FM Global

Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets 1-34

March 2018
Interim Revision February 2020
Page 1 of 22

HAIL DAMAGE

Table of Contents
Page

1.0 SCOPE ..................................................................................................................................................... 3

1.1 Hazards ............................................................................................................................................. 3
1.2 Changes ............................................................................................................................................ 3
2.0 LOSS PREVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS ........................................................................................ 3
2.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 3
2.2 Construction and Location ............................................................................................................... 4
2.2.1 Very Severe Hail (VSH) Hazard Areas ................................................................................... 4
2.2.2 Severe Hail (SH) Hazard Areas .............................................................................................. 5
2.2.3 Moderate Hail (MH) Hazard Areas .......................................................................................... 5
2.3 Hail Ratings for Roof Assemblies ...................................................................................................... 6
2.4 Hail Guards ........................................................................................................................................ 6
2.5 Operation and Maintenance .............................................................................................................. 6
3.0 SUPPORT FOR RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................................................................. 6
3.1 Selecting Roofs Using Table 2.3-1. ................................................................................................... 6
3.2 Skylights ............................................................................................................................................ 8
3.3 HVAC Equipment ............................................................................................................................. 10
3.4 Outdoor Equipment ......................................................................................................................... 11
3.5 Operation and Maintenance ............................................................................................................ 12
3.5.1 Repairing or Replacing Roofs with Visible Deficiencies ....................................................... 12
3.5.2 Replacing Older Single and Multi-Ply Roofs ......................................................................... 13
3.6 Hail Impact Energy .......................................................................................................................... 16
3.7 FM Approved Roof Hail Ratings ..................................................................................................... 16
3.8 Loss History .................................................................................................................................... 16
4.0 REFERENCES ..................................................................................................................................... 17
4.1 FM Global ...................................................................................................................................... 17
4.2 Other ................................................................................................................................................ 18
APPENDIX A GLOSSARY OF TERMS ...................................................................................................... 18
APPENDIX B DOCUMENT REVISION HISTORY ...................................................................................... 19
APPENDIX C CONTIGUOUS UNITED STATES HAIL MAP ...................................................................... 19
APPENDIX D CONTIGUOUS UNITED STATES LARGE HAIL MAPS ...................................................... 21

List of Figures
Fig. 2.1-1. Size comparison of large hail stone to golf ball ........................................................................... 3
Fig. 2.1-2. Size comparison between large hail stone and baseball ............................................................. 4
Fig. 3.1.1-1.Single-ply membrane roof 0.045 in. (1.1 mm) thick cut by hail ................................................. 7
Fig. 3.1.1-2. Close-up of roof in Figure 3.1.1-1 .............................................................................................. 7
Fig. 3.1.1-3. Undamaged single-ply membrane roof cover adjacent to damaged roof in
Figures 3.1.1-1 and 3.1.1-2 ........................................................................................................ 8
Fig. 3.1.1-4. Concrete paver covered roof .................................................................................................... 8
Fig. 3.2.1-1. Holes in acrylic skylights caused by hail .................................................................................. 9
Fig. 3.2.1-2. Embrittled acrylic skylight .......................................................................................................... 9
Fig. 3.2.1-3. Close up of embrittled acrylic skylight in Fig. 3.2.1-2 ............................................................. 10
Fig. 3.2.1-4. Weathered greenhouse roof glass panell ............................................................................... 10
Fig. 3.3.1-1. Hail damaged HVAC unit ........................................................................................................ 11

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Fig. 3.3.1-2. HVAC unit with hail guard over condenser cooling fins at same location as hail
damaged unit in Figure 3.3.1-1 ............................................................................................... 11
Fig. 3.4.1-1. Glass tube solar heat exchanger damaged by 1.5 in. (38 mm) diameter hail ....................... 12
Fig. 3.4.1-2. Hail damage to plastic drift eliminators ................................................................................... 12
Fig. 3.5.1-1. Hail damage to severely ″alligatored″ roof (built-up roof) ...................................................... 13
Fig. 3.5.1-2. Close-up of hail damage to severely ″alligatored″ roof (built-up roof) ................................... 13
Fig. 3.5.2-1. Hail damage to 15-year old single-ply membrane ................................................................... 14
Fig. 3.5.2-2. Close-up of hail damage in Figure 3.5.2-1 ............................................................................. 14
Fig. 3.5.2-3. Hail at location in Figures 3.5.2-1 and 3.5.2-2 ....................................................................... 15
Fig. 3.5.2-4. Roof cut from hail-damaged roof in Figures 3.5.2-1 and 3.5.2-2 ........................................... 15
Fig. 3.8-1. Hail damage to asbestos cement roof ....................................................................................... 17
Fig. 3.8-2. Hail damage to clay roof tiles .................................................................................................... 17
Fig. C-1. Hailstorm hazard map for the contiguous United States (ρ = 0.7 g/cm3) ................................... 20
Fig. D-1. Contiguous United States hail reports ≥4 in. (102 mm) diameter (2009-2018) ........................... 21
Fig. D-2. Contiguous United States hail reports ≥3 in. (76 mm) and <4 in. (102 mm) diameter (2009-2018) . 22

