What is Hail?
Hail is precipitation in the form of a chunk of ice that can fall from a cumulonimbus cloud. Usually associated with multicell, supercell and cold front induced squall line thunderstorms, most hail falls from the central region of a cloud in a severe storm. Hail begins as tiny ice pellets that collide with water droplets. The optimum freezing level for hail formation is from 8,000 to 10,000 feet.
The water droplets attach themselves to the ice pellets and begin to freeze as strong updraft winds toss the pellets and droplets back up into the colder regions of the upper levels of the cloud. As the attached droplets freeze, the pellets become larger. Then, both gravity and downdraft thunderstorm winds pull the pellets back down, where they encounter more droplets that cling and freeze as the pellets are thrown, once again, back up through the cloud.
The more times a hailstone is tossed up and down through the cloud, the larger the hailstone will be. Hailstones the size of softballs withstand many more trips up and down through the cloud than pea-sized hailstones. To create pea-sized hail (about 1/2 inch in diameter), winds within the thunderstorm updraft will generally be around 20 miles per hour. Quarter size hail (3/4 of an inch in diameter) requires updrafts of about 40 miles per hour.
Golf ball size hail (1 3/4 inches in diameter) needs updrafts of around 55 miles per hour and softball size hail, approximately 100 miles per hour! The largest hailstone ever measured in the United States fell at Coffeyville, Kansas, on September 3, 1970. It weighed 1.67 pounds and measured 17.5 inches in circumference.
The two main types of damage caused by a hailstorm to your composition roof are granule loss, exposing the underlying mat and rupturing the shingle mat. Loss of granules will shorten the life expectancy of the roof. Since the hailstones have removed the granules, the matting is now exposed to the elements. In addition, the UV rays from the sun over time can cause the mat to crack, adversely affecting the water-shedding ability the roof previously had.
Rupturing of the mat is the more severe of the two types of hail damage. This is caused by larger hailstones impacting the shingle. When a shingle's mat has been ruptured, the granules are gone, cracking or a hole is visible in places where the hail impacted the shingle. This dramatically affects the shingles' intended purpose of shedding water.
Any time a shingle loses its water-shedding ability, whether from granule loss or rupturing of the mat, water can start to deteriorate your roofing system. Once the water reaches the roof fasteners, causing corrosion or the butted joints in the roof decking, water will be permitted to enter the building.
You can seldom see roof damage caused by hail from the ground. Most people not trained in detecting hail damage cannot identify hail damage even while on the roof correctly.
Contact us for a free roof inspection, and one of our trained personnel will come out and inspect your roof for any kind of damage. You will then get a full-color report on the condition of your roof for free!
What is Hail? Understanding Hail and Hail Damage Repair Services
We here at Champion Roofing, are committed to safeguarding your home from the unpredictable and potentially damaging effects of hail. As a leading expert in roof replacement and repair, we understand the significance of protecting your investment and ensuring the longevity of your home's roofing system. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the nature of hail, its impact on roofs, and the signs of roof hail damage that necessitate our premier hail damage repair services.
What is Hail?
Hail is a natural meteorological phenomenon characterized by the formation of solid ice pellets that fall from thunderstorm clouds. These pellets, known as hailstones, vary in size and can inflict considerable damage when they impact various surfaces, including roofs. The formation of hail occurs when updrafts in a storm cloud carry raindrops into extremely cold regions of the atmosphere, causing them to freeze into ice balls. As these hailstones are lifted and fall repeatedly within the storm cloud, additional layers of ice accumulate, resulting in larger hailstones.
Hail Damage and Your Roof
Roof hail damage is a common consequence of severe hailstorms, and it can compromise the integrity of your roofing system. Hailstones can vary in size from small pellets to larger, more destructive pieces, leading to a range of damages. The impact of hail can cause granule loss, bruising, cracks, and punctures to the roofing materials. Over time, if left unaddressed, these damages can lead to leaks, mold growth, and structural issues within your home.
Signs of Roof Hail Damage
Recognizing the signs of roof hail damage is crucial in preventing further issues and addressing repairs promptly. At Champion Roofing, we are dedicated to helping homeowners identify the following indicators of roof hail damage:
Dented or Bruised Shingles: Hailstones can leave noticeable dents or bruises on the surface of asphalt shingles. These indentations may not always be immediately visible, but they can weaken the shingle's protective layer.
Granule Loss: Hail impact can result in the loss of granules from the surface of shingles. These granules serve as a protective layer, shielding the shingles from the sun's UV rays and providing durability.
Cracks in Shingles: Hailstones can cause cracks in shingles, making them vulnerable to water infiltration. Cracked shingles compromise the roof's ability to shed water effectively, leading to leaks and potential water damage.
Gutter and Downspout Damage: Hail can also damage gutters and downspouts. Check for dents, cracks, or any signs of impact that may affect the proper drainage of rainwater from your roof.
Visible Water Stains on Ceilings: Interior signs of roof hail damage include water stains on ceilings and walls. If you notice discoloration or water spots inside your home, it may be an indication of a compromised roof.
Champion Roofing's Premier Hail Damage Repair Services
At Champion Roofing, we understand the urgency of addressing roof hail damage to prevent further deterioration of your home's structural integrity. Our premier hail damage repair services are designed to offer swift and effective solutions, ensuring your peace of mind and the longevity of your roofing system.
Thorough Inspection: Our experienced roofing professionals conduct a comprehensive inspection to assess the extent of hail damage. This involves a meticulous examination of the roof's surface, shingles, gutters, and other components.
Prompt Repairs: Once the assessment is complete, our team executes prompt and precise repairs to address the identified hail damage. Whether it's replacing damaged shingles, fixing cracks, or reinforcing weakened areas, we take the necessary steps to restore your roof to its optimal condition.
Quality Materials: Champion Roofing uses high-quality materials for all repairs, ensuring the durability and longevity of the restored roofing system. We prioritize the use of materials that match your existing roof, maintaining the aesthetic appeal of your home.
Seamless Communication: Throughout the repair process, we maintain open and transparent communication with homeowners. We keep you informed about the progress of repairs, timelines, and any additional recommendations for maintaining the integrity of your roof.
As a homeowner, being proactive in addressing roof hail damage is essential to protecting your investment and maintaining the comfort and safety of your home. Champion Roofing's expertise in roof replacement and repair, coupled with our premier hail damage repair services, positions us as the go-to roofing company in Oklahoma City. Don't let hail damage compromise the structural integrity of your roof – trust Champion Roofing to deliver exceptional solutions and safeguard your home from the elements. Contact us for a no-obligation assessment and drone inspection.