The June 11 hailstorm that swept across the Twin Cities, dropping temperatures 15 degrees in two hours, brought “hail in sheets,” according to the Star Tribune, and “hail so thick that it resembled several inches of snow.” What did it do to Minneapolis homeowners’ roofs? Twin Cities roofers can answer that: it wreaked havoc with our area’s roofs, and kept those Twin Cities roofers busy for many weeks.
How Hail Damages Roofs and Siding
Hail is simply frozen precipitation, but unlike sleet, freezing rain or snow, hail has been recycled several times before it falls. NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center tells us that hail forms when storm updrafts carry water droplets well above the freezing level, forming hailstones. The hailstones grow with additional water freezing onto each of them. This means hail can be very small to very large (softball size), so the range of rooftop and exterior wall damage can be vast.
Small hail will break the bond holding granules to fiberglass-asphalt shingles. As the hailstone size increases, it can dimple the shingle surface, or, if the hailstone is massive enough, punch ragged holes in the shingle.
The pitch (angle) of your roof affects hail damage. A steeper roof will deflect hail more, so Twin Cities roofers know to expect greater hail damage in lower-sloping roofs. Wind can carry hail at an angle into your home’s siding.
Total Package
A hailstorm is a total package of destructive forces. Twin Cities roofers know hailstorms bring the hail, high winds that can quickly change direction, and a lot of water. Shingles, tiles and even some metal roofing can be dented, cracked or torn loose.
Hailstones vary in density as well as mass, so even pea-sized but dense hail can tear up roofing and siding. Larger hailstones, with greater density and mass, can actually tear off gutters, crack wood shakes and split vinyl siding. Heavy hail can easily puncture underlayment and sheathing.
Bad Day?
Hail need not ruin your day. Two calls to your insurance company and one of the best Twin Cities roofers, Midwest Roofing, Siding & Windows, Inc., can start you on the road to making things right. By partnering with Midwest Roofing, Siding & Windows, you can get siding repair and roof repair from the same contractor, simplifying the claims process and restoration. Contact us today to hear how handily we heal your home’s hurt from hail. (There — did that make you smile?)
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