List of Tables
Table 2.3-1. Hail Ratings for Roof Assemblies ............................................................................................... 6
Table 3.6-1. Hail Impact Energy and Terminal Velocities1 ........................................................................... 16
Table 3.7-1. Minimum Test Impact Energy for FM Approved Roofs ............................................................ 16

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FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets Page 3

1.0 SCOPE
This data sheet provides loss prevention guidelines to aid in minimizing the potential for hail damage to
buildings, roof-mounted equipment, and other outdoor equipment.
This data sheet does not apply to roof- or ground-mounted photovoltaic systems, fabric and membrane
structures, concentrating solar power systems, or wind turbines. Refer to Data Sheet 1-15, Roof-Mounted
Solar Photovoltaic Panels, Data Sheet 1-59, Fabric and Membrane Structures, Data Sheet 7-105,
Concentrating Solar Power; Data Sheet 7-106, Ground Mounted Solar Photovoltaic Power; or Data Sheet
13-10, Wind Turbines, as applicable.
Follow guidance in Data Sheet 1-28, Wind Design, for appropriate wind ratings for roofs and walls, skylights,
and heat and smoke vents, and in Data Sheet 1-29, Roof Deck Securement and Above-Deck Roof
Components, for interior and exterior roof fire ratings.

1.1 Hazards
Hailstorms are a widespread hazard affecting many areas of the world that can severely damage building
roofs, rooftop heating, ventilating, and air conditioning units, and skylights. Cooling towers and the exposed
glass and plastic components of outdoor equipment can also be damaged, while some of the largest hail
losses have been to outdoor storage of vehicles. Providing hail-resistant exterior building components and
equipment can greatly reduce this hazard. Damaging hail as shown in Figures 2.1-1 and 2.1-2 does occur
outside the very severe and severe hail areas, but with lower frequency.

1.2 Changes
February 2020. Interim revision. Minor editorial changes were made.

2.0 LOSS PREVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS

2.1 Introduction
Hailstorms are widespread, with damaging hail (Figures 2.1-1 and 2.1-2) found in many areas, but with the
highest frequency in severe and very severe hail areas.

Fig. 2.1-1. Size comparison of large hail stone to golf ball

2.1.1 Use FM Approved equipment, materials, and services whenever they are applicable and available.
For a list of products and services that are FM Approved, see the Approval Guide and RoofNav, as applicable.
2.1.2 Have the building owner’s qualified representative provide thorough supervision during all roof work
to ensure quality of workmanship and adherence to FM Approved standards and project specifications. Follow
DS 1-52, Field Verification of Roof Wind Uplift Resistance.
2.1.3 When reroofing, remove only that portion of roof covering and insulation that can be replaced the same
day. This will reduce possible wetting of the insulation and limit water damage.

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Fig. 2.1-2. Size comparison between large hail stone and baseball

2.1.4 Consult with the membrane manufacturer prior to making repairs. A re-inspection by the manufacturer
may be needed in order to maintain warranty coverage.
2.1.5 Use repair methods that do not require a torch whenever possible, including using cold-applied
adhesives when repairing base flashings. If torch-applied repairs are made, follow DS 1-33, Safeguarding
Torch-Applied Roof Installations.
2.1.6 Provide at least one 10 lb (4.5 kg) ABC multipurpose dry chemical portable fire extinguisher within
20 ft (6.1 m) horizontal travel distance of torch-applied roofing equipment. Use charged hose lines or additional
extinguishers for roof areas larger than 10,000 ft2 (929 m2). Adhere to the recommendations in DS 1-0,
Safeguards During Construction, Alteration, and Demolition, and DS 1-33, Safeguarding Torch-Applied Roof
Coverings.

