Roofing Sample Guidelines for Forensic Hail Damage Evaluations
Replacing a commercial roof can cost many thousands or even millions of dollars. That is why accurate forensic roof analysis is essential. Well installed and properly maintained roofs can last for decades; however, a significant weather event can damage the roof investment, and often result in conflicts between building owners, insurance carriers, roofing contractors, public adjusting firms, and yes, even attorneys. While laboratory analysis of roofing samples may not prevent these conflicts, accurate information is essential. High-quality test results help roof consultants develop informed opinions and play a crucial role in settling property claims.
The importance of laboratory testing in Roofing Hail Damage Analysis
For decades, laboratory testing of roofing samples has played a key role in better understanding the cause of damage, the extent of damage, the date of damage, and even the repairability of roofs. Many roof consultants rely on external laboratories, such as Haag’s materials testing lab, to accurately test and evaluate removed roofing samples.
Did you know the often overlooked first step in laboratory roof sample analysis is the consultant’s role before the sample reaches the lab. Understanding the type of test requested equips roof consultants with the knowledge needed to:
- Select where to take the sample(s)
- Determine the appropriate size of the sample(s)
- Accurately position the areas of interest (AOIs) within the sample(s)
For example, if water column testing is requested, samples should measure approximately 12-inches by 12-inches, with the AOI centered on the sample. However, if artificial hail impact testing is to be performed, a larger sample should be taken with the AOI positioned off to one side. This provides the laboratory technicians with enough room to perform the impact testing without the risk of impacting the AOI being analyzed.


Common Lab tests for Forensic Roof Evaluations
Haag performs a variety of laboratory tests that support roofing damage evaluations. Each of these tests reveal critical insights not attainable through field inspections alone. When combined with field inspection data and weather data, they provide a complete understanding of the roofing system’s condition.
The following tests help determine if a sample was damaged by hail, the minimum hail size capable to damage the sample, when hail-caused damage may have occurred, if impacted areas (or other region) remain water-tight, and if a hail-caused condition was limited to the surface coating or if impact damage extended completely through the sample. Results can also confirm if insultation R-values have been compromised due to hail denting.
Most common lab tests for roofing samples
Haag laboratory supports forensic consultants, consultants from other firms, contractors, public adjusters, insurance professionals, building owners, attorneys, and manufacturers by providing the following frequently requested tests:
- Simulated Hail Impact Testing
- Based on ANSI/FM 4473 – Test Standard for Impact Resistance Testing of Rigid Roofing Materials by Impacting with Freezer Ice Balls
- Desaturation Analysis
- Based on ASTM D3746 – Standard Test Method for Impact Resistance of Bituminous Roofing Systems
- Single-ply Roof Analysis
- A series of inspection techniques, using tactile examination, back-lighting, and microscopy.
- Water Column Testing
- Based on ASTM D7281 – Standard Test Method for Determining Water Migration Resistance Through Roof Membranes
- R-Value Testing
- Based on ASTM C518 – Standard Test Method for Steady-State Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of the Heat Flow Apparatus
Roofing Sample Guidelines for forensic hail damage evaluations
Haag Research & Testing is pleased to announce the development of a new, free publication that is intended to assist roof consultants with the selection and sizing of roofing samples for laboratory analysis. A link to this publication can be found here.

Why Choose Haag for Roofing Sample Testing?
Haag Research & Testing an accredited testing laboratory through the International Accreditation Service (IAS) and is listed as Testing Laboratory 656 (TL-656) on the IAS website. Our technicians and forensic engineers are experts in forensic roof evaluations, providing reliable, scientifically supported data that stands up in both claims and litigation settings.
Whether you need laboratory testing, cause and origin expert services, or consultation for construction defect claims, Haag has the resources and expertise to support your goal.
Contact Haag to explore your roofing sample testing options online or 214-614-6500.





Steven R. Smith is a Forensic Engineer and Director of Research & Testing for Haag, a Salas O’Brien Company. Mr. Smith is an experienced forensic engineer who began his career with Haag in 1998. He spent seven years working as Haag’s Senior Lab Technician while earning a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree from The University of Texas at Arlington. He has been involved with the lab throughout his career and has been able to leverage his extensive and practical engineering field experience with research and testing projects. Mr. Smith has authored or co-authored several Haag publications, including Repairing an Existing 36-Inch Laminated Asphalt Shingle Roof with Metric-Sized Laminated Asphalt Shingles, Effects of Hail-Caused Dents on the Thermal Performance of Insulation Under Single-Ply Roofing, Testing of Impact-Resistant Asphalt Shingles, and Hail Effects on Air-Conditioner Performance. He also contributed to other publications as a laboratory technician, including Hail Damage Threshold Sizes for Common Roofing Materials, Hail Damage to Tile Roofing, and Hail Impact Resistance of Asphalt Shingle Overlays.
Mr. Smith’s areas of expertise include roofing system evaluations, components and cladding, code and standard compliance, and mechanical equipment evaluations. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. He is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and Pi Tau Sigma National Honor Society. Prior to joining Haag, he trained at the Navy Nuclear Power Training Command Center in Orlando, Florida and was stationed aboard the USS Arkansas (CGN-41), where he maintained reactor and steam plant chemistry, performed radiological controls, and operated mechanical equipment in the propulsion plant.