Hail is one of the biggest threats to any roof. When a hail storm comes in, you need to make sure to check your roof when the skies clear. Hail is a type of solid precipitation. Hail primarily occurs in warmer temperatures rather than its often confused counterpart sleet. Sleet and hail are confused for one another but sleet occurs when it’s cold and hail occurs when it’s warm.

How Is Hail Formed

Hail is a type of water ice. Its diameter can range from 5 mm to 15 centimeters depending on the weather conditions. Most thunderstorms create a variety of hail but most of it melts before it reaches a roof or the ground. When hail does strike, it can be loud, unnerving and depending on where it hits, it can be very damaging to cars, roofs and even people stranded out in it.

Weather satellites, radar detection and other storm chasing methods have developed ways to determine where hail will strike and the potential consequences of such a storm. While this isn’t foolproof, it can be a warning sign for those looking to prevent damage and seek shelter before a bad hail storm hits. Everything from air flow, friction, wind and other conditions can make it difficult to pinpoint exactly when and how a storm will hit an area. Predicting hail storms isn’t a concrete science, yet.

What Is Hail Damage?

Hail damage occurs when hail strikes an object and causes some sort of lasting issue. Hail damage can occur to human beings, animals and objects, such as roofs or cars. Roofs and cars are particularly susceptible to hail damage because they’re left out in its path.

Hail damage to a roof can cause significant issues for a home owner, especially if left unattended. Once hail damage occurs, your shingles, vents and even gutters can begin to leak or create drafts. The longer these issues go on, the more problems they can cause down the line requiring you to get your roof repaired or replaced. This adds up quickly and as soon as a hail storm is over, you should use our guide to look for hail damage. If you suspect hail damage, but aren’t quite sure, contact us today for a free estimate.