2.2 Construction and Location

2.2.1 Very Severe Hail (VSH) Hazard Areas

2.2.1.1 Install roof assemblies recommended for use in VSH areas in accordance with Table 2.3-1. Follow
DS 1-28, Wind Design, for wind ratings.
Use RoofNav to find properly rated roof assemblies.
See Appendix C for the map of the hail hazard areas in the contiguous United States, and Appendix A,
Glossary of Terms, for classification of hail hazard areas outside the contiguous United States.
2.2.1.2 Install FM Approved roofs according to the RoofNav listing and the manufacturer’s instructions and
follow any manufacturers geographic limitations, which may exclude certain roof membranes in areas with
larger hail.
2.2.1.3 When using perimeter flashing, select any FM Approved perimeter flashing system and install it in
accordance with Data Sheet 1-49, Perimeter Flashing. (FM Approved flashing does not have a hail impact
rating.) It is critical that proper cant strips are provided, when required, to support built-up or modified bitumen
roof covers at the junction between the roof and parapets, roof dividers, or equipment curbs because
unsupported roof covers are especially prone to hail damage.
2.2.1.4 When using exterior wall panels, select FM Approved exterior wall panels with a VSH hail rating.
Follow DS 1-28, Wind Design, to determine wind ratings. Products can be found in the Approval Guide under
FM Approval Class 4881.
2.2.1.5 Where the local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ, also referred to as the “code official”) requires
smoke and heat vents, provide FM Approved metallic heat and smoke vents. See DS 1-28, Wind Design,
to determine wind ratings. Also follow guidance in Data Sheet 1-10, Interaction of Sprinklers, Smoke and Heat
Vents, and Draft Curtains.
2.2.1.7 Provide hail guards over the condenser cooling fins on heating, ventilating, and air conditioning
(HVAC) equipment. See Section 2.4 for information on hail guards.
2.2.1.8 Use critical outdoor equipment that is resistant to hail with an impact energy of 53 ft-lb (72 J) or provide
hail guards. See Section 2.4 for information on hail guards.

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2.2.2 Severe Hail (SH) Hazard Areas

2.2.2.1 Install FM Approved roof assemblies or other assemblies recommended for use in the SH hail area
in accordance with Table 2.3-1. Follow DS 1-28, Wind Design, for wind ratings. Consider providing VSH-rated
roofs for high-value or important facilities to provide additional protection against the larger hail that occurs in
the severe hail area, which can exceed the SH ratings.
Use RoofNav to find properly rated roof assemblies.
See Appendix C for a map of very severe, severe, and moderate hail hazard areas in the contiguous United
States, and Appendix A, Glossary of Terms, for definitions of very severe, severe, and moderate hail hazard
areas outside the contiguous United States.
2.2.2.2 Install FM Approved roofs according to the manufacturer’s instructions and adhere to any geographic
limitations that may exclude certain roof membranes in areas with larger hail.
2.2.2.3 Select any FM Approved perimeter flashing system and install it in accordance with Data Sheet 1-49,
Perimeter Flashing. (FM Approved flashing does not have a hail impact rating.) It is critical that proper cant
strips are provided, when required, to support built-up or modified bitumen roof covers at the junction
between the roof and parapets, roof dividers, or equipment curbs because unsupported roof covers are
especially prone to hail damage.
2.2.2.4 When using exterior wall panels, select FM Approved exterior wall panels with VSH or SH hail ratings.
Products can be found in the Approval Guide under FM Approval Class 4881. Follow Data Sheet 1-28, Wind
Design, for wind ratings.
2.2.2.5 Where the local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ, also referred to as the “code official”) requires
smoke and heat vents, do all of the following:
A. Select vents that are FM Approved.
B. For vents with non-metallic domes, select at least a severe (SH) hail rating.
C. Select units with wind uplift ratings following DS 1-28, Wind Design.
D. Follow guidance in Data Sheet 1-10, Interaction of Sprinklers, Smoke and Heat Vents, and Draft
Curtains.
2.2.2.6 When using skylights, (includes atriums and greenhouses), select FM Approved skylights with a
severe (SH) hail rating per FM 4430. Follow DS 1-28, Wind Design, for wind ratings.
2.2.2.7 Provide hail guards over all condenser cooling fins on heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC)
equipment. See Section 2.4 for information on hail guards.
2.2.2.8 When provided, install critical outdoor equipment that is resistant to hail with an impact energy of
14 ft-lb (19 J) or provide hail guards. See 2.4 for information on hail guards.

