New Mexico is no stranger to severe weather. While our state is known for sunshine and beautiful skies, spring and summer often bring powerful thunderstorms capable of producing large hail, high winds, and heavy rain. These storms can leave behind obvious damage like broken windows and dented vehicles, but they may also create hidden hazards—especially for owners of older homes and commercial buildings.
If your home or building was constructed before the 1980s, a hailstorm could damage materials that contain asbestos. While asbestos isn’t dangerous when left undisturbed and in good condition, storm damage can crack, chip, or break these materials, increasing the potential for fibers to become airborne if they are handled improperly.
At Asbestos Experts, LLC, we help homeowners, contractors, property managers, and businesses throughout New Mexico safely identify and address asbestos-containing materials before repairs begin.
Why Older Homes May Contain Asbestos
For decades, asbestos was widely used in residential and commercial construction because it was durable, fire-resistant, and an effective insulator.
Although many people associate asbestos with insulation, it was actually used in dozens of building products, including:
- Roofing shingles
- Roofing felt
- Cement siding
- Exterior wall panels
- Popcorn ceilings
- Ceiling tiles
- Floor tile and mastic
- Pipe insulation
- HVAC duct insulation
- Wall texture
- Joint compound
- Vinyl flooring
- Some window glazing materials
Many homes and buildings constructed before the 1980s—and even some built into the early 1990s—may still contain these materials.
How Hail Can Damage Asbestos-Containing Materials
Hail doesn’t have to break through your roof to create a problem.
Large hailstones can crack cement-based roofing products, fracture older siding, loosen roof flashing, damage vents, and weaken aging building materials. Even if the damage appears minor from the ground, repeated impacts can compromise the integrity of asbestos-containing products.
After a severe hailstorm, damaged materials may become brittle or begin to deteriorate further over time.
It’s important to remember that asbestos fibers are generally only released when materials are damaged, cut, drilled, sanded, broken, or disturbed during repairs or demolition.
Common Areas to Inspect After a Hail Storm
Following a significant storm, it’s a good idea to have older buildings evaluated before beginning repairs.
Potential areas of concern include:
Roofing Materials
Older asphalt and cement roofing products may contain asbestos. Cracked or broken roofing materials should never be removed without determining whether asbestos is present.
Exterior Siding
Fiber cement siding manufactured decades ago often contained asbestos. Hail can chip or fracture these panels, creating concerns during replacement or repair.
Roof Vents and Flashing
Contractors repairing storm damage often remove surrounding materials to access damaged areas. If those materials contain asbestos, special handling procedures may be required.
Detached Garages, Barns, and Workshops
Many older outbuildings throughout New Mexico still have asbestos cement roofing or siding. These structures are just as vulnerable to hail damage as the main home.
Why DIY Storm Repairs Can Become Dangerous
After