Hailstorms pummel U.S. homes with billions in annual damage, but your roof material makes all the difference. Metal and impact-resistant shingles withstand larger hailstones than standard asphalt, while proper maintenance and quick post-storm action can prevent minor damage from becoming costly disasters.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recorded over 4,600 major hailstorms across the United States in 2020, and these storms caused billions of dollars in property damage nationwide. Homeowners face real risks from hail damage that can start small but grow into expensive problems over time, says Gold Roofing, Inc.
Understanding which materials work best and how to maintain your roof properly can save you thousands in repair costs.
The type of roof you have determines how well it handles falling ice during storms.
Standard asphalt shingles start showing damage when hailstones reach about one inch across, which happens regularly during storms. The impact breaks down the protective granule coating and exposes the material underneath to water damage.
Metal roofing handles hail much better than traditional options because it can resist stones up to 2.5 inches wide without breaking through. Copper and steel are the most popular metal choices for areas that get frequent hail. Stone-coated steel gives you the strength of metal while still looking like regular shingles if appearance matters to you.
Impact-resistant shingles earn a Class 4 rating by surviving multiple hits from two-inch steel balls during laboratory testing. These shingles use a rubberized backing that stops the core material from cracking when hail strikes. Insurance companies often give discounts for installing Class 4 shingles because they know these products reduce claim costs over time.
Concrete and clay tiles last between 50 and 100 years while resisting fire, rot, and insect damage naturally. The thickness of tile roofing makes it naturally strong against hail impact, though individual tiles can crack during extremely severe storms.
Checking your roof twice per year: Look for loose or missing shingles, damaged flashing around chimneys, and old sealant that might let water inside. Replacing a few damaged shingles costs far less than fixing water damage that spreads through your ceiling and walls.
Ensure Proper Attic Ventilation: Poor ventilation traps moisture that rots the wood underneath your shingles and weakens the entire structure. When hail hits a roof that already has moisture problems, it causes failures that might not happen on a properly ventilated system.
Keep Your Roof Clear: Tree branches and leaves that pile up on your roof create extra problems during hailstorms. This debris becomes dangerous when combined with high winds that typically come with severe weather events. Keep tree branches trimmed at least six feet away from your roof to prevent both direct damage and moisture buildup.
Maintain Clean Gutters: Clogged gutters force water backward under your shingles and create pools on the roof surface that find ways to leak inside. Cleaning your gutters twice each year prevents these overflow problems and protects your home during rapid weather changes.
Take photos of all visible damage to shingles, gutters, vents, and dented metal surfaces as soon as the hail stops falling. Insurance adjusters need this evidence to process claims accurately, and good documentation prevents arguments about how much damage actually occurred.
Apply Temporary Protection: Place buckets under any active leaks and cover damaged spots with plastic sheeting to stop water from getting inside your home. These temporary fixes prevent additional damage like mold growth, ceiling collapse, and electrical hazards while you wait for professional repairs. Move furniture and valuable items away from any areas where the roof looks compromised to avoid secondary losses.
Get a professional inspection after any hailstorm: Contractors trained in hail damage assessment look for specific signs that tell them whether repairs will work or if you need complete replacement. Hidden damage to underlayment, cracked decking, and broken waterproofing layers often go unnoticed during quick visual checks but causes expensive failures within months.
Report damage to your insurance company promptly: Delays can result in denials or disputes about whether later storms caused additional harm to your property. Working with roofing contractors experienced in insurance documentation helps you navigate the claims process and ensures everything gets properly recorded.
Thermal imaging cameras detect moisture from hail damage that remains invisible during normal visual inspections of your roof surface. Temperature variations show up in infrared scans and allow contractors to map every area where water has gotten through.
Drone surveys capture detailed photos of entire roof surfaces without requiring anyone to climb dangerous ladders or walk on steep slopes. High-resolution aerial photography provides permanent records that support insurance claims and help you track how damage changes over time.
Contractors familiar with local building codes ensure repairs meet current standards that may have changed since your home was originally built. Colorado adopted stricter wind resistance requirements in recent years, and repairs must comply with modern rules even when older construction predates these changes.
Finding materials that match older roofs presents real challenges because manufacturers discontinue product lines and change colors over time. Perfect matches become impossible in many cases, which means you need skilled contractors who understand how to blend new materials with existing surfaces. Protecting your roof from hail damage requires choosing resistant materials, maintaining systems regularly, and responding quickly when storms strike.
