Homes Designed to Take the Hit: Seeking Protection Against Growing Threat of Hailstorm Damage

PORTLAND, OR — When it rains, it may pour, but when it hails, it can be hellish for homeowners.

As evidenced by the latest hailstorms in Colorado, Texas and the Midwest, hail can be extremely damaging, costly and even deadly. Recent reports show that hailstorm costs are increasing in the United States, averaging $8 billion to $10 billion in damage annually and accounting for 70 percent of insured loss from severe storms.

Homes take the worst beating from hail, especially roofs. To protect homes from damage and the increasing threat of hailstorms, experts say that choosing more resilient materials is essential. In studies conducted by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), while all roof types can sustain some cosmetic damage depending on hailstorm severity, metal roofing performed best and was much less likely to puncture as compared to asphalt, withstanding even golf ball-sized hail stones without compromising performance. Tile and slate roofs can literally shatter when hit by large hailstones.

Damage to asphalt roofs from hail also can be difficult to detect.  A weakness, crack or penetration in a roof caused by hail may allow water to intrude and damage a home’s interior before a homeowner even realizes there may be a problem, making a costly problem that much more expensive to fix or repair.

“Metal roofs are by their very nature extremely strong and durable,” said Renee Ramey, executive director of the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA). “For homeowners who need to replace their roofs due to hail damage, it’s a wise investment to go with a material that’ll better protect their home the next time a severe storm passes through.”

For hailstorm-prone areas, including Colorado, Texas, Phoenix and the Midwest, metal roofs solve a multitude of other challenges caused by Mother Nature. Metal roofing is wind-resistant, able to withstand winds in excess of 140-mph (equal to a F2 tornado). They also are strong enough to hold up under heavy snow and ice loads, are wildfire resistant and can better reflect solar radiation, making them more energy efficient in hotter climates.

“Mother Nature is increasingly unpredictable,” said Ramey. “The best defense for homeowners is a good offense: Choose more durable materials made to last that will protect your home, no matter what the season may bring.”

To find out more information and learn more about how metal roofing compares, visit the Metal Roofing Alliance.

About Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA)
Representing metal roofing manufacturers in the United States and Canada, the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) was formed in 1998 as a nonprofit organization to help educate consumers about the many benefits of metal roofs. The main objective of MRA is to increase awareness of the beauty, durability and money-saving advantages of quality metal roofs among homeowners, as well as to provide support for metal roofing businesses and contractors. For more information, visit MRA.

Contact:
Darcie Meihoff
Metal Roofing Alliance
Tel: 971.998.3782