Can Hail Really Harm My Business?

10/18/2018 (Permalink)

Roof holes due to hail in Bastrop,TX

Most business owners know that hail storms can cause to vehicles. But far fewer recognize the threat they can pose to your commercial building. Hail storms are held responsible for millions in dollars each year in roof damage and damage to siding and roof-mounted equipment. Just what types of damage can these balls of ice cause? Read on to learn about the unexpected dangers of hail damage to Bastrop,TX business owners.

What Is Hail?

Occurring in strong to severe thunderstorms, hail is a type of frozen precipitation that forms when water droplets freeze together and fall to the earth. They can vary in size from as small as a pea, or as large as a softball or even larger, and they typically include jagged edges that can inflict major damage. Other important things to know about are that:

• Hail doesn't have to be large to be damaging
• Hail storms can happen any time of year
  
• Wind strength and speed can influence severity of hail impact
• Dangerous hail events outpace tornadoes

Types of Hail Damage

Hail most typically causes roof damage falling into two categories. Functional damage concerns roof performance and includes damage that can diminished the roof’s integrity. These can include holes, cracks and bald spots where shingles have come off.

Cosmetic damages, meanwhile, concern appearance rather than roof function. These can include dark spots, dents and pock marks that occur when hail comes crashing onto the roof.

The roof isn’t the only part of your building at risk from hail. These icy projectiles can easily shatter windows, spraying glass inside. Once windows are broken, hail can even strike you or your staff.

Hail events can be damaging and highly expensive. Understand the risks and be prepared before hail strikes. If a hail storm has already caused roof damage or worse, call a specialist in storm cleanup to make things right.