At Browns Roofing, we understand the importance of educating our customers about extreme weather and its potential impact on their homes. One phenomenon that has been making headlines is gorilla hail. If you’ve never heard of this term before, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down, explain its effects, and discuss what you can do to protect your roof and property.
What Is Gorilla Hail?
Gorilla hail is a term coined by meteorologist and storm chaser Reed Timmer to describe unusually large hailstones. These hailstones are far bigger than what’s typically seen during a hailstorm—often the size of tennis balls or larger. Gorilla hail forms under specific atmospheric conditions that allow hailstones to grow to exceptional sizes.
How Does Hail Form?
Hail develops when strong updrafts within a thunderstorm lift water droplets high into the atmosphere, where temperatures are below freezing. These droplets freeze, and as they are carried repeatedly through the thunderstorm’s updrafts, additional layers of ice form around them. Eventually, the hailstones become too heavy for the updrafts to support, and they fall to the ground.
The stronger the updraft, the larger the hailstones can grow. Gorilla hail occurs when these updrafts are exceptionally strong, creating hailstones capable of significant destruction.
What Kind of Damage Can Gorilla Hail Cause?
Gorilla hail is more than just a weather oddity—it’s a serious threat to property and safety. Due to its size and weight, gorilla hail can cause significant damage, including:
- Roof Damage: Large hailstones can crack shingles, dent metal roofing, or even punch holes through weaker materials. This can lead to water leaks and structural issues.
- Vehicle Damage: Cars caught in the storm can experience dented roofs, shattered windshields, and broken windows.
- Property Damage: Siding, gutters, outdoor furniture, and other exterior features of your home are also vulnerable to damage.
- Personal Injury: Gorilla hail can result in severe injuries or fatalities for anyone caught outdoors during the storm.
How to Stay Safe During a Gorilla Hail Storm
When extreme weather is in the forecast, safety should always be your top priority. Follow these tips to protect yourself and your family during a hailstorm:
- Stay Indoors: Avoid being outside when hail is expected. Stay in a sheltered area, such as your basement or an interior room without windows, like a bathroom or closet.
- Stay Away From Windows: Gorilla hail can shatter windows. Keep your distance to avoid being hit by broken glass.
- Protect Your Vehicles: If possible, park your vehicles in a garage or under a sturdy carport to prevent hail damage.
What Should You Do If Your Roof Is Damaged by Gorilla Hail?
Unfortunately, there’s little you can do to prevent roof damage during a gorilla hailstorm if the hailstones are large enough. Once the storm has passed, it’s important to act quickly to assess and repair any damage.
Steps to Take After a Hailstorm:
- Inspect Your Property: Once it’s safe, check for visible signs of damage to your roof, siding, windows, and gutters. Look for dents, cracks, or missing shingles.
- Call a Roofing Professional: Even if the damage seems minor, it’s crucial to have a professional inspect your roof. Hail damage isn’t always obvious, and small issues can worsen over time, leading to leaks and costly repairs.
- Document the Damage: Take photos of any visible damage for your records and to assist with insurance claims.
- File an Insurance Claim: If your roof has sustained significant damage, contact your insurance provider to start the claims process. A professional roofing company like Browns Roofing can provide a detailed report to support your claim.
Why Choose Browns Roofing?
At Browns Roofing, we have extensive experience dealing with hail damage of all kinds, including the aftermath of extreme events like gorilla hail. Our team of experts is trained to identify even the smallest signs of damage and provide comprehensive solutions to restore your roof to its best condition.
What We Offer:
- Free Inspections: We provide thorough roof inspections at no cost to you, so you can understand the extent of the damage without any financial pressure.
- Expert Repairs and Replacements: Whether your roof needs a minor repair or a complete replacement, we have the tools and expertise to get the job done right.
- Storm Damage Specialists: We’ve helped countless homeowners and businesses recover from storms and protect their properties from future damage.
Don’t Wait—Act Now!
Gorilla hail can leave lasting damage to your roof and property, but timely action can minimize the impact. If you’ve experienced a hailstorm in your area, don’t wait to have your roof inspected. Even small issues caused by hail can lead to costly repairs down the road.
Contact Browns Roofing today for a free inspection and let our team of experts help you navigate storm season with confidence. We’re here to protect your home, your family, and your peace of mind.
This educational article should resonate with homeowners experiencing severe weather while positioning Browns Roofing as a trusted authority in storm damage repair. Let me know if you’d like further refinements!