2.2.3 Moderate Hail (MH) Hazard Areas

2.2.3.1 Install FM Approved roof assemblies or other assemblies recommended for use in the MH hail area
in accordance with Table 2.3-1. Follow Data Sheet 1-28, Wind Design, for wind ratings. Use RoofNav to find
properly rated roof assemblies.
See Appendix C for a map of very severe, severe, and moderate hail hazard areas in the contiguous United
States, and Appendix A for definitions of very severe, severe, and moderate hail hazard areas outside the
contiguous United States.
2.2.3.2 Select any FM Approved perimeter flashing system and install it in accordance with Data Sheet 1-49,
Perimeter Flashing. (FM Approved flashing does not have a hail impact rating.) It is critical that proper cant
strips are provided, when required, to support built-up or modified bitumen roof covers at the junction
between the roof and parapets, roof dividers, or equipment curbs because unsupported roof covers are
especially prone to hail damage.
2.2.3.3 When using exterior wall panels, select FM Approved exterior wall panels with SH or MH hail ratings.
Products are found in the Approval Guide under FM Approval Class 4881. Follow Data Sheet 1-28, Wind
Design, for wind ratings.

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2.2.3.4 Where the local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ, also referred to as the “code official”) requires
smoke and heat vents, do all of the following:
A. Select vents that are FM Approved.
B. For vents with non-metallic domes, select at least a severe (SH) or moderate (MH) hail raiting.
C. Select units with wind ratings following Data Sheet 1-28, Wind Design.
D. Follow guidance in Data Sheet 1-10, Interaction of Sprinklers, Smoke and Heat Vents, and Draft
Curtains.
2.2.3.5 When using skylights, (includes atriums and greenhouses) select FM Approved skylights with severe
(SH) or moderate (MH) hail rating per FM 4430. Follow DS 1-28, Wind Design, for wind ratings.

2.3 Hail Ratings for Roof Assemblies

2.3.1 Use Table 2.3-1 in conjunction with the recommendations in Section 2.2 to select a roof for each hail
area.

Table 2.3-1. Hail Ratings for Roof Assemblies

Hail Hazard Area Roof Assembly Type FM Approval Hail Rating
VSH Poured concrete or concrete paver N/A
covered roof1,2
Any FM Approved Roof VSH
SH Any FM Approved roof VSH, SH, FM Class 3, or FM Class 4
Poured concrete, concrete paver, or N/A
aggregate (stone) covered roof1,2
MH Any FM Approved roof VSH, SH, MH, FM Class 2,
FM Class 3, or FM Class 4
Poured concrete, concrete paver, or N/A
aggregate (stone) covered roof1,2
1
Follow Data Sheet 1-29, Roof Deck Securement and Above-Deck Roof Components, for use and restrictions on concrete pavers and
aggregate (stone).
2
Concrete pavers meeting ASTM C1491-18, Standard Specification for Concrete Roof Pavers, or equivalent standard outside the US.

2.4 Hail Guards

2.4.1 When hail guards are recommended, contact the equipment manufacturer for compatible hail guards.
Ensure they do not interfere with the equipment’s operation. Hail guards are available in several different
materials, but maximum openings should be 0.5 by 1.0 in. (13 by 25 mm). They can also be constructed from
minimum No. 11 gauge (0.1205 in. [3.06 mm]) diameter steel wire mesh with a maximum mesh opening
size of 0.5 by 1.0 in. (13 by 25 mm) supported on a steel framework. Increase the wire size by one gauge
if the shortest span (distance between supporting frame members) exceeds 6 ft (1.83 m).

2.5 Operation and Maintenance

2.5.1 Inspect and maintain roofs in accordance with DS 1-32, Inspection and Maintenance of Roof Systems.
Repair deficiencies or replace roofs with deficiencies over large areas or nearing the end of their useful life.
The average life expectancy of most single-ply and multi-ply roof covers is between 14 and 18 years.
2.5.2 Inspect nonmetallic heat and smoke vents and skylights for cracks, crazing, yellowing or discoloration,
increased cloudiness, or other damage or indications of embrittlement due to weathering and aging. Replace
as needed.
2.5.3 Inspect hail guards on HVAC equipment for proper condition and securement.

