Large hail can dent a metal roof, but dents usually don’t mean the roof will leak. Many metal panels carry a UL 2218 Class 4 impact rating, the highest level, which tests whether the panel cracks or opens up, not whether it dents. Thicker panels and textured or ribbed profiles show dents less.
Dents vs. damage
The UL 2218 test drops a 2-inch steel ball from 20 feet. A Class 4 rating means the roof showed no tearing, cracking, splitting, or other opening. It does not promise the surface won’t dent. So a hailstorm can leave cosmetic dents on a metal roof that still sheds water the way it should.
What reduces visible dents
- Thicker metal (a lower gauge number on steel).
- Steel rather than softer metals like aluminum or copper.
- Ribbed, striated, or textured panels, which hide small dents better than flat panels.
- Solid decking underneath to support the panel.
Insurance and cosmetic damage
Some homeowners policies exclude or limit coverage for cosmetic damage to metal roofs. Check your policy, or ask your agent, before you choose a roof. We can’t tell you what your policy covers, but we can document hail damage after a storm.
After a hailstorm
Look for dents on gutters, vents, and outdoor metal from the ground, and schedule an inspection if you see them. Learn more about our storm damage services.
By the numbers
- UL 2218 Class 4 test: a 2-inch steel ball dropped from 20 feet with no tearing, cracking, or opening (MetalRoofing.com).
- Class 4 is the highest impact rating under UL 2218.
- The test measures whether the roof opens up, not whether it dents.
Thinking about metal for your home? Schedule a roof inspection or call (901) 834-7663, and we’ll tell you whether metal makes sense for your roof.
