Ladder Up: March Edition

While it hailed less than a third of the days in February, we saw a 100% increase in the number of states that were affected. The states in the East South Central region saw the most hail.

We have already seen temperatures begin to rise, bringing with them severe weather breakouts. If you were in an area that was impacted and are not experiencing any issues, it is still imperative that you have your roof inspected for damage. Hail damage is not always visible to the naked eye and having an expert inspect your roof can help you mitigate further damage to your property.

Contact us to schedule a free evaluation!

How Hail Is Formed and How It Impacts Your Commercial Roof

Hail damage is one of the leading causes of commercial roof replacement, especially in regions prone to severe weather. But how exactly does hail form and why does it pose such a threat to commercial buildings?

The Science Behind Hail Formation

Hail forms inside powerful thunderstorm clouds, specifically within cumulonimbus clouds. The process begins when updrafts carry raindrops into extremely cold areas of the storm where temperatures are well below freezing. These raindrops freeze into small ice pellets. As the storm intensifies, strong updrafts push these ice pellets back up into the cloud, where they collect additional layers of supercooled water that freeze upon contact.

Each time the ice pellet cycles through the storm, it grows larger. Eventually, when the hailstone becomes too heavy for the updrafts to support it, it falls to the ground — sometimes at speeds exceeding 100 mph, depending on its size and weight.

Why Hail is a Major Threat to Commercial Roofs

Commercial roofs, especially flat roofing systems like TPO, EPDM and modified bitumen, are particularly vulnerable to hail damage. Unlike sloped residential roofs, which allow some hail to deflect off the surface, flat roofs take the full brunt of the impact. Here’s why hail can be so destructive:

• Membrane Punctures: Large hailstones can puncture or tear single-ply membranes, leading to leaks and long-term water damage.
• Granule Loss on Modified Bitumen Roofs: Granules protect the roofing material from UV exposure. Hail impact can dislodge these granules, accelerating the aging process.
• Insulation Compression: Even if the membrane isn’t visibly damaged, hail can compress the insulation beneath the surface, reducing its effectiveness and compromising the roof’s structural integrity.
• Weakened Seams and Flashings: Repeated hail impact can weaken seams, flashings and fasteners, making the roof more susceptible to leaks over time.

Protecting Commercial Roofs from Hail Damage

While it’s impossible to prevent hailstorms, there are proactive measures that commercial building owners can take to minimize damage:

• Impact-Resistant Roofing Materials: Choosing roofing systems with high impact ratings can reduce vulnerability to hail damage.
• Regular Inspections: Pre-storm and post-storm inspections can identify weaknesses before they become major issues.
• Prompt Repairs: Addressing small issues quickly can prevent more significant damage down the road.
• Working with Insurance Experts: Understanding how to navigate hail damage insurance claims can make the process of roof replacement smoother and more cost-effective.

Hailstorms are unpredictable, but preparation and a quick response can make all the difference in protecting commercial properties from costly damage. As a property manager or building owner, knowing who to call after a storm should be a part of your severe weather preparedness kit. Stellar is always ready to respond in emergencies and can provide damage evaluations promptly. We are experts in the insurance loss industry and will help guide you through the restoration process.

Share in the comments the biggest hailstone you've ever encountered!

Most Hail-Prone Areas In The U.S.

Did you know that there is a section of the U.S. deemed “Hail Alley”? It is the nickname given to the Central U.S. where hailstorms most frequently occur. The states that make up Hail Alley are Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota and Colorado.

This portion of the country experiences hail more frequently due to unique atmospheric conditions that create the perfect environment for hail formation. Air masses tend to collide in this section of the country. When warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico and cold, dry air from Canada collide, they fuel severe thunderstorms, which are a key driver of hail. High elevation and the Rockies also help generate powerful hailstorms. The Rockies force air to rise more quickly, creating strong updrafts that enable hail to grow larger.

There have been several notable hailstorms in this region. In July of 2010, Vivian, South Dakota, experienced a hailstorm with the largest hailstone ever recorded — 8 inches in diameter and nearly 2 pounds! In 2021, areas around San Antonio, Texas saw hailstones as large as grapefruits.

Hail as small as 1.5 inches can cause damage to your facility, affecting work productivity and the reliability of your structure. If your property is in any of the states mentioned above, be sure your commercial insurance covers hail damage and that you keep it up to date. Has your building already been impacted by hail this year? Give us a call and let’s discuss your roof replacement options: 800-731-1804.

Hail Crossword Puzzle

Let’s have some fun! Can you solve our hail crossword puzzle? Drop your answers in the comments!