3.0 SUPPORT FOR RECOMMENDATIONS

3.1 Selecting Roofs Using Table 2.3-1.

3.1.1 When using Table 2.3-1, selecting roofs with higher hail ratings, thicker membranes, and/or harder
coverboards (such as gypsum or wood) can reduce roof and interior water damage from many hail storms.

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FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets Page 7

Figures 3.1.1-1 and 3.1.1-2 show a 0.045 in. (1.1 mm) thick single-ply membrane over polyisocyanurate
insulation where the membrane was cut throughout by hail, allowing it too “rain” inside a shopping mall. All
interior contents and walls were damaged with stores closed for up to 6 months. Figure 3.1.1-3 shows the
adjacent roof, with a single-ply membrane that was reportedly thicker and was not damaged by the hail storm.
The damaged membrane was also reportedly 15 years old, which is its average life expectancy.
In VSH areas, concrete and concrete pavers as shown in Figure 3.1.1-4 can protect roof covers from hail
larger than 2.5 in. (64 mm) (when close to being solid ice). These are most practical for new and existing
buildings with structural concrete roof decks, which usually can support the additional ballast weight. (A
licensed structural engineer should evaluate the roof’s dead load capacity when ballasted roofs are installed
on existing buildings.)
New steel deck buildings require additional structural steel to support the weight of concrete pavers, and
this must be specified in the earliest design phase. This additional cost can be partially offset by lower roof
material (thinner membrane and no cover board) and labor costs. See Data Sheet 1-54 for roof loads and
Data Sheet 1-29 for wind uplift requirements for ballasted roofs.
Consider local history of hail larger than that to which the roofs have been tested, building values, and the
importance of operations and susceptibility of contents and operations to water damage. See Appendix D for
maps of where hail 3 in. (76 mm) and larger has occurred in the United States. Three (3) inch (76 mm)
diameter hail that is close to being solid ice has an impact energy of 117.8 ft-lb (159.7 J), which is 2.2 times
the 53 ft-lb (76.4J) minimum impact energy that VSH roofs are tested to. See Table 3.7-1 for impact energies
for FM Approved roofs, and Table 3.6.1 for impact energies of various diameter hail.

Fig. 3.1.1-1.Single-ply membrane roof 0.045 in. (1.1 mm) thick cut by hail

Fig. 3.1.1-2. Close-up of roof in Figure 3.1.1-1

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Fig. 3.1.1-3. Undamaged single-ply membrane roof cover adjacent to damaged roof in Figures 3.1.1-1 and 3.1.1-2

Fig. 3.1.1-4. Concrete paver covered roof

3.2 Skylights
3.2.1 Properly rated and maintained skylights are needed to reduce interior water damage from hail storms
because hail-punctured skylights are one of the main causes of water damage to buildings and contents.
There have been many instances in which hail has punctured all the skylights in a warehouse, wetting storage
(rain accompanies most hail storms).
Units in VSH areas need separate hail guards because there are no skylights FM Approved for use in VSH
areas. Units that are embrittled are very susceptible to cracking or puncture from small hail. Embrittlement

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FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets Page 9

occurs as these age and can be indicated by discoloration, crazing, or small cracks. See Figure 3.2.1-1 for
acrylic skylights with holes caused by hail, Figures 3.2.1-2 and 3.2.1-3 for embrittled acrylic skylights, and
Figure 3.2.1-4 for a severely weathered greenhouse glass roof panel.

Fig. 3.2.1-1. Holes in acrylic skylights caused by hail

Fig. 3.2.1-2. Embrittled acrylic skylight

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Fig. 3.2.1-3. Close up of embrittled acrylic skylight in Fig. 3.2.1-2

Fig. 3.2.1-4. Weathered greenhouse roof glass panell

3.3 HVAC Equipment

3.3.1 Cooling fins and condenser coils on heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment are
extremely susceptible to damage from small hail as shown in Figure 3.3.1-1. The majority of this hail damage
can be prevented by installing hail guards over the condenser cooling fins as shown in Figure 3.3.1-2. These
are usually available as an option from the HVAC equipment manufacturer, but can also be obtained from
other suppliers.

