HAIL DAMAGE TO ROOF SHINGLES

Hail forms when frozen water drops are lifted in turbulent wind regimes during thunderstorms. The frozen drops of water increase in size and eventually fall to earth as hail having been driven by a combination of gravity and wind forces. Hail stones vary in size from pea size (1/4 inch diameter, little roof damage), through marble size (3/4 inch diameter, threshold damage to roof materials) to golf ball size (1 inch in diameter, typically severe damage to roofing materials). Hail size distributions tend to be localized with some roofs damaged, while others are not. Wind direction plays an important role, as well as roof pitch. A direct impact of hail on a shingle is more damaging than that of a glancing blow. Figure 1a illustrates the dynamics of hail impact on two different roof pitches.

The home on the left would sustain more roof damage than that on the right, because of the more direct impact on the left as opposed to the less dam aging, glancing blow to the right. Wind conditions can distort damage to a home as illustrated in Figure 1b.

The home on the left has more glancing blows to the roof from the wind, while the windward wall comes under attack from direct hail impact. The right wall is protected and undamaged from the hail. The home on the right will more likely sustain roof damage on the windward side because of the more direct impact. Assessing hail damage is often accomplished by a roof inspection, which usually occurs several days to several months after the hail event. Determination of whether hail actually fell at a site can be made through statements and weather reports.

WIND DAMAGE

When the wind is screaming, rain is driving down in five-gallon buckets, or hail is pinging off the ground like popcorn, you know your roof is taking a beating. But when the wind goes from shriek to howl, do you really know whats going on up there?

Damaging wind

Roofs are designed to resist the typical wind loads of their location, but no roof is likely to withstand the most extreme wind event: tornado. In between breezes and twisters is a whole range of wind speeds that incrementally damage the roof system.

As wind moves over a roof, its effect is not uniform. Certain regions will be subject to higher pressures, such as along the perimeter.

Depending on the way the wind blows, the shape of the roof and the location on the roof, there will be negative pressure suction- or positive pressure pushing- like when the wind slaps your face as you round a corner, says James Kirby, AIA, associate executive director of technical communications, National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). But most wind damage that occurs on roofs start on the edge of the roof systems, he says.

Wind blowing over a roof isnt a problem until it starts to move materials, says Kirby. Materials may include the membrane itself or the shingles. Anywhere material is even a little bit loose, the suction of the wind is going to raise it up and then the wind can get below it and push it up. Once the underside of the roofing is exposed, rain can get in, but it also gives the wind more to grab on to.

When people think about wind events they think, oh well, it could tear the roof off my building or my roof could come loose, he says. But the biggest effect of wind events that Ive seen is the potential for wind-blown debris to damage the roof. That means when inspection the roof after a wind event, its not enough to check that areas are tight and that attachments are still good. Investigating what might have blown onto or across the roof is also necessary, he says.

THE CLAIMS PROCESS

Pro-Tech Exteriors represents your best interest.

(The Insurance Adjuster represents the insurance companys best interest)

1. Property Inspection:
   • Pro-Tech Exteriors will complete a property inspection and document the damage with pictures and written details
     
2. File your Claim Now:
   Your project manager will help you to
   • Contact your insurance company directly through their 1-800- number.
   • Inform the insurance company of the date of loss.
   • Inform the insurance company that your prolierty has been inspected by a qualified contractor.
   • Inform the insurance company to forward the Claim Number to the Pro-Tech Exteriors project Manager.
   • Answer any other Insurance related questions.
     
3. Adjusters First Contact:
   • The insurance adjuster will contact you and schedule your inspection.
   • You must contact your project Manager with the date and time, so that he may be present to represent your best interest.
     
4. The Adjuster Meeting:
   • THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THE PROCESS.
   • This meeting will determine the scope of damage to your property.
   • Pro-Tech Exteriors represents YOU; the adjuster represents the insurance company.
     
5. The Report:
   • Your insurance company will send you a Scope of Loss Report itemizing the loss in detail.
   • Your project Manager will review and explain the Scope of Loss Report to ensure the agreed upon scope of damage is complete, accurate, and at an agreeable price.
     
6. Finalize the project:
   • You ENJOY your new home!
   • Pro-Tech Exteriors schedules all work to be completed in a professional and timely manner.
   • Materials are delivered to your home.
   • The first insurance check will serve as down payment to order materials.
   • Together we will determine the start date that best suits your schedule.
   • You must select materials and colors.

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