Although tornadoes and hurricanes tend to dominate news weather coverage, hail is nothing to shake a stick at in terms of weather events that cause widespread damage.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the United States witnessed over 5,382 hail storms in 2019. And, when hail hits, it can hit hard.
Recently a hailstorm in Texas destroyed dozens of commercial and residential rooftops, with some hailstones even managing to rip through roofs, landing at the feet of the unsuspecting individuals inside. We can't stop hail but we can protect ourselves from its sometimes devastating effects by understanding it—and doing our best to build roofs that are built to resist it.
When is hail season?
For states most prone to hail storms, the events often occur during the afternoon and evening hours between the months of March and October. However, hail's "heavy season" runs from May through September.
Whenever there is high moisture content in the air coupled with thunderstorm clouds as well as freezing temperatures within those clouds, hail is a possibility.
Large Hail Reports by Month During 2019
Source: NOAA website
What is Hail Alley?
While hailstorms are most commonly associated with “Hail Alley,” the area consisting of Nebraska, Colorado, and Wyoming, hail can happen just about anywhere. In fact, it may surprise you to know that some of the most severe hail damage has happened outside these states. Here’s a look at 2017 hail damage estimates as reported by analytics firm Verisk, which provides data for insurance companies.
Large Hail Reports by Location During 2019
Source: NOAA website
The Effects of Hail Damage
From 2013 to 2017 the estimated US properties affected by hail is greater than 10.5 million per year on average.
Hail can have a big impact on your roof – and your finances. Download our essential homeowner’s guide for an in-depth understanding of the damage hail can cause and how you can protect yourself from it.
Our guide will help you:
- Understand how hail is created and what causes it
- Know if you live in a highly hail-impacted state
- Identify ground and roof-level hail damage
- Learn which roofing materials are most susceptible to hail damage
- Know how you can protect yourself from the effects of hail damage
Want more roofing insights? Here are a few of our most popular blogs that can help you make more well-informed decisions when it comes to your rooftop.
Learn everything you need to know about Residential Metal Roofing. Check out our metal roofing resources for inspiration and answers to your questions.
About McElroy Metal
Since 1963, McElroy Metal has served the construction industry with quality products and excellent customer service. The employee-owned components manufacturer is headquartered in Bossier City, La., and has 14 manufacturing facilities across the United States. Quality, service and performance have been the cornerstone of McElroy Metal’s business philosophy and have contributed to the success of the company through the years. As a preferred service provider, these values will continue to be at the forefront of McElroy Metal’s model along with a strong focus on the customer.
Topics: Residential, Wind/Hail
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