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FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets Page 11

Fig. 3.3.1-1. Hail damaged HVAC unit

Fig. 3.3.1-2. HVAC unit with hail guard over condenser cooling fins at same location as hail damaged unit in
Figure 3.3.1-1

3.4 Outdoor Equipment

3.4.1 Fragile outdoor equipment, such as those with exposed glass or plastic components, can be cracked
or penetrated by hail, requiring replacement and possibly affecting operations. Smaller hail can dent exterior
insulation on pipes and vessels, although this usually does not affect operations. Figures 3.4.1-1 and 3.4.1-2
show equipment with major damage that required replacement.

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Fig. 3.4.1-1. Glass tube solar heat exchanger damaged by 1.5 in. (38 mm) diameter hail

Fig. 3.4.1-2. Hail damage to plastic drift eliminators

3.5 Operation and Maintenance

3.5.1 Repairing or Replacing Roofs with Visible Deficiencies

Roofs with visible deficiencies such as deterioration, scrim showing, blisters, alligatoring, cracks, or
embrittlement are very susceptible to damage from even small hail and should be repaired or replaced.
Figures 3.5.1-1 and 3.5.2-2 show damage from only 1 in. (25 mm) diameter hail to a 20-year old four-ply
built-up roof that is “alligatored.” Alligatoring occurs as this type roof ages and solvents in the asphalt leave
the roof, resulting in brittleness and loss of adhesion to the fiberglass felts.
See DS 1-32, Inspection and Maintenance of Roof Assemblies, for pictures and descriptions of other roof
deficiencies.

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FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets Page 13

0 1inch 2 3 4 5 6

0 1cm 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

Fig. 3.5.1-1. Hail damage to severely ″alligatored″ roof (built-up roof)

Fig. 3.5.1-2. Close-up of hail damage to severely ″alligatored″ roof (built-up roof)

3.5.2 Replacing Older Single and Multi-Ply Roofs

Single and multi-ply roofs have an average life expectancy of 14 to 18 years. This varies considerably based
on environmental conditions such as heat, ultraviolet light, moisture and humidity, foot traffic, and wind and
hail storms. There can also be large differences in life expectancy among various manufacturers of the same
type of membrane material.
As these roofs age and weather, the roof materials weaken, with many becoming brittle and susceptible to
damage from hail smaller than they were Approved to.

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This reduction in hail resistance as roofs age can be seen in Figures 3.5.2-1 and 3.5.2.2. This 15-year-old
roof was severely fractured by approximately 1.75 in. (44 mm) hail (see Figure 3.5.2-3), allowing rainwater to
wet the interior. This size hail should not damage a new FM Approved SH-rated roof and did not damage
adjacent roof areas of the same construction that were 10 years old.

Fig. 3.5.2-1. Hail damage to 15-year old single-ply membrane

Fig. 3.5.2-2. Close-up of hail damage in Figure 3.5.2-1

Embrittlement was also indicated by the increased flexibility of the unexposed lap section of the roof
membrane compared to the weathered roof shown in Figure 3.5.2-4.

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FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets Page 15

Fig. 3.5.2-3. Hail at location in Figures 3.5.2-1 and 3.5.2-2

Fig. 3.5.2-4. Roof cut from hail-damaged roof in Figures 3.5.2-1 and 3.5.2-2

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3.6 Hail Impact Energy

Hail varies greatly in shape and density, with the density ranging from a maximum of approximately 56.2
lb/ft3 (0.9 g/cm3) when it is mostly solid ice to a low of approximately 25.0 lb/ft3 (0.4 g/cm3) when there are
more air bubbles entrained. The median density is approximately 43.7 lb/ft3 (0.7 g/cm3). Approximate impact
energies and terminal velocities for various sizes of spherical hail are in Table 3.6-1.
The largest reported hail stone in the United States was 8 in. (200 mm) diameter and weighed 1.9 lb (0.86
kg). It is pictured, along with a list of the largest hail stones recorded for US states, at https://
www.wunderground.com/blog/weatherhistorian/worlds-largest-hailstones.html

