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Valuable Tips for Our
Valuable Customers

Hail
Sometimes the most damaging part of a thunderstorm

Sometimes the most damaging part of a thunderstorm, hail, can quickly cause severe injury to people and animals, damage crops and destroy property.

Hail is produced in a severe thunderstorm when water droplets are elevated to a freezing level, commonly known as an updraft. Most hailstorms are short in duration. When hail becomes too heavy it falls to the ground, traveling at speeds as fast as 100 mph, as hailstones. Hailstones, accompanied by heavy rain, have a tendency to travel in a downhill direction and may accumulate in deep drifts like snow.

Hailstones vary in size. Some are as small as a pea or as large as a grapefruit. When dissected the insides of it looks like a sliced onion. Regardless of the size its force can shred roof coverings, cause water damage to ceilings, walls, floors, appliances and personal property.

The most frequent hailstorms occur in what is known as “Hail Alley” encompassing the states of Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and west Texas. Cheyenne, Wyoming is the hailstorm capital of America averaging 9 to10 storms during the season. Hailstorm activity is low on the Pacific Coast. It is important to note that these types of storms can occur anywhere if the right weather conditions are present.

Before the Storm

Protecting your home from a hailstorm with a hail resistant roof covering is a wise investment.
Here are some tips:

Hire a licensed, professional roofer that has references and is bonded. First Class Roofing & Siding!

Make sure your new roof complies with local building codes.

Check with a professional roofer to determine the best materials for your roof repair or replacement.

According to Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 2218 standard for impact resistance,asphalt shingles should have a Class 4 rating. This indicates that a product sample did not crack in the same area when hit twice by a two-inch steel ball.

Depending on the roof material used when during construction the potential damage from hail varies. For instance, a metal roof may not crack but it may dent or dimple if pelted by hail.
Review your homeowners’ insurance policy with your agent to make sure you have the right coverage to recover from damage caused by a hailstorm, especially if you live in a “Hail Alley” state.

Know the warning signs for hailstorms: rain shafts turn increasingly white. Rattling sounds on the roof indicate that it’s arrived as it continues to blanket the ground and roads creating hazardous conditions.

Have a disaster plan for you, your family or business in place.

Prepare a disaster supply kit

During the Storm

Stay indoors.

Close drapes, blinds, or shades to prevent debris from blowing inside.

Avoid areas with skylights and doors during a storm.

If you are caught outside during a hailstorm – seek shelter immediately.

After the Storm

Report downed power lines to the local utility company.

Drive only if necessary. Roads may be icy making driving dangerous.

When it is safe to do so, inspect your property for damage. Any damage should be reported to your insurance company/agent.

Sometimes the most damaging part of a thunderstorm, hail, can quickly cause severe injury to people and animals, damage crops and destroy property.

Hail is produced in a severe thunderstorm when water droplets are elevated to a freezing level, commonly known as an updraft. Most hailstorms are short in duration. When hail becomes too heavy it falls to the ground, traveling at speeds as fast as 100 mph, as hailstones. Hailstones, accompanied by heavy rain, have a tendency to travel in a downhill direction and may accumulate in deep drifts like snow.

Hailstones vary in size. Some are as small as a pea or as large as a grapefruit. When dissected the insides of it looks like a sliced onion. Regardless of the size its force can shred roof coverings, cause water damage to ceilings, walls, floors, appliances and personal property.

The most frequent hailstorms occur in what is known as “Hail Alley” encompassing the states of Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and west Texas. Cheyenne, Wyoming is the hailstorm capital of America averaging 9 to10 storms during the season. Hailstorm activity is low on the Pacific Coast. It is important to note that these types of storms can occur anywhere if the right weather conditions are present.

Before the Storm

Protecting your home from a hailstorm with a hail resistant roof covering is a wise investment.
Here are some tips:

According to Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 2218 standard for impact resistance,asphalt shingles should have a Class 4 rating. This indicates that a product sample did not crack in the same area when hit twice by a two-inch steel ball.

Depending on the roof material used when during construction the potential damage from hail varies. For instance, a metal roof may not crack but it may dent or dimple if pelted by hail.
Review your homeowners’ insurance policy with your agent to make sure you have the right coverage to recover from damage caused by a hailstorm, especially if you live in a “Hail Alley” state.

Know the warning signs for hailstorms: rain shafts turn increasingly white. Rattling sounds on the roof indicate that it’s arrived as it continues to blanket the ground and roads creating hazardous conditions.

Have a disaster plan for you, your family or business in place.