Hail storms are a frequent threat to homes across America. Hailstones can punch holes in car windshields, so imagine what they can do to your roof. While no material exists that’s entirely hail-proof, you can find hail-resistant roof options to minimize the damage and protect your property.
Are you looking for a solution to hail damage? At Nelson Contracting, we provide outstanding roofing services in Lincoln, Omaha, Milford, Seward, Nebraska, and the surrounding cities. Call us today at 402-464-2418 to get your free estimate!
Why Should You Protect Your Roof From Hail Damage?
Falling hailstones can reach speeds of up to 100 miles per hour! If they hit the top of your house while going that fast, you can expect significant damage to your roofing system. If you want to avoid leaks and other damage that could cost you a lot of money to repair or replace your hail damaged roof, you should choose an impact-resistant roof material that can stand up to hail.
Repairs aren’t the only thing you could save money on. Some insurance companies may provide a discount on your home insurance if you prevent hail damage by installing an impact-resistant roof.
What Does Hail Damage Look Like?
Spotting hail damage on a roof requires careful observation and attention to detail. That’s why it’s best left up to an honest roofing professional that has a trained eye. Here are some tips for spotting hail damage on asphalt shingle roofs:
- Start examining the shingles for any signs of dents or divots. Hail may cause noticeable depressions.
- Look for missing granules on the shingles, as hail impact can cause a significant loss in granules.
- Check the gutters and downspouts for granule buildup. This indicates hail damage.
- Inspect the metal components, such as vents, flashing, and gutters, for dents or dings.
- Cracked or broken shingles are also indicative of hail damage.
- Additionally, keep an eye out for any leaks or water stains inside the house, as hail can compromise the roof’s integrity.
If you suspect your roof has hail damage, contact Nelson Contracting for a free inspection. We’ve been provide hail damage roof repair and restoration services in the Lincoln and Omaha, NE area for over 25 years!
Your Roof Might Also Have Wind Damage
Where there is hail, there is often wind. Hailstorms in Nebraska typically occur within severe weather systems like thunderstorms or tornadoes, which are characterized by strong winds. The powerful updrafts within these weather systems suspend water droplets in the atmosphere, causing them to freeze and form hail-stones.
As these hailstones grow larger, they become heavier and more susceptible to the force of the wind. The strong gusts of wind within a storm can propel hailstones horizontally, leading to their impact on various surfaces, including roofs, vehicles, and vegetation.
In addition to hail damage, it is not uncommon to witness wind roof damage, as both are commonly associated with intense and turbulent weather conditions. Missing shingles can be a telling sign of a wind damaged roof.
UL 2218 Impact Rating
The UL 2218 Impact Rating comes from the Underwriters Laboratories (UL), an independent organization that tests the safety characteristics of various products, including roof materials. To test how well a roofing material resists hail, the lab drops a steel ball onto it from high up in the air to see what damage it causes.
The UL rating ranges from Class 1 to Class 4, with Class 4 being the most impact-resistant. If a material has a rating of UL 2218 Class 3 or 4, it will have a solid resistance to hailstone impact. Some roof materials may come in higher UL 2218 rating variations, which you should pay attention to if your area sees frequent hail storms.
Hail-Resistant Roof Materials
No roof materials can entirely avoid hail damage, but some are better than others. Some materials have properties that make them more durable against impacts, minimizing the chance that hail will cause significant damage.
Below are some popular roof options for those concerned about damage from hail storms.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material in the United States because they’re affordable and they come in countless varieties. These shingles are a combination of wood fiber, paper, cellulose, and adhesive asphalt that do a good job keeping water off of your home, but they are not the most durable.
However, asphalt shingles with a UL 2218 rating do exist. If you like the look and cost of this material more than others, but you’re worried about the lack of impact resistance, you can choose a Class 3 or 4 product that will work better against hail damage.
Metal Roof Panels and Shingles
Metal roofs are relatively expensive, but they’re highly durable and long-lasting. Many metal roofs have a UL 2218 Class 4 rating, meaning they have the highest resistance against hail. However, repeated impacts from hailstones could eventually cause dents.
Thicker metal sheets can help prevent dents from making your roof look damaged and unappealing after a few powerful hail storms. Also, instead of choosing a smooth metal roof that shows every speck of wear and tear, you could go with corrugated metal to lessen the appearance of dents and dings.
Slate Roof Tile
Slate is a popular roof material for those who can afford it because it looks beautiful and can last up to 100 years. Most slate roofs have high impact resistance that protects them from hail damage, but the force of large hailstones could cause cracks in the natural material. As an expensive roofing material, slate roofs can cost you a hefty amount to repair.
Rubber & Synthetic Tile
Professionals consider rubber roofs and synthetic roofs, some of the most hail-resistant roofing materials on the market. They are affordable, light, and made of recycled materials. The hail bounces right off a plastic roof and a rubber roof. Even the heaviest hailstones would have trouble causing damage to this highly-resistant material.
Rubber is popular for low-slope roofs common in businesses and homes. If hail storms are frequent in your area, you may decide to choose a rubber roof with a thicker membrane and ballast layer.
While rubber roofs will rarely receive damage from hail, heavier stones may damage the insulation board underneath. In that case, you may have to replace the roof to fix the damage.
Make Us Your Trusted Roofing Contractors in Southeast Nebraska
At Nelson Contracting, we are a family-owned roofing business with 20 years of experience improving our neighbors’ homes in cities across southeast Nebraska. Our focus on excellent service sets us apart from other contractors. We will never leave a mess behind after a project, and you can always expect friendly service from our experts.
Are you looking for professionals to install a hail-resistant roof? Call us at Nelson Contracting at 402-464-2418 for your durable roofing needs in Lincoln, Omaha, Milford, or Seward, NE!
