Hailstorms can be unpredictable and destructive, leaving homeowners with concerns about the integrity of their roofs. While your first instinct during a hailstorm may be to protect your car, your roof often takes the biggest hit. But how do you know if your roof has been damaged? And what steps should you take next? Let's break it all down. What Size Hail Causes Roof Damage? Hail size is a critical factor in determining whether your roof sustains damage. In general, hailstones that are at least 1 inch in diameter can cause noticeable damage. However, smaller hailstones can still lead to problems, especially when accompanied by strong winds or when hitting older or more fragile roofing materials. The larger the hailstones, the higher the potential for significant damage: 1 inch (quarter-sized) – Can cause dents in asphalt shingles and roof vents. 1.5 inches (ping pong ball-sized) – More severe damage, potentially cracking or breaking shingles. 2 inches or larger (golf ball-sized and above) – High likelihood of substantial roof damage requiring repairs or replacement. Since multiple factors impact hail size and potential roof damage, it’s crucial to understand what influences hailstone formation and impact. Factors That Determine Hail Size Atmospheric Conditions Hail forms in thunderstorms when there’s a strong updraft and an abundance of supercooled water droplets in the atmosphere. When the temperature difference between the ground and the upper atmosphere is significant, hailstones have a better chance of growing larger before they fall. Updraft Strength A strong updraft within a storm keeps hailstones suspended longer, allowing them to accumulate more ice. The stronger the updraft, the larger the hailstones. Wind Speed and Impact Angle Wind speed and the angle at which hailstones hit your roof also play a major role in the level of damage. High winds can propel hail at an oblique angle, increasing impact velocity and damage potential. Low-slope roofs tend to suffer more from hail impact than steeper roofs, as hail hits them more directly. How to Spot Hail Damage on Your Roof While a professional roofing contractor should always perform a thorough inspection, you can check for collateral damage around your property to get an idea of whether your roof may have been affected. Look for: Dents or dings on downspouts, gutters, and metal roof vents. Splatter marks on your electric meter, AC unit, grill, or car. Holes or cracks in window screens, painted wood, or shutters. Dings on garage doors or mailboxes. If you notice any of the above, there’s a strong chance your roof may have sustained hail damage, and you should take the next steps. What to Do If You Suspect Hail Damage 1. Contact Your Insurance Company The first step is to call your insurance provider to report possible roof damage. They will guide you on the next steps, which may include sending an adjuster to inspect the damage. 2. Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection A qualified roofing contractor will inspect your roof for hail damage and provide photographic evidence to submit to your insurance company. If the damage is severe enough, your insurance provider may approve a claim for roof repairs or replacement. 3. Understand the Insurance Claim Process If your claim is approved, your next step is to hire a roofing contractor with experience in handling insurance claims. If your claim is denied, you can request a second inspection or hire an independent engineer to assess the damage. Choosing a Hail-Resistant Roofing Material If you live in an area prone to hailstorms, investing in a hail-resistant roof can save you from future headaches. Roofing materials with a UL 2218 Class 4 Impact Rating offer the highest resistance to hail damage. Some of the most hail-resistant roofing options include: Metal Roofing – Durable and resistant to large hailstones, with some warranties covering hail up to 2.5 inches in diameter. Impact-Resistant Asphalt Shingles – Engineered with reinforced layers to withstand impact better than standard shingles. Rubber and Polymer Roofing – Designed to absorb impact and minimize cracking or denting. Traditional asphalt shingles and clay tile roofs are much more susceptible to hail damage, especially as they age and become brittle. Final Thoughts Hailstorms are a natural hazard, but understanding their impact on your roof can help you take proactive steps to protect your home. If you suspect hail damage, check for collateral signs around your property and contact your insurance provider for guidance. A timely inspection and choosing a durable, hail-resistant roofing material can prevent costly repairs and extend the lifespan of your roof. Give us a call at 636-757-3083 to learn more. You can also read our latest blog on the growing threat of power outages here!

Power outages are more than just a temporary inconvenience—they disrupt daily life, impact businesses, and can even become life-threatening during extreme weather conditions. From local blackouts in St. Louis to massive global outages, the need for reliable power solutions has never been greater. In this article, we’ll dive into the causes, impacts, and trends of power outages before exploring how backup battery systems can help you achieve energy independence. Power Outages in St. Louis and the Midwest Severe weather events have led to widespread power outages in St. Louis and surrounding areas. Recent data highlights the growing concern: Over 100,000 customers lost power in St. Louis due to severe storms. A single Ameren report recorded 136,051 outages in Missouri and 40,817 outages in Illinois . St. Louis City: 5,112 outages | St. Louis County: 81,888 outages. Outage Trends Over the Years: 2021: 9 major events, mostly due to severe weather. 2020: 3 major events, largely caused by system failures. Notable Outages: June 2021: Storms left 38,000 residents without power . Faulty underground cables caused two outages within 24 hours. Jefferson City: Storms downed multiple power lines, leaving thousands in the dark. The Impact of Power Outages: Health Risks: Extreme heat or cold without power increases the risk of heatstroke or hypothermia. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Improper use of gas generators can be deadly. Hospitals: Limited backup power for critical equipment endangers lives. Food Supply Disruptions: Grocery stores and factories lose perishables, impacting food availability. Power Outages Across the U.S. The frequency and severity of power outages vary widely across states. Some of the most affected regions include: Maine: The highest average outages per year ( ~4 per year ). West Virginia: Second highest ( ~2.8 per year ). Florida: Experiences the longest downtime , averaging 14.6 hours per outage . Maine: Follows close behind with 14.1 hours of downtime per outage . States with the Fewest Outages: Washington D.C.: 0.7 outages per year , with the shortest downtime ( 1.5 hours on average ). Wisconsin, Utah, Massachusetts: Each averaging 0.8 outages per year . Major Causes of U.S. Power Outages: Severe weather events: Hurricanes, blizzards, wildfires, tornadoes, and thunderstorms . Preventative blackouts in wildfire-prone areas. Aging infrastructure struggling to handle modern power demands.