Hail Damage and Roofing

Hail Damage and Roofing is a critical concern for property owners across Canada, particularly in hail-prone regions such as Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Hailstorms can cause significant damage to roofing systems ranging from cosmetic impairment to complete structural compromise, often requiring professional inspection to detect.

Understanding Hail and Its Impact

How Hail Forms

Hail develops within severe thunderstorms when updrafts carry water droplets into extremely cold areas of the atmosphere. These droplets freeze into ice pellets and grow larger as they accumulate additional layers of ice. When the hailstones become too heavy for the updraft to support, they fall to the ground at speeds that can exceed 100 km/h.

Hail Size Classification

Hailstones are commonly described using everyday objects for reference:

Diameter	Common Description	Potential Roof Damage
6 mm (0.25")	Pea-sized	Minimal; may dislodge loose granules
13 mm (0.5")	Marble-sized	Minor granule loss on aged shingles
19 mm (0.75")	Penny-sized	Moderate granule displacement
25 mm (1")	Quarter-sized	Threshold for asphalt shingle damage; bruising and fractures begin
32 mm (1.25")	Half-dollar-sized	Significant damage to most roofing materials
44 mm (1.75")	Golf ball-sized	Severe damage; often requires full replacement
64 mm (2.5")	Tennis ball-sized	Catastrophic damage; punctures likely
70 mm+ (2.75"+)	Baseball-sized or larger	Structural damage possible; immediate replacement required

Key threshold: Hail measuring 25 mm (1 inch / quarter-sized) can damage asphalt shingles, while hail 44 mm (1.75 inches / golf ball-sized) or larger typically causes extensive damage requiring replacement across most roofing materials.

Signs of Hail Damage by Roofing Material

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material in Canada and are particularly susceptible to hail damage.

Visible indicators:

• Granule loss - Bare spots where protective granules have been knocked away, exposing the black asphalt substrate
• Bruising - Soft spots that feel spongy when pressed, indicating underlying mat damage
• Cracking - Fractures in the shingle surface, sometimes radiating from impact points
• Dents or dimples - Circular indentations matching hailstone impacts
• Missing shingles - Shingles completely dislodged by severe impacts
• Exposed fiberglass mat - Visible reinforcement layer beneath granules

Hidden damage:

• Micro-fractures in the shingle mat that are invisible but compromise waterproofing
• Accelerated aging due to granule loss exposing asphalt to UV radiation
• Weakened adhesive strips leading to wind vulnerability

Granule accumulation: Check gutters and downspouts for excessive granule buildup—a telltale sign of hail impact across the roof surface.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofs are more resistant to hail but can still sustain damage.

Visible indicators:

• Dents and dimples - Cosmetic deformations in the metal surface
• Scratches - Surface coating damage exposing bare metal to corrosion
• Punctures - Holes from extreme hail (rare but possible with large stones)
• Seam separation - Impacts that loosen standing seam connections
• Coating damage - Chips or cracks in painted or coated finishes

Material-specific considerations:

• Steel roofing - Most susceptible to denting; coating damage leads to rust
• Aluminum roofing - Dents more easily but resists corrosion
• Copper roofing - Softer metal; dents readily but damage is often cosmetic

Wood Shingles and Shakes

Cedar and other wood roofing materials respond differently to hail.

Visible indicators:

• Splits along grain - Impact fractures following wood grain patterns
• Dents with sharp edges - Fresh impact marks in the wood surface
• Orange-colored splits - Fresh wood exposure indicating recent damage
• Missing pieces - Fragments broken away by impacts

Distinguishing hail damage from weathering:

• Hail damage creates random impact patterns across the roof
• Natural weathering produces uniform aging and grey coloration
• Fresh hail splits show orange wood; old splits are grey/brown

Tile Roofing (Clay and Concrete)

Tile roofs are durable but can crack or shatter under severe hail.

