Birmingham, Alabama, is known for its sweltering summers, unpredictable storms, and, yes, the occasional hailstorm that leaves homeowners anxiously checking their rooftops. While we might love our Southern charm and mild winters, our weather can pack a punch, especially when those ice pellets start falling from the sky. At Best Choice Roofing, we specialize in installing durable asphalt shingles and metal roofing for Birmingham residents, ensuring homes stay protected no matter what Mother Nature throws our way. But just how big does hail need to be before it starts wreaking havoc on your roof? Let’s break it down!
When Does Birmingham See Hail?
While Birmingham isn’t exactly the hail capital of the world, we do get our fair share, especially in the spring and summer months when harsh thunderstorms roll through. March through June tend to be peak hail season, but it’s not unheard of for hail to surprise us during the fall. With Alabama’s ever-changing weather patterns, it’s always a good idea to be prepared!
What Size Hail Can Damage Your Roof?
Not all hail is created equal! While a light sprinkling of tiny ice pellets won’t do much more than make a little noise, larger hailstones can lead to serious damage. Here’s a quick guide to what different sizes of hail can do to your roof:
- Pea-Sized Hail (¼ inch): No worries here—this is more of an annoyance than a real threat to your roof.
- Dime- to Nickel-Sized Hail (½ inch to ¾ inch): Still relatively harmless, but if the storm is strong enough, it might start wearing down older shingles.
- Quarter-Sized Hail (1 inch): This is where the trouble starts. Hail this size can bruise shingles, create dents in metal roofing, and chip away at protective granules.
- Golf Ball-Sized Hail (1.75 inches): Now we’re in serious damage territory. This size of hail can crack shingles, expose your roof deck, and even puncture weaker areas.
- Tennis Ball-Sized Hail (2.5 inches and up): If you see hail this size falling, expect major damage. This can break through roofing materials, destroy gutters, and even crack windows!
How to Protect Your Roof from Hail Damage
While you can’t stop hail from falling, you can take steps to minimize damage:
- Choose impact-resistant roofing materials. Both metal roofing and asphalt shingles come in high-quality, hail-resistant options.
- Schedule regular roof inspections. Catching minor damage early can prevent costly repairs down the line.
- Act fast after a storm. If you suspect hail damage, don’t wait—get a professional inspection before leaks and further issues arise.
Worried About Hail Damage? Call the Pros!
If you’ve recently been through a storm or just want peace of mind, Best Choice Roofing is here to help. Our expert team can assess any potential hail damage and recommend the best solutions to keep your home protected. Don’t wait until a small issue turns into a costly repair—give us a call today for a free roof inspection!
Your roof works hard to keep you safe—let’s make sure it’s up to the challenge, no matter what size hail comes its way!
