What Size Hail Causes Roof Damage?
Hailstorms are common in Colorado Springs, where the weather is often unpredictable. When hailstones begin to fall, it’s natural to worry about the impact they can have on your home. You might hear reports of different hail sizes and wonder, “What size is actually big enough to cause roof damage?” While large baseball-sized hailstones are certainly a concern, it’s important to understand that even small hailstones can impact on your roof’s condition and longevity. To help you visualize the hailstone sizes we’re discussing, we’ve included an infographic below. Let’s break down what different sizes of hail can do to your roof.
Quarter-Sized Hail (1″)
While often associated with plant and tree damage, quarter-sized hail can still damage your roof. These 1″ stones can create small dents or “bruises” on asphalt shingles. These points of impact are not always visible from the ground, but they cause the granules to come loose which weakens the shingle’s protective layers. Shingle granule loss leaves the asphalt layer of your shingle exposed to the sun, which can lead to cracking and rapid deterioration. Over time, this makes your roof more vulnerable to weathering and can shorten its overall lifespan.
Half Dollar-Sized Hail (1.25”)
Half-dollar-sized hail, with a diameter of about 1.25 inches, can cause varying degrees of minor to noticeable damage. These hailstones can create small dings and impact marks on shingles and leave dents in metal gutters. Cars parked outside are also at risk, often getting small dents on their body panels. While this size of hail isn’t usually considered catastrophic, the cumulative damage can lead to costly repairs for both homeowners and car owners.
Ping Pong Ball-Sized Hail (1.5”)
Ping-pong ball sized hail (1.5 inches) can leave significant damage to roofs, gutters, and vehicles. On roofs, this size of hailstone can create fractures in the shingles, compromising the material’s integrity. This can lead to leaks, which may go unnoticed at first, but can cause extensive and costly damage to the interior of a home over time. Additionally, the impact can cause noticeable dents in gutters and leave a pockmarked appearance on a vehicle, often requiring professional body work.
Golf Ball-Sized Hail (1.75″)
When hailstones grow to the size of a golf ball, the potential for damage increases significantly. Homeowners can expect to have substantial roof damage, including dents in their roof’s metalwork, like the flashing and skylight frames. Exterior paint damage can also occur. At this size, hail can cause widespread damage to an asphalt shingle roof. You’ll likely see more pronounced bruising, cracking, and a noticeable granule loss. The impact can also cause shingles to break or be torn away, leaving the underlying materials exposed to the elements.
Tennis Ball-Sized Hail (2.5″)
Hail the size of a tennis ball is a serious threat to any roof. At this size, hailstones have enough mass and velocity to cause severe damage. They create deep craters in shingles, shatter roof tiles, or even puncture the roof’s decking underneath. Damage from this hail size often requires a full roof replacement, as the structural integrity of the roof has been compromised.
Conclusion: Protecting Your Roof After a Hailstorm
The size of hail that causes roof damage isn’t limited to just the large hailstones. Even smaller hailstones can contribute to the deterioration of your roofing materials over time, potentially leading to leaks and other issues down the road. After any hailstorm in the Colorado Springs area, regardless of the size of the hail, it’s important to have your roof inspected by an experienced professional. Early detection of hail damage can prevent more significant problems and ensure your home is watertight. Don’t underestimate the impact of even small hail – it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your roof. Do you need a roof inspection? Give us a call at (719) 487-7663 or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation inspection today!
