Up to 12 million U.S. properties per year in recent years have experienced hail damage losses, according to insurance industry data. Hail storms cost Americans money every year when heavy hailstones damage their roofs.
If you live in a hail-prone area of the country, you might have opted for a metal roof because it handles impacts much better than other roofing materials. If your metal roof has sustained damage from hail, how do you fix it?
At Authentic Restoration, we offer top-notch metal roofing services in Birmingham, Alabama; Raleigh and Rocky Mount, North Carolina; and Noblesville, Indiana. Our experts will share some tips for what you can do about metal roof hail damage.
Need help with an insurance claim? Call us at 833-318-7663!
Factors That Affect Hail Damage
While the durability of your roof’s material plays a large part in how much damage you’ll see after a hail storm, other factors can also have an effect, such as:
- Size of the hail
- Wind speed
- Degree of the roof slope
- The roof’s support structure
Most hailstones are less than two inches in diameter, but intense storms may produce larger chunks of ice that cause significant damage. The force of the hailstone’s impact on your roof depends on how fast it falls. The more quickly it travels, the more powerful the crash.
The slope of your roof also affects damage by hail. Flatter surfaces are more likely to dent, but a steep slope makes the impact less severe. The amount of support underneath also makes a difference in how durable the material is when something collides with it. Sturdy supports prevent the metal from flexing, making dents less likely to occur.
How Well Do Metal Roofs Resist Hail Damage?
Metal roofs are a popular option because they are incredibly durable and long-lasting compared to other roofing materials. In materials like asphalt shingles, hail can tear or puncture your roof. These holes let in water, which causes leaks and mold growth.
However, when hail strikes metal roofing panels, they’re highly unlikely to puncture. Instead, you may see cosmetic damage such as dents and dings.
Impact Rating
The sturdiness of your metal roof depends on its UL 2218 rating. The Underwriters Laboratories (UL) perform safety tests on various products, and the UL 2218 rating determines the material’s level of impact resistance. The levels range from Class 1 to Class 4, with Class 4 being the highest rating.
During the UL 2218 test, the lab will drop two-inch steel balls onto the material’s surface from about 20 feet in the air. To earn a Class 4 rating, the material cannot break open. Metal roofs typically have a UL 2218 Class 4 rating, meaning they are very impact-resistant and stand up well to hail storms.
Type of Metal Roof
You may choose your metal roof based on curb appeal, but certain types are more durable than others. If you live in an area that sees a lot of heavy hail storms, you may want to consider the thickness and texture of your metal roof.
Metal roofing panels come in different thicknesses, known as the gauge. The gauge is thicker the lower the number is. For example, a 26-gauge metal roof is thinner than a 22-gauge. Thicker metals are less likely to dent, so you should choose a lower gauge if roofing hail damage is common in your region.
There are many types of metal roofing systems, and specific ones may work better against hail. A standing seam metal roof has concealed fasteners, meaning that a barrier exists between the elements and the critical parts of your roofing system. Corrugated panels can also reduce the impact of hailstones and the appearance of dents.
How to File an Insurance Claim for Metal Roof Hail Damage
Some insurance companies will discount your policy for having a metal roof since it gives you better protection than other roofing materials. If dents appear on your metal roof after a hail storm, the insurance may cover repairs for the cosmetic damage. However, some policies only cover structural damage, so be sure to check if your coverage is suitable for your needs.
Follow these steps to file an insurance claim for hail damage:
- Report the damage to your insurance company.
- Work with a roofing contractor to get an estimate for repairs. Ensure that you get the cost of restoring your roof to its original condition.
- Find a trusted roofing contractor that works with your insurance. Many companies, like ours, will help you every step of the way through insurance claims and roof repairs.
The Best Professional Roofing Company in Three States: Alabama, North Carolina, and Indiana
Was your metal roof damaged by hail? At Authentic Restoration, we provide exceptional roofing services for affordable prices. With over 13 years of experience, our team has the knowledge and skill to perform quality work without leaving your yard looking like a disaster zone.
If you need metal-roof hail-damage repairs, call us at Authentic Restoration at 833-318-7663 for a free estimate! We have metal roofing professionals serving Birmingham, AL; Raleigh and Rocky Mount, NC; and Noblesville, IN. Call today for an inspection.