Visible indicators:

• Cracks - Fractures that may not be immediately visible from ground level
• Chips and gouges - Surface damage from impact
• Shattered tiles - Complete breakage (more common with clay than concrete)
• Displaced tiles - Tiles knocked out of position

Inspection note: Tile roofs require careful walking to avoid causing additional damage during inspection.

Flat Roofing Systems

Commercial flat roofs (TPO, EPDM, SBS Modified Bitumen) can also sustain hail damage.

Visible indicators:

• Punctures - Holes through single-ply membranes
• Membrane bruising - Soft spots in modified bitumen systems
• Exposed reinforcement - Scrim visible through damaged membrane
• Accelerated granule loss - On mineral-surfaced cap sheets
• Cracked flashings - Metal components around penetrations

Secondary Hail Damage Indicators

Beyond the roof surface itself, inspect these components for evidence of hail impact:

Exterior Components

• Metal flashings - Dents around chimneys, vents, and roof edges
• Roof vents - Dented or cracked plastic/metal vent covers
• Skylights - Cracked glass or dented frames
• Gutters and downspouts - Dents, especially on horizontal surfaces
• Fascia and soffit - Impact marks on metal or vinyl components
• Chimney caps - Dented metal covers

Ground-Level Evidence

• Siding damage - Dents or cracks at consistent heights
• Window screens - Tears or punctures
• Outdoor furniture - Dents on metal surfaces
• Vehicle damage - Cars parked outside during the storm
• Air conditioning units - Dented fins and housing
• Deck and fence damage - Impact marks on horizontal surfaces

Interior Warning Signs

Hail damage may manifest inside the building if not addressed:

• Water stains on ceilings - Brown or yellow discoloration
• Peeling paint - Moisture infiltration causing paint failure
• Mold or mildew odors - Hidden moisture from compromised roofing
• Attic leaks - Visible water or daylight in attic spaces
• Wet insulation - Moisture-damaged attic insulation

The Inspection Process

Professional vs. DIY Inspection

Aspect	DIY Inspection	Professional Inspection
Safety	Risk of falls and injury	Trained in roof safety protocols
Detection accuracy	May miss subtle damage	Trained to identify all damage types
Documentation	Photos may be insufficient	Comprehensive reports for insurance
Hidden damage	Unlikely to detect	Uses specialized techniques
Insurance acceptance	May not satisfy requirements	Preferred by insurance companies
Cost	Free	Often free; some charge $100-300

Recommendation: While ground-level observation can identify obvious damage, professional inspection is strongly recommended for accurate assessment and insurance documentation.

What Professional Inspectors Examine

A thorough professional inspection includes:

1. Roof surface - Systematic examination of all roofing materials
2. Flashings - All metal components at penetrations and edges
3. Ventilation - Roof vents, ridge vents, and soffit vents
4. Gutters and drainage - Gutters, downspouts, and scuppers
5. Penetrations - Skylights, chimneys, plumbing vents, HVAC curbs
6. Attic space - Interior inspection for leaks and daylight
7. Documentation - Photographs and written report of findings

Timing Considerations

Inspect within 12 months of a hailstorm. Undetected damage can lead to:

• Progressive leaks causing interior water damage
• Mold growth in attic spaces and wall cavities
• Structural deterioration from ongoing moisture exposure
• Voided warranties due to failure to address damage promptly
• Insurance claim denial if filed after coverage deadlines

Insurance Claims Process

Understanding Coverage

Most homeowner and commercial property insurance policies cover hail damage, but terms vary:

• Actual Cash Value (ACV) - Pays replacement cost minus depreciation
• Replacement Cost Value (RCV) - Pays full replacement cost without depreciation
• Deductibles - May be fixed dollar amount or percentage of dwelling value
• Cosmetic damage exclusions - Some policies exclude damage that doesn't affect function

Filing a Claim

Step 1: Document the damage

• Photograph all visible damage from multiple angles
• Note the date of the hailstorm
• Collect any news reports or weather data confirming the event
• Keep samples of damaged materials if safely accessible

Step 2: Contact your insurance company

• Report the damage promptly
• Request a claim number and adjuster assignment
• Ask about claim filing deadlines (typically 1-2 years in most provinces)

