Holy hail!

Learn how to identify hail damage on roof systems

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Editor's note: Following is the first in a two-part series addressing hail damage to roof systems. The second part, which will focus on low-slope roof systems, will appear in the June issue.

It's springtime—and time for spring storms. Energetic thunderstorms often produce hailstones in their turbulent updrafts that can wreak havoc on roof coverings. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's annual hail summaries, property damage reached an all-time high of $2.4 billion in 2001.

Because of the frequency of hail damage to roof systems, many roofing professionals, insurance professionals and homeowners mistakenly assume a roof system needs to be replaced or repaired following a hailstorm. However, this is not always the case.

To recognize hail damage on steep-slope roof systems, it is helpful to understand finished roof systems' properties and component constituents. Additionally, you should be able to recognize the effects of normal aging on a roof and the effects of various natural perils and inherent...

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Comments (3)

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Posted by Moe Bidley on 5/3/2011, User rating
Roofers have a huge conflict of interest. I've never met a roofer who never found hail damage. Just keep circling brid crap guys and call it hail.

Posted by garyl on 2/11/2010, User rating
What a crock of BS. This article has absolutely no factual merit. In fact, I would just call it lies, bold faced lies.

Posted by EdTheRoofer on 7/25/2009, User rating
Gee, I wonder if you have exclusive contracts with many of the insurance industry giants. The shingle manufacturers specifically state that a loss of granules is most definitely functional damage, regardless of fracturing of the mat or not and clearly reduces the life of the shingles installed.