Can Hail Really Harm My Business?

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

Business owners know hail storms cause damage to vehicles. Far fewer recognize the threat they pose to your commercial building. Hail storms are responsible for approximately $1 billion in damage each year nationwide.

What Is Hail?

Hail is a type of frozen precipitation that forms when water droplets freeze together and fall to the earth. Occurring in strong to severe thunderstorms, hail varies in size from as small as a pea, as large as a softball, or even larger. Hail typically includes jagged edges that can inflict severe damage. Other important things to know about are:

• Hail doesn't have to be large to be damaging
• Hail storms can happen any time of year
• Wind strength and speed influences the severity of hail impact
• Dangerous hail events outpace tornadoes

Common Damage from Hail

Hail most typically causes two types of roof damage. The first, and most severe is functional damage. Functional damage affects roof performance possibly diminishing roof integrity. The damage can include holes, cracks and bald spots where shingles have come off.

The second type is cosmetic concerns appearance rather than roof function. This damage can include dark spots, dents and pock marks that occur when hail comes crashing onto the roof.

The roof of your business isn’t the only area susceptible to hail damage. Hail can break windows, exposing your business and staff to glass and being pelted by the hail itself.

Hail events can be damaging and highly expensive.  If a hail storm has already caused roof damage or worse, call SERVPRO of Lakeway / Westlake, specialists in storm cleanup to make things right.