What Happens To Your Roof During A Hailstorm
Nov 19, 2017 
Just like every extreme weather condition, hailstorms are dreaded. Not only do they disrupt normal life they also cause massive loses. For instance, hailstorms that rocked Texas from April 10 to April 12, 2016, caused a total damage estimated to be well over $3.5 billion. These are massive losses to incur in such a short time span.
However, to when you consider the frequency of large hailstorms, you get to understand the exact effect of hailstorms. In 2016, The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported 5,601 cases of large hails storms.
But perhaps the most common damage that property owners have to contend with in the face of hailstorms is roof damage. Roofs essentially are the first line of defense in protecting the entire structure that is your house. As such, they bear the brunt of the destructive power of hailstorms.
While this is good for the safety and structural soundness of your house, it also means that your roof will have to be inspected and repaired by professionals after every hailstorm. Herein we will look at precisely what happens to your roof during hailstorms.
The Interaction Of Hailstorms With The Most Common Roof (Asphalt Shingles)
Typical modern asphalt shingles are made of a woven fiberglass core mat that is coated with the asphalt and a layer of ceramic granules. The ceramic granule protects the underlying shingle structure from UV radiation. Additionally, the layer of granules also reinforces the shingle’s structure, adds weight to the shingle, and provides color. It is thus safe to say that the granule layer is quite critical to the functioning of your roof.
During hailstorms, the most common type of damage is the granule player loss. As hail fall on the shingles, the continuous impact dislodges the granules. This is sort of damage is present even in pea-sized hailstones. Consequently, it accelerates the aging of your shingles, reducing the lifespan of your roof and increasing its susceptibility to other forms of damage.
In the event where the hailstorm contains large hailstones, the damage is even more pronounced and extensive. Due to the impact force of the large hailstones, the shingles experience bruising and in some cases fractures. When bruising occurs, it affects the entire granule layer, exposing the fiberglass mat core. This reduces the waterproof properties of the affected shingles, as well as the ability to withstand UV radiation.
In the case of fractures, the hailstones not only affect the granule layer but results in the structural damage of the shingle itself. As such, the affected shingles need to be replaced to retain the structural integrity of the shingles.
With the above in mind, it is prudent for homeowners to inspect their roofs in the wake of hailstorms. Importantly, it is the inspection should be conducted by professionals with a keen eye for detail as well as experience to know where and what to look for. Doing improves the quality of roof repairs, which increases the longevity of your roof.
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High Performance Restoration LLC
6500 Preston Rd #201
Frisco, TX 75034
(214) 396-7772