Step 3: Obtain professional inspection

• Have a qualified roofing contractor inspect the damage
• Request a detailed written estimate
• Consider obtaining multiple estimates for comparison

Step 4: Meet with the insurance adjuster

• Be present during the adjuster's inspection
• Have your contractor's report available
• Point out all areas of damage identified

Step 5: Review the settlement

• Compare the insurance estimate to contractor estimates
• Negotiate if significant discrepancies exist
• Understand what is covered and what is excluded

Claim Deadlines by Province

Province	Typical Filing Window
Alberta	1-2 years
Saskatchewan	1-2 years
Manitoba	1-2 years
Ontario	1-2 years
British Columbia	2 years
Quebec	3 years

Note: Always verify with your specific policy as terms vary.

Repair vs. Replacement

When Repair Is Appropriate

• Damage is limited to a small area (less than 30% of roof surface)
• Matching materials are available
• Underlying structure is not compromised
• Roof is relatively new with significant remaining lifespan
• Insurance settlement covers only repair

When Replacement Is Necessary

• Damage exceeds 30% of roof surface
• Multiple layers of damage (surface and substrate)
• Matching materials are unavailable
• Roof was already near end of lifespan
• Structural damage is present
• Insurance settlement covers full replacement

Partial vs. Full Replacement

Partial replacement may be appropriate when:

• Damage is concentrated on one slope or section
• Materials can be matched for color and style
• Insurance covers only the damaged section

Full replacement is recommended when:

• Damage is widespread across multiple areas
• Color matching is impossible due to weathering
• Underlying issues (ventilation, decking) need addressing
• Cost difference between partial and full is minimal

Hail-Prone Regions in Canada

Alberta

Alberta experiences more severe hailstorms than any other Canadian province. The region from Calgary to Red Deer is known as "Hailstorm Alley" and experiences:

• 8-12 significant hail events annually
• Peak season: June through August
• Notable events: 2020 Calgary hailstorm ($1.2+ billion in damage)

Saskatchewan

Central and southern Saskatchewan experience frequent hailstorms during summer months, particularly affecting agricultural regions and urban centres like Saskatoon and Regina.

Manitoba

The Winnipeg area and southwestern Manitoba are susceptible to hail during the summer convective season.

Ontario

Southern Ontario experiences hail primarily during severe thunderstorm outbreaks, with most activity from May through September.

Prevention and Mitigation

Impact-Resistant Roofing Materials

Class 4 impact-resistant shingles are tested to withstand impacts from 2-inch steel balls dropped from 20 feet. Benefits include:

• Increased hail resistance
• Potential insurance premium discounts (5-35% in some provinces)
• Enhanced wind resistance
• Longer warranty periods

Other impact-resistant options:

• Metal roofing (with appropriate gauge thickness)
• Synthetic slate and shake products
• Rubber roofing materials
• Concrete tiles (thicker varieties)

Maintenance Practices

Regular maintenance improves hail resistance:

• Keep shingles in good repair (damaged shingles are more vulnerable)
• Maintain proper attic ventilation (reduces thermal stress on shingles)
• Trim overhanging branches (prevents additional debris damage)
• Clean gutters regularly (ensures proper drainage after storms)

Free Hail Damage Inspection Services

Many roofing companies offer free hail damage inspections to help property owners identify damage and navigate the insurance claims process. These inspections typically include:

• Complete roof surface examination
• Documentation of all damage found
• Written report suitable for insurance submission
• Repair/replacement cost estimates
• Guidance on the insurance claims process

CMP Roofing offers free hail damage inspections and can help property owners identify storm damage and understand their options for repair or replacement.

See Also

• Choosing the Right Commercial Roofing System in Canada
• Asphalt Shingles
• Metal Roofing
• Roof Maintenance
• Roofing Insurance Claims

References

• Insurance Bureau of Canada - Hail damage statistics
• Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction
• National Research Council Canada - Building envelope research