Hail can occur in any strong thunderstorm, which means hail is a threat everywhere.
Hail can damage roof coverings and shorten the life of a roof. Hail can also cause damage to siding, windows, fences, lawn furniture, vehicles and other property.
Knowing which roof coverings better resist hail impacts can save you trouble and money. If you are replacing or repairing your roof covering, make sure the material has a Class 4 rating from Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 2218 standard, or FM 4473 standard.
Select a reputable, bonded and insured roofing contractor. Members of the National Roof Contractors Association (NRCA) are usually a good choice as they are normally up-to-date on the latest issues and product requirements. Some roofing manufacturers also have training and certification programs for roofers installing their products.
If your local government requires a permit for re-roofing, make sure that the roofer obtains the proper building permits before starting work.
Find Collateral Damage
Seeing spatter marks or impact indentations on other items around the building are good indicators hail has occurred.
Beware of Look-Alikes!
You may find marks made from installation, man-made damage, or natural weathering that are not caused by hail impacts.
This is Hail Damage!
After you’ve identified collateral damage and ruled out non-hail imperfections, look for these indicators of hail damage.