Table 3.6-1. Hail Impact Energy and Terminal Velocities1

Hail Equivalent Median Hail Density43.7 lb/ft3 (0.7 g/cm3) Maximum Hail Density 56.2 lb/ft3 (0.9 g/cm3
Diameter Impact Energy Terminal Velocity Impact Energy Terminal Velocity
in. mm ft-lb Joules mph m/s ft-lb Joules mph m/s
1.00 25 0.8 1.1 44 19 1.4 1.9 49 22
1.25 32 2.1 2.8 49 22 3.4 4.6 56 25
1.50 38 4.3 5.9 54 24 7.2 9.7 61 27
1.75 44 8.1 10.9 58 26 13.3 18.1 66 30
2.00 51 13.8 18.8 63 28 22.9 31.0 71 32
2.25 57 22.3 30.2 66 30 36.8 49.9 75 34
2.50 64 34.1 46.2 70 31 56.4 76.4 80 36
2.75 70 50.1 68.0 74 33 82.9 112.3 84 37
3.00 76 71.2 96.6 77 35 117.8 159.7 88 39
4.00 102 227.7 308.8 90 40 376.5 510.4 102 45
1
Based on terminal velocity at sea level.

3.7 FM Approved Roof Hail Ratings

FM Approved roofs are available with various hail ratings tested to various impact energies. Table 3.7-1 lists
the hail ratings and the impact energy each must pass. See FM Approval Standards for full test requirements.

Table 3.7-1. Minimum Test Impact Energy for FM Approved Roofs

FM Approved Roof Hail Rating Impact Energy, ft-lb (Joules)
MH / Class 2 8 (11)
SH / Class 3 14 (19)
Class 4 24 (32)
VSH 53 (72)

3.8 Loss History

Hail impacts most horizontal surfaces damaging those that are not properly designed for hail impact. Most
of the damage is to roofs, followed by damage to cooling fins and condenser coils of rooftop heating,
ventilating, and air conditioning equipment, and skylights. There is much less damage to windows and walls.
Several of the largest losses have been to outside storage of automobiles. Hail usually impacts all buildings
and outside storage at the entire site.
The most easily damaged roofs are old corrugated asbestos-cement roofs and any roof in poor condition.
Figure 3.8-1 shows an asbestos-cement roof throughout which hail punctured holes, allowing rain water to
enter and wet the entire building and machinery, and also contaminate the interior with asbestos. The entire
roof needed to be replaced, which, along with asbestos clean-up, affected operations for several months.
Although this roof was impacted by 3 in. (76 mm) diameter hail, even small hail can easily puncture such old,
brittle roofs.
Figure 3.8-2 shows clay roof tiles that were decimated by hail. Significant water damage can be done to a
building interior if there is no solid roof deck with taped seams under clay tiles.

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Fig. 3.8-1. Hail damage to asbestos cement roof

Fig. 3.8-2. Hail damage to clay roof tiles

4.0 REFERENCES

4.1 FM Global
Data Sheet 1-10, Interaction of Sprinklers, Smoke and Heat Vents, and Draft Curtains
Data Sheet 1-15, Roof Mounted Solar Photovoltaic Panels
Data Sheet 1-28, Wind Design

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Data Sheet 1-29, Roof Deck Securement and Above-Deck Roof Components
Data Sheet 1-30, Repair of Wind-Damaged Single- and Multi-Ply Roof Systems
Data Sheet 1-32, Inspection and Repair of Roof Systems
Data Sheet 1-33, Safeguarding Torch-Applied Roof Coverings
Data Sheet 1-35, Green Roofs
Data Sheet 1-49, Perimeter Flashing
Data Sheet 1-54, Roof Loads for New Construction
Data Sheet 1-59, Fabric and Membrane Structures
Data Sheet 7-105, Concentrating Solar Power
Data Sheet 7-106, Ground Mounted Solar Photovoltaic Power
Data Sheet 13-10, Wind Turbines
FM Approvals. Test Procedure, Test Method for Determining the Susceptibility to Hail Damage of Roof
Coverings. June 2017.
FM Approvals. Approval Standard for Skylights, Class Number 4431. September 2006.

4.2 Other
American National Standards Institute (ANSI). ANSI FM 4473, Test Standard for Impact Resistance Testing
of Rigid Roofing Materials by Impacting with Freezer Ice balls. January 2011.
ASTM International. ASTM C1491-18, Standard Specification for Concrete Roof Pavers. 2018.
ASTM International. ASTM G154-05, Standard Practice for Operating Fluorescent Light Apparatus for UV
Exposure for Non-Metallic Materials. 2005.
European Standards. EN 13583:2001, Flexible sheets for waterproofing. Bitumen, plastic and rubber sheets
for roof waterproofing. Determination of hail resistance. November 2001.

