Hail Damage Can Affect Your Metal Roof. Here’s What You Need to Know!
Metal is quickly gaining popularity in both the residential and commercial roofing industries. One of the main reasons for this is the incredible durability of metal roofs, as they last for decades and resist all types of common roof damage. However, a metal roof is not immune to damage, and hail can still be a threat to metal roofs.
At Dolan Roofing & Construction, it’s rare that we’re called in to repair hail damage to a metal roof, but it certainly isn’t unheard of. In fact, the durability of metal roofs sometimes lulls homeowners into a false sense of security, causing them to leave hail damage unaddressed for years. If your home has a metal roof, you still need to pay attention to hail. Here’s what you need to know about hail damage and metal roofing.
Can Metal Roofs Be Damaged by Hail?
While metal roofs are much more resistant to hail damage (and damage in general), they are not completely immune. A metal roof can sustain hail damage in certain cases, though it typically takes much larger hail than it does to damage traditional roofing systems such as asphalt shingles (particularly non-impact-resistant shingles).
Hail damage to a metal roof is often merely cosmetic, causing minor dings and dents that marr the surface of the roof. However, it can be severe in some cases, with hail puncturing through the metal or even dislodging fittings, fasteners, and other components of the roof.
Signs Your Metal Roof Has Hail Damage
Hail damage to a metal roof can often be easier to spot than on other roof types. This is because damage typically appears as dents, which are very clear, obvious, and easy to see from the ground with the naked eye.Â
In extreme cases, large hail may create punctures in the roof’s surface. These can also be visible from the ground, or they may even be identified from inside the home due to leaks and water damage.
Is Metal Roof Hail Damage Cosmetic or Functional?
Some metal roof hail damage is cosmetic. This includes small dents or surface dings that do not affect how the roof performs. Functional damage is more serious. It can include punctures, separated seams, damaged flashing, loose fasteners, exposed underlayment, or leaks inside the home.
The difference matters because cosmetic damage may affect appearance or resale value, while functional damage can affect the roof’s ability to protect the home. A professional inspection can help determine which type of damage occurred.
Factors That May Leave Your Metal Roof Vulnerable to Hail Damage
Hail damage to a metal roof is uncommon, but far from unheard of. Typically, hail may damage a metal roofing system due to a combination of unique factors that make the roof more susceptible to damage. Here are a few factors to be aware of.
Hail Size
No matter how durable your roof is, large hail will almost certainly do significant damage. While the threshold is higher for metal roofs, hail that is larger than two inches in diameter will begin to push the limits of metal roofing systems.Â
Roof Slope
The slope of your metal roof matters a great deal when it comes to resisting hail damage. Since hail tends to fall straight down, or nearly so, roofs with lower slopes will receive a much more direct impact that can deal significant damage. Steeply sloped metal roofs, on the other hand, provide less opportunity for hail to cause major damage.
Metal Thickness
As you may expect, thicker metal roofs are less vulnerable to impact damage, as they provide a stronger protective layer for your home. In addition, the style of metal roofing your home uses can also make a difference. Some metal roofing has more striations—that is, a more uneven surface—while other metal roofing is more flat. Ribs or striations in metal roofing can help to protect against hail damage by reducing the amount of direct impacts on your roof.
What Does Hail Damage Look Like on a Metal Roof?
Metal roof hail damage may appear as:
- Round dents or dings across panels
- Scratches or scuffs in the protective coating
- Bent seams or raised panel edges
- Loose or damaged fasteners
- Damage around vents, flashing, skylights, or roof penetrations
- Punctures in severe cases
- Water stains inside the attic or ceiling
Homeowners should inspect from the ground when possible. Avoid climbing onto a wet or storm-damaged roof.
When Should You Call a Roofer After Hail?
Call a roofer after a hailstorm if you notice visible dents, water leaks, damaged gutters, loose roof components, or storm debris on the roof. You should also schedule an inspection if hail larger than one inch was reported nearby, even if the roof looks fine from the ground.
Call Dolan Roofing & Construction Today If You Suspect Your Roof Was Damaged!
Dolan Roofing & Construction is your top roofing expert for hail damage inspections and repairs in San Antonio. Our team has years of experience repairing hail damage, and we’re always ready to respond quickly when major hail storms pass through our area.
Think hail damaged your metal roof? Schedule a free roof inspection with Dolan Roofing & Construction. We’ll check your panels, seams, fasteners, flashing, and roof penetrations, then explain whether the damage appears cosmetic or needs repair.
Â
Yes. Hail can dent a metal roof, especially when hailstones are large, wind-driven, or strike flatter sections of the roof.
Not always. Some dents are cosmetic, but dents near seams, fasteners, flashing, or roof penetrations should be inspected because they can affect the roof’s performance.
Yes. Severe hail can puncture panels, damage seams, loosen fasteners, or compromise flashing, all of which can lead to leaks.
A professional inspection should come first. A roofer can document the damage and help determine whether it appears cosmetic or functional before you contact your insurance company.
Schedule an inspection as soon as possible after a severe hailstorm, especially if you see dents, leaks, damaged gutters, or debris around the home.
