Hail is caused by powerful thunderstorms, called “supercells.” These storms often have strong updrafts, which stops raindrops from falling and propels them upward, where they freeze in the cold upper atmosphere. Hailstones may remain caught in a storm’s updraft for some time, causing them to grow larger as more moisture freezes upon their surface. Eventually, the hailstones grow large enough that gravity overcomes the storm’s updraft and they fall to earth, causing damage where they strike.

Hailstones can harm or kill humans and livestock, in addition to shattering windshields, denting vehicles, and damaging roofs.

Hail storms are most common in Texas and Colorado, but they can be found to occur in every state. Unlike hurricanes, there is no particular “season” for hail producing storms.

Although hailstones can fall in a variety of sizes – from pea-size to larger than a softball – they do not have to be very large to cause a significant amount of damage. In fact, hailstones as small as a dime can destroy entire crops, and larger hailstones can cause severe damage to vehicles, awnings, or roofs.

Unfortunately, a person may not realize that their roof has been damaged in a hailstorm until well afterwards, when a hard rain penetrates the outer layer and causes leaks to occur inside. At that point, the damage has been compounded, increasing the cost of repairs and complicating the claim process.

Property owners are recommended to inspect their roofs following ANY significant hail event.