In 2007, a 5.5-inch hailstone hit Port Edwards, Wisconsin, making it the second largest hailstone size to ever hit the state. Since then, it seems like the frequency of hailstorms has been increasing each year.
If you’re also living in Wisconsin, you’re likely familiar with the unpredictability of its harsh weather. If you’ve recently experienced a hailstorm, one of your biggest concerns is likely your roof. While not every storm causes damage, it is worth knowing when damage is severe enough to require you to replace your roof. How much hail damage does it take to warrant a full roof replacement? Let’s go over it together.
Hail Damage: It’s Not Always Obvious
Hail damage isn’t always easy to spot, especially from the ground. While a few dents on your gutters or some shredded shingles might seem minor, the real issue involves what you can’t see. Hail can compromise the protective layers of your roofing system, setting you up for leaks, mold, and expensive repairs down the road.
As a reputable roofing contractor, we’ve inspected thousands of roofs across Wisconsin, and one thing is always clear: waiting too long to assess the damage can cost you more in the long run. This is why if your roof has suffered from storm damage, it’s best to book an inspection with your local roofing contractor right away.
What Determines Whether a Roof Needs to Be Replaced?
Not all hailstorms cause equal forms of damage, and not all damage leads to a full replacement. Here’s what we look at:
Shingle Damage
Bruising: When hail hits your roof, it can dislodge the protective granules from the shingles, leaving behind soft spots known as bruises. These bruises may not cause immediate leaks, but they compromise the long-term durability of the shingles, leaving your roof more vulnerable to future storms and moisture intrusion.
Cracks or Splits: Larger hailstones cause shingles that are old or brittle to crack or split apart. These cracks may expose the underlayment or decking, creating entry points for water. Left unrepaired, these openings can lead to water stains on ceilings, structural rot, and insulation damage.
Granule Loss: Shingles are coated with granules that help protect against UV rays and harsh weather. When hail strips these granules off, your shingles begin to break down faster. Granule loss also reduces your roof’s ability to shed water properly, leading to potential leaks and a shorter lifespan overall.
If damage like this is present on multiple slopes or across large sections of your roof, replacement is often more practical and cost-effective than attempting gradual repairs.
Size of the Hail
The size of the hail that hits your home plays a big role in determining how much damage occurs. Here’s a general breakdown:
Hail Less Than 1 inch (Pea-Sized):
This size is unlikely to cause serious damage unless your roof is already compromised by age or previous wear and tear. Still, it’s smart to monitor for signs of minor damage over time.
Hail 1 to 1.75 Inches (Nickel to Golf Ball-Sized):
This size of hail is large enough to damage asphalt shingles, dent metal, and break tiles. You might see bruising, cracks, or even a few missing shingles. It’s essential to have your roof inspected after this type of storm.
Hail Larger Than 1.75 Inches (Bigger Than a Golf Ball):
Hailstones of around 1.75 or 2 inches do occur in Wisconsin, and this is severe. Damage from hailstones this large is often extensive and warrants a professional inspection right away. In most cases, a full roof replacement becomes a serious consideration, especially if multiple slopes are affected.
Type of Roofing Material
Different roofing materials respond to hail in distinct ways, and that affects both the type of damage you might see and whether a full replacement will be needed.
Asphalt Shingles: These are the most common roofing material in Wisconsin due to affordability and versatility. Asphalt shingles offer moderate resistance to hail, but can still suffer from granule loss, cracking, and bruising.
Metal Roofs: Metal roofs are highly durable and typically resistant to punctures, but they do dent under large hail. While dents may not cause immediate leaks, they can affect the roof’s appearance and resale value, over time affecting the integrity of the metal seams. If dents are widespread, or if seams or fasteners have been compromised, replacement may be the smarter move.
Wood Shakes: These provide a rustic look and natural insulation but are especially prone to splitting and cracking under hail impact. Because each shake is unique and less uniform than asphalt or metal, repairs can be tricky.
Insurance and Roof Replacement
Many homeowners wonder if insurance will cover their roof replacement after they fail, and they tend to, as long as the damage is significant. However, there tend to be many catches with this, such as needing an inspection report from a qualified roofing contractor.
Also Read: Does Homeowners Insurance Cover A Roof Replacement?
When Does Hail Damage Justify a Full Replacement?
Here’s a rule of thumb we usually follow: If more than 25% of the roof has damaged shingles, a replacement is typically more cost-effective than repairs. Now, this is not a hard and fast rule, but what we mean is that if more than 1/4th of the roof seems damaged, and your roof has already been around for a significant number of years, it is a good idea to replace your roof.
Why?
- Patching multiple areas leads to uneven lifespan across parts of the roof
- Repairs can be obvious and affect resale value
- Many insurance companies won’t pay for partial repairs if a full replacement is the more responsible fix
Some shingle brands also come with warranties that require a full replacement if a certain amount of damage is present, so always check your warranty ahead of time.
What If the Damage Isn’t Immediate?
Some hail damage doesn’t show up right away. Water might seep in months later, causing mold or insulation issues. That’s why, even if everything looks fine after a storm, we recommend a professional inspection.
How to Prevent Future Hail Damage
After your roof has been repaired or replaced due to hail damage, it’s important to take proactive steps to protect your roof from future storms. Preventative measures can help extend the lifespan of your roof, reduce the risk of damage, and save you money on future repairs.
Regular Roof Maintenance:
Regularly maintaining your roof can go a long way in preventing damage from hail and other weather-related issues. Keep an eye on the overall condition of your roof, and address small problems before they turn into larger, more expensive roof repairs.
Trimming Overhanging Trees:
Tree branches that hang over your roof can become dangerous during a hailstorm. High winds combined with hail can cause branches to break off and damage your roof. Trimming back trees and removing dead or weak branches can reduce this risk and keep your roof safe from falling debris.
Investing in Impact-Resistant Roofing Materials:
One of the most effective ways to prevent hail damage in the future is to upgrade your roofing materials to impact-resistant options. While these materials can be more expensive upfront, they are designed to withstand larger hailstones.
For example, Class 4 impact-rated shingles pass what’s known as the ‘steel ball’ test and have a UL 2218 certification. They can sustain hail around 2 inches in size. Impact-resistant shingles, metal roofs, and synthetic materials are all great options for added protection.
Time To Protect Your Roof With Prestige Roofing LLC
If your roof is damaged by hail and you want to repair or replace it, look no further than the team at Prestige Roofing LLC.
National chains or out-of-state contractors often swoop in after a storm, but they don’t know Wisconsin roofs the way we do. We understand the climate, the common architectural styles, and the insurance landscape we’re dealing with. Give us a call today at (920) 791-0414 to get started with a free roof inspection.