August 15 2023

Kansas Living: Is Your Roof Hail Storm Ready?

As a resident of Kansas, you are no stranger to storms.

Because of its location, Kansas finds itself the recipient of two ongoing fronts of weather. We get cold, dry air from the north. And this meshes with warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico.

And you guessed it: this combination of weather patterns create the perfect stage for severe thunderstorms. And while some storms are certainly more severe than others, we have all seen their potential. It is not uncommon to experience high winds, tornadoes, and hail in Kansas.

There are all sorts of precautions that residents take during these times. One such precaution is making sure their roof is hail ready. After all, it is no secret that roof damage from hail is common in Kansas. In fact, the statistics are not on our side when it comes to hail roof damage.

Among the Top 10 states with hail loss claims in 2019, Kansas ranked #4. In that year alone, Kansas had over 50,000 hail loss claims. And these are just when we look at insurance claims. How many homeowners experience roof damage from hail and don’t realize it?

While you can’t always predict the weather, there are precautions you can take when it comes to preventing your roof from damage. It’s important to know how to spot hail damage on a roof, and make considerations for future proofing as well.

Roof Damage From Hail

First and foremost, it is important to note that not all hail will damage a roof. Even if you have a traditional roof without impact resistant shingles, storm damage is not a sure thing. Size of hail, for example, plays a significant role in damaging your roof.

So how big of hail damages a roof? The common rule of thumb is if hail is at least one inch in diameter, there might be damage. Obviously, hail of this size can make quite an impact. But hail doesn’t have to be this big to cause damage.

There are other factors that play a role as well, such as wind speed. If hail is tight and firm enough, winds only add to the problem. Wind and hail are never a good mix for any surface, and roofs are no exception.

And to add to the mix, roof damage from hail is more likely without an impact resistant roof. As mentioned, winds and hail make a dangerous duo. But if you have an older roof, it’s more susceptible to damage, and will result in a bigger problem.

After a hail storm, the best thing to do is look for signs of hail damage.

Knowing Signs of Hail Roof Damage

It’s no secret all the elements can cause roof damage in some way. But how do you know when it’s from hail? And how is roof damage from hail different from roof blistering? Well, hail damages a roof in a particular way.

Hail roof damage appears as small dents. These are easier to spot on asphalt shingles than wood shingles, for example, because they have more give. However, the surface of asphalt shingles can make it tricky to spot hail damage from the ground.

And if you are wondering whether dents in your roof are really that problematic, the answer is yes. While there might not be an immediate problem of leaking, dented shingles are a sign of things to come. Essentially, hail loosens the granules from your shingles. Enough of this and you too could lose your overhead protection.

Don’t Hesitate

Even traditional asphalt shingled roofs can last up to 30 years, but hail damage can shorten this lifetime. If your home is an area prone to storms, especially hail, then speak with a professional about your options. After all, hail damage only leads to more damage.

Hail damage doesn’t always result in a leaky roof; taking steps to care for your roof and upgrade if necessary is essential to the stability of your entire home. Consider your options when it comes to upgrading to an impact resistant roof. And even if you have years left on your roof, having a roofing inspection is still a good idea.

It’s best practice to have your roof looked at occasionally, especially living in Kansas. Like any maintenance, staying on top of it is the only way to be sure you are in good hands. Speak to our professional roofing team and see where you stand. We can tell you if your roof is hail storm ready, or if it is time to consider different options.