News Summary
Rock Hill, SC, faced severe destruction from a storm with winds reaching 90 mph and hail the size of golf balls. Hundreds of buildings sustained damage, sparking concerns about the city’s construction standards for extreme weather. The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety is evaluating roofing materials to bolster protection against similar future events, emphasizing the need for impact-rated products. Residents are focusing on resilience and preparedness in the wake of the storm as they start rebuilding efforts, highlighting the importance of safeguarding homes against severe weather.
Rock Hill, South Carolina experienced significant destruction following a severe storm that brought winds up to 90 mph and golf ball-sized hail. This extreme weather event led to damages across hundreds of buildings, with a few structures completely destroyed. Hailstones were reported to reach sizes of 2 ¼ inches in diameter, creating a ‘fog-like’ appearance over the area.
The storm’s aftermath has raised concerns about the resilience of local construction standards, especially since hail storms of this caliber are rare in South Carolina. Jake Sorber, a research project scientist based in Richburg, indicates that such events typically occur once every decade or longer, suggesting that many buildings in Rock Hill are not equipped to withstand such extreme conditions.
The damage assessment conducted after the storm revealed that South Carolina roofs are particularly vulnerable to hailstones measuring more than 2 inches. Homes in the area predominantly utilize conventional asphalt shingles, which do not offer sufficient protection against these severe hail conditions. Research indicates that impact-rated shingles capable of withstanding extensive hail damage are not common in the Southeast.
In addition to the roof damage, wind-driven hail severely damaged building siding and windows. Different materials reacted variably to the storm; board and batten vinyl siding showed better resistance in such conditions. To further protect against similar disasters in the future, homeowners are encouraged to consider installing impact-rated windows and to create a sealed roof deck, which can reduce the risks of water intrusion even if shingles are damaged.
The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS), a nonprofit organization funded by insurers, aims to reduce financial losses from natural disasters through improved building standards. Researchers at the IBHS are currently analyzing the effectiveness of various roofing materials and techniques. Michelle McClain, another IBHS researcher, is conducting hail impact simulations using a specialized cannon that replicates hailstone impacts more accurately than traditional steel ball tests.
According to findings from IBHS studies, most currently available impact-rated products provide only marginal improvements in hail damage protection. As severe convective storms account for approximately 70% of insured losses, costing the insurance industry around $58 billion last year, there is a pressing need for enhanced building standards to better safeguard structures against future storms.
This summer, a multi-agency field study on hail, funded by the National Science Foundation, is scheduled to take place in the Midwest, marking the first comprehensive study of its kind in over 40 years. This research may shed light on improving standards and practices for hail-resistant construction and help communities like Rock Hill prepare for future events.
Throughout Rock Hill, many residents are already familiar with the hardships that follow such storms. Trevor Hollis, a local resident, reported extensive damage in his neighborhood, highlighting the ongoing rebuilding efforts. Community members are now focusing on preparedness and resilience, understanding that being better equipped against severe weather is crucial following the devastation experienced last spring.
As discussions continue regarding storm-related damages and insurance implications, homeowners are urged to be cognizant of how hail damage can affect their premiums. Adequate preparation and knowledge can significantly impact the efficacy of protective measures against the increasingly severe weather events expected in the years to come.
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Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
The ROCK HILL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERockHill.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Rock Hill, York County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill Arts Festival, and motorsport events at the Rock Hill Velodrome. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Culture & Heritage Museums, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and technology that power the local economy such as 3D Systems and Comporium. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
