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Ever been caught in a hailstorm and wondered just how much those little ice balls could mess up your roof? Well, you’re not alone. In Chagrin Falls, where hail can be as common as a good cup of coffee, knowing the potential damage hail can cause is crucial. Today, we’ll break down the different sizes of hail and how they can impact your roof. Spoiler alert—it’s not just the big ones you need to worry about!
The Small but Mighty: Pea-Sized Hail
Let’s start with something small. Pea-sized hail, which is about ¼ inch in diameter, seems harmless, right? While these tiny ice pellets won’t exactly destroy your roof, they can still cause minor issues. Over time, repeated exposure to this size of hail can wear down your roofing material, especially if your roof is already a bit older.
When Little Hits Hurt
- Minor Shingle Damage: Although pea-sized hail is unlikely to cause immediate visible damage, it can contribute to the gradual degradation of asphalt shingles. You’ll notice the granules on your shingles wearing away, which might not seem like a big deal until those granules are gone and your roof starts to age prematurely.
- Gutter Blockages: Tiny hailstones can accumulate in your gutters, causing blockages. This can lead to water overflow and potential damage to your home’s foundation.
- Surface Dents: Metal roofs and components aren’t immune either. Consistent pelting from pea-sized hail can result in small dents and cosmetic damage.
The Egg Beater: Marble-Sized Hail
Next up, we have marble-sized hail, about ½ inch to ¾ inch in diameter. Now we’re getting into the territory where damage is more noticeable. If your roof could talk, it would probably start complaining around this point.
Cracks and Chips Galore
- Shingle Bruising: Marble-sized hail can leave bruises on your shingles. These bruises might not puncture your roof, but they can weaken the shingles, making them more vulnerable to future storms.
- Cracked Tiles: If you have a tile roof, this size of hail is enough to crack individual tiles. One or two cracks might not seem like a big deal, but multiple cracked tiles can compromise the integrity of your roof.
- Damaged Flashing: The flashing around chimneys and vents can take a hit too. Damaged flashing means a higher risk of leaks, and we all know leaks are just a pain.
The Ping-Pong Peril
At about 1 inch to 1.5 inches in diameter, ping-pong ball-sized hail is when things start getting serious. This size of hail can cause significant damage to your roof, and it won’t be shy about it.
Time to Call for Help
- Shingle Shattering: This size can break shingles outright. You’ll find pieces of your roof scattered across your yard like confetti (but the bad kind).
- Gutter Destruction: Your gutters won’t stand a chance against this size of hail. Expect dents, bends, and possibly even sections ripped off entirely.
- Window Woes: It’s not just the roof; windows and skylights are at risk too. This size of hail can crack or even shatter glass, adding to the overall chaos.
The Baseball Batters
When hail reaches baseball size (about 2.75 inches), it’s time to duck and cover. And maybe start crying. This size of hail can do a number on your roof and pretty much everything else in its path.
Hailpocalypse Now
- Severe Shingle Damage: Baseball-sized hail will obliterate shingles, leaving your roof exposed to the elements. This can lead to water damage, rot, and mold growth.
- Major Structural Damage: Beyond just shingles, this size can damage the underlying structure of your roof, leading to costly repairs.
- Siding and Trim Trouble: Your home’s siding and trim aren’t safe either. Baseball-sized hail can dent, crack, or even strip siding off your house.
The Grapefruit Grenade
And for the grand finale, we have grapefruit-sized hail, which can reach up to 4.5 inches in diameter. This size of hail is rare but extremely destructive. If you find yourself in a hailstorm producing grapefruits, it’s best to find shelter and prepare for extensive repairs.
Total Devastation
- Complete Roof Replacement: At this size, expect your roof to be completely totaled. Shingles, underlayment, and structural components will likely need to be replaced.
- Window and Car Carnage: Not just your roof, but your car and windows will suffer severe damage. Think of it as a mini meteor shower.
- Safety Hazard: This size of hail poses a serious risk to personal safety. Staying indoors is crucial.
Got Hail Damage Ruining Your Roof?
If a recent hailstorm has wreaked havoc on your roof, don’t worry—help is at hand! The team at S&K Construction and Remodeling is here to assist. Our experts will assess hail damage, provide you with a detailed plan, and carry out top-notch roof repairs to make sure your home is protected. Contact us today and let’s get your roof back in shape!
