Roofs function to protect your home from weather and other elements. A hailstorm is one example of weather conditions that your roof will encounter. Different types of roofing like All roofing types like shingles, tiles, and shakes can be damaged by hail. On the other hand, metal roofs are proven to be highly resistant to hail damage. It offers superior performance and durability even in hail conditions.
It’s a common misconception that hailstones can dent metal panels. In fact, metal roofs can handle hail better than traditional roof types. It can even stand against normal hailstones from a severe storm. While extremely large hailstones can cause dents or punctures, small-sized stones will not affect an impact-resistant metal roof. Continue reading to learn more:
Factors Affecting the Degree of Hail Damage on a Roof
Although metal roofs are resistant to damage, there’s still a chance of small dents forming on the surface. Whether it’s cosmetic or physical damage, the degree of hail damage on your roofing system depends on the following:
- Hail Size
- Wind Speed (mph)
- Roofing Material
- Age of Roofing Material
- Roof Slope
- Metal Thickness
- Structural Support of Metal Roof
- Paint System Finish
- Textured Finish
Denting vs. Puncturing
If hail damage occurs to a metal roof, you can expect small dents but not structural problems or punctures. With that being said, let’s discuss the differences between puncture and dent.
Dents are shallow, round deformations that are usually produced by an impact. Most hail dents are shallow and can only affect the outer layer of the surface. Depending on the size of the hail, dents on your metal roof are easy to repair. Dents are considered cosmetic or aesthetic issues, which won’t cause the entire roofing system to fail. You can fix dents without having to do any structural improvements to the metal roof.
The thickness of your metal roof can influence the degree of denting. As the metal thickness increases, the gauge decreases. This means that 16-gauge steel is thicker and less susceptible to damage than a 22-gauge metal roof. In the United States, the most common gauges for metal roofing are 29, 26, 24, and 22 gauge. We recommend using a 24-gauge metal roof for your home.
In contrast, punctures are small holes caused by a pointed object. Punctures caused by hailstones are more common in asphalt shingles than on metal roofs. However, massive hailstones can still cause damage if they are traveling at high speeds. In case of hail damage, it’s better to inspect your metal roof and have it repaired right away. Punctures can cause a roof leak that might go undetected.
How To Tell if a Roof Has Hail Damage
Check Your Gutters
Hail damage to your roof might be hard to spot. If it’s unsafe to walk on the roof, check your gutters first. These two areas can be good indicators of hail damage. You may inspect your gutters and downspouts for any signs of dings, dents, and splatter marks.
Inspect Your Siding
Next, look around your siding and check to see if any damage is present. Substantial hail can cause dents and puncture marks on the siding. Aside from dents and scratches, hail can cause chipped paint on the wall cladding of your home. Any form of damage to the siding indicates that the metal roof should be checked.
Hire a Professional Roofer
If it’s your first time doing a roof inspection, we don’t recommend going the DIY route. Roof work is a hazardous job, which might lead to bodily injuries. It’s best to hire a professional roofer who knows how to walk on a metal roof safely to check for hail damage. No need to put yourself in danger to look into the condition of your metal roof.
Get a Free Quote Today
When it comes to metal repairs and installations, Pittsburgh Metal Roofing is a top choice in Pennsylvania and the surrounding areas. We offer a variety of roofing services for both our residential and commercial clients. Our team of roofing experts is ready to provide you with top-notch roofing solutions.
All our metal roof products are durable, cost-effective, and built to stand up against hail and storm damage. With a wide variety of colors and styles to choose from, we have exactly what you need! Call us today for a roof estimate!