
In case you need assistance regarding Roofing & Exteriors Services, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our proficient team at Toro Exteriors.
