Should you choose a hail-resistant roof?
As any lifelong Texan will tell you, hailstorms can happen any time of the year. With that in mind, it makes hail-resistant roofs look like a smart move. Choosing a hail-resistant roof in Dallas, TX is always a good idea because it can potentially save your home a lot of damage. Keeping this in mind, what should you think about if you’re interested in a hail-resistant roof for your home or building? And which kind of hail-resistant roof is the best option for your needs?
What are considered hail-resistant roofs?
Hail-resistant roofs are one that the material, whether it is asphalt shingles or metal roofing, meets the requirements to be rated Class 3 or Class 4 under UL2218 testing. Class 4 has the highest rating, which slate tile roofing falls under.
What is the testing process of materials for hail-resistant roofs?
Various sizes of steel balls are dropped from a 12-foot height onto the roofing materials, and the damage is examined. The steel balls range between 1.25 inches and 2 inches in diameter. For a Class 4 rating of hail-resistant roofs, the steel ball is dropped twice and the roofing doesn’t crack.
Hailstones travel at high incredible speeds and make an unbelievable impact. A roofing material that doesn’t meet the Class 4 requirement for hail-resistant roofs, will be rated Class 1 or Class 2. Fortunately, here in the Dallas, Texas area, baseball-sized hailstones aren’t normal.
What kind of damage can hailstones cause?
There isn’t an ‘official’ measurement scale for the size of hailstones and the damage they can do. With this part of Texas being at the bottom part of Tornado Alley, choosing a material that is proven for hail-resistant roofs. Some general measurements are:
- Pea-size hailstones averaging 1/4 inch in diameter are the smallest average size of hailstones and are non-threatening, doing little to no damage.
- Marble-size hailstone averaging 1/2 inch in diameter and have the potential to cause damage to gardens, plants, and tree leaves, coming down at about 20mph.
- Grape-size hailstone averaging 3/4 inch in diameter or larger and can cause significant damage like stripping the leaves off trees, and plants, and destroying gardens.
- Walnut-size hailstones averaging 7/8 inch in diameter are considered severe hailstorms that can break glass, damage painted surfaces, and dent metal surfaces.
- Golf Ball-size hailstones that average between 1 inch and 1 ¾ inch are considered destructive hail that can break roofing tiles, and tree branches, damage cars, and kill birds and small animals.
- Softball-size hailstones that average between 2 ½ to 3 inches in diameter can destroy shingles and tiled roofing, knocking down trees, and can seriously injure anyone caught in the storm.
- Grapefruit-size hailstones that average between 3 ½ and 4 inches in diameter are considered major hailstorms that can cause death and destroy concrete roofs, and walls, and knock over trees.
- Melon-size hailstones that are 4 inches in diameter or larger, and often travel at 48mph or faster, destroying brick and wooden structures, and killing anyone that is out in the storm.
What is the lifespan of hail-resistant roofs?
A quality material used for hail-resistant roofs that are professionally installed and have proper maintenance by the homeowner could last up to 100 years when using hail-resistant roofs of slate and tile. Asphalt hail-resistant roofs have a lifespan between 40 and 50 years.
Can hail damage to roofs be prevented?
Mother Nature is gonna do what she’s gonna do, so you can’t stop hailstones from hitting the roof, but you can do a few things to minimize the damage to your home and surrounding area:
- The roof: The roof will incur the most damage, so make sure you have the best roofing material possible and have it inspected by a professional roofing contractor every 2 to 3 years. When they suggest it is time to replace the roof, get several quotes and follow through.
- Anchor or Store Outdoor Furniture: Any outdoor furniture and décor should be anchored down or stored when storms are in the forecast.
- Intentional Landscaping: Choose your landscaping with high winds in mind. The right stuff in the right position can provide a barrier to the acts of Mother Nature.
- Keep Trees Pruned: Keeping trees trimmed is essential for protection against high winds, especially on the roof and close to windows.
- Move Cars to Garage: When storms are in the forecast, make sure your cars are in the garage or under a carport.
Staying On Top Of Things: Are hail-resistant shingles worth it?
When it comes time to replace your current roof, choosing a roofing material that has been proven ideal for hail-resistant roofs is well worth the extra money. Not only will your home be protected from the storm, but with a higher equality of shingles, you won’t need to replace your roof for another 30 to 40 years or longer, if ever! If you’re interested in hail-resistant roofs in Dallas, TX remember to reach out to our team. We can be there to help walk you through your options and provide you with the installation services you need.