APPENDIX A GLOSSARY OF TERMS

FM Approved: Products and services that have satisfied the criteria for Approval by FM Approvals. Refer
to the Approval Guide and/or RoofNav, online resources of FM Approvals, for a complete listing of products
and services that are FM Approved.
Hail size: Maximum diameter of hail.
Moderate hail hazard area: Areas in which the hail size does not exceed 1.75 in. (44 mm) for the 15-year
mean recurrence interval (MRI). This area is shown for the contiguous United States as “Moderate” in Figure
C-1.
Registered roof consultant (RRC): A designation made by RCI, Incorporated, which is an international
association of professional consultants, architects, and engineers who specialize in the specification and
design of roofing, waterproofing, and exterior wall systems. For locations outside the United States where
this qualification may not be available, the roof consultant should have completed specialized training or
certification from an industry-recognized organization.
Severe hail hazard area: Areas in which the hail size exceeds 1.75 in. (44 mm) but does not exceed 2 in.
(51 mm) for the 15-year mean recurrence interval (MRI). This area is shown for the contiguous United States
as “Severe” in Figure C-1.
Specification-tested: Products that have been evaluated by FM Approvals according to recognized
standards and are subject to examinations and audits by FM Approvals.
Split slab concrete roof deck: Waterproofing between slabs (used for parking garages, plaza roofs).
Square: A roofing term meaning 100 ft2 (9.28 m) of roofing area.
Very Severe hail hazards area: Areas in which the hail size exceeds 2 in. (51 mm) for the 15-year mean
recurrence interval (MRI). This area is shown for the contiguous United States as “Very Severe” in Figure C-1.

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FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets Page 19

APPENDIX B DOCUMENT REVISION HISTORY

The purpose of this appendix is to capture the changes that were made to this document each time it was
published. Please note that section numbers refer specifically to those in the version published on the date
shown (i.e., the section numbers are not always the same from version to version).
February 2020. Interim revision. Minor editorial changes were made.
April 2019. Interim revision. Added the following recommendations for locations in very severe hail (VSH)
areas:
A. Use only FM Approved VSH rated, poured concrete or concrete paver covered roofs.
B. When new skylights are provided, use FM Approved skylights with a SH rating tested using 2 in.
(51 mm) diameter ice balls provided with hail guards.
C. When new heat and smoke vents are provided, use only FM Approved metallic heat and smoke vents.
July 2018. Interim revision. Clarification was made to Table 2.2.1.1-1.
March 2018. The following major changes were made for this revision:
A. The contiguous US hail map was revised and uses a 15 year mean recurrence interval.
B. Definitions for very severe, severe, and moderate hail areas outside the contiguous United States were
changed.
October 2014. This document was completely rewritten. The following major changes were made:
A. Scope was revised to apply to all locations.
B. Recommendations were added to provide FM Approved hail rated products, and previous
recommendations were edited.
C. Very severe hail (VSH) area was added and definitions for severe and moderate hail hazard areas
were clarified.
D. Information on hail test standards was added.
E. Loss History, References, and Appendix A were expanded.
September 2009. Hailstorm hazard map was reformatted. No technical changes were made.
January 2009. Minor editorial changes were made for this revision.
May 2008. Appendix B, Document Revision History was updated.
May 2001. Hailstorm hazard map was improved and is now located at the end of the data sheet.
January 2000. This revision of the document has been reorganized to provide a consistent format.
May 1998. Revised.
October 1985. DS 1-47S.1 was replaced with a new DS 1-34.

APPENDIX C CONTIGUOUS UNITED STATES HAIL MAP

Refer to Figure C-1 for contiguous United States hail map.

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Fig.C-1. Hailstorm hazard map for the contiguous United States (ρ= 0.7g/cm3)
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 APPENDIX D CONTIGUOUS UNITED STATES LARGE HAIL MAPS

FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets

Hail Damage
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Page 21
Fig. D-1. Contiguous United States hail reports ≥4 in. (102 mm) diameter (2009-2018)

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Fig. D-2. Contiguous United States hail reports ≥3 in. (76 mm) and <4 in. (102 mm) diameter (2009-2018)
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