Compared to rain and snow, hail is especially dangerous.
The potential for damage that hailstones represent often goes underappreciated by homeowners.
We are typically more worried about large-scale weather disasters like tornadoes and lightning.
If winds are high enough and atmospheric conditions are just right, baseball-sized hailstones can wreak havoc on buildings, people, and animals over a wide surface area.
The challenge for many North American homeowners is finding a roof material strong enough to resist large hailstones, yet affordable enough to be economically feasible.
This is especially true in the Mid-Western United States and in the Canadian Prairies, where large hailstones form more frequently.
Our team at Euroshield has spent years developing solutions to exactly this problem. Find out what the choices for roof materials are when it comes to protecting your home from hail.
Compared to rain and snow, hail is especially dangerous.
The potential for damage that hailstones represent often goes underappreciated by homeowners.
We are typically more worried about large-scale weather disasters like tornadoes and lightning.
If winds are high enough and atmospheric conditions are just right, baseball-sized hailstones can wreak havoc on buildings, people, and animals over a wide surface area.
The challenge for many North American homeowners is finding a roof material strong enough to resist large hailstones, yet affordable enough to be economically feasible.
This is especially true in the Mid-Western United States and in the Canadian Prairies, where large hailstones form more frequently.
Our team at Euroshield has spent years developing solutions to exactly this problem. Find out what the choices for roof materials are when it comes to protecting your home from hail.
What is the Best Roofing Option for Hail?
When you think about a hail proof roof you need to consider the entire roof system.
This includes not only the roof covering material but the deck, valley metal, other metal flashing details, vent pipes and skylights.
Under typical hail-forming conditions, faster uplifting winds result in larger hailstones.
Those winds can cause the larger hailstones to travel with greater velocity.
In order to adequately protect the people beneath it, a hail-proof roof must be impact resistant and durable.
Each of the following roofs has its own level of impact resistance but you must also consider the substrate (deck) to which the roofing material is attached to.
1. Rubber Roofing
2. Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt Shingles are a popular and inexpensive roofing option however, most do not stand up to significantly sized hail.
Class 4 asphalt shingles are not guaranteed against hail damage in writing by most manufacturers but do provide better resistance to hail impact.
If an asphalt shingle gets hit by a hailstone that is larger than 2”, it can cause a dent or depression that weakens the bond of the granular coating.
This will dramatically shorten its usable life, and often will crack the shingle itself.
You may consider getting Class 4 rated asphalt shingles if you live in an area with smaller hailstorms and hailstones not exceeding 1”.
3. Metal Roofing
Metal is a durable, fire-resistant, lightweight roofing option that offers greater longevity than asphalt shingles.
Metal roofs in light colours also act as a great heat reflector which is an advantage for warmer climates.
A metal roof can generally take the impact of a hailstorm, however, you are often left with largely visible dents if the hail is of substantial size...1.5” or greater.
Similar to a vehicle, a metal roof can dent if large hailstones impact it. This means that your surface, especially painted ones, and cosmetic appearance could be compromised.
The type and thickness of metal material matters.
Due to its characteristics, steel can resist hail better than aluminum and copper which are softer metal.
Thicker gauge, stronger metals and premium coatings will cost more at installation time.
A dented roof may or may not be covered by insurance. It is best to check with your insurer prior to making any decisions.
Let Euroshield Protect Your Home
We offer the most comprehensive written hail damage warranty in the industry and Lifetime Material Warranty, non-prorated for 50 years, on all of our roofing products across North America.
Contact us and find out how we can help you protect your home from hail.
