The Real Cost of Hail Damage
The first sign of trouble is usually the sound. A sudden crack against the roof, then another, then dozens more as the storm rolls in. In a matter of minutes, two-inch hailstones slam into the building with the force of falling rocks. When the storm finally moves on, everything seems quiet again. But real damage often begins after the sky clears.
Small fractures in the membrane. Bruised insulation. Hidden punctures that allow water to creep into ceilings, equipment rooms, classrooms, or patient areas. What looks like a routine weather event can quietly turn into an $80,000 problem before anyone even notices.
FM Global created what the industry calls “the $80K test” to replicate exactly this kind of destruction. A single severe hail impact, if a roof is not properly rated, can lead to failures that cost building owners more than $80,000 in repairs, disruptions, and emergency response.
This is why VSH (Very Severe Hail) certification matters. It is not about minor improvements or adding a layer of protection. It is about designing a roof that can withstand the kind of storms that routinely cause massive, unexpected losses.
What Makes the $80K Test Different
The VSH certification test does not just drop a hailstone onto a roof sample. It recreates the worst-case hail scenario using FM Approvals’ ANSI FM 4470 protocol.
The process includes:
- 2-inch ice balls launched at extreme velocity
- Multiple impacts across critical points like seams, fasteners, and corners
- Testing on new, weathered, and heat-aged materials
- Verifying membrane integrity and substrate performance
The purpose is simple: determine whether a roofing assembly can survive impacts that would normally lead to catastrophic failure, water infiltration, and major interior damage.
A roof that passes this test demonstrates a proven ability to withstand hail that commonly costs building owners tens of thousands of dollars per event.
Why VSH Certification Is Becoming the Standard, Not the Upgrade
The Very Severe Hail region includes states like Oklahoma, Texas, Tennessee, Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, and surrounding areas where hail greater than 2 inches is common. In these zones, standard commercial roofing systems frequently fail when storms hit.
Insurance carriers and risk managers increasingly expect VSH-rated systems for:
- Hospitals
- Universities
- School districts
- Government facilities
- Critical operations and mission-driven environments
A VSH roof is no longer nice to have. It is becoming a requirement for facilities where roof failure directly affects safety, compliance, and continuity of operations.
What Happens When a Roof Cannot Pass the Test
The $80K benchmark is not hypothetical. It reflects real-world losses seen in hail-prone regions. When a non-VSH roof fails, facilities can experience:
- Water infiltration leading to mold or contamination
- Damage to equipment, technology, or medical devices
- Emergency closures of classrooms or hospital units
- Displaced students or patients
- Insurance disputes or unexpected out-of-pocket costs
These issues have long-term impacts on budgets, public trust, and operational stability. And unlike the cost of installing a VSH-rated system, many of these losses are not predictable or controllable.
Why the Test is Worth Every Dollar
A VSH-certified roof often costs more upfront, but it reduces risk dramatically. When a system can withstand the same impacts as the $80K test without damage, building owners gain:
- Lower long-term maintenance costs
- Fewer emergency repairs
- Stronger alignment with insurance expectations
- Greater confidence during storm season
- Protection for people, equipment, and operations
In other words: a predictable investment today prevents unpredictable losses later.
How Coryell Roofing Helps You Pass the $80K Standard Before the Storm Hits
Coryell Roofing specializes in designing, evaluating, and installing VSH-compliant roofing systems for organizations that cannot afford roof failure.
Roof Performance and Risk Assessments
We identify vulnerabilities and determine whether your current system will withstand VSH-level impact.
Certified VSH System Design
Our team builds assemblies that meet the standards required to pass FM Approvals’ rigorous testing.
Insurance and Documentation Support
We help you align with FM Global expectations for risk reduction and long-term asset protection.
Long-Term Roof Protection Plans
Maintenance programs are designed to extend roof life, reduce emergency costs, and protect operations.
A roof that can survive the $80K test is a roof built to withstand what actually happens in our region, not just what the building code requires.
Protect Your Facility Before the Next Storm
If your school, hospital, university, or government building has not been evaluated for VSH readiness, now is the time.
A Roof Performance Assessment from Coryell Roofing can help you understand your risks and build a plan that protects your people, your operations, and your budget.
Get started today. Your next storm should not be your most expensive one.
Coryell Roofing
Helping you protect what matters most—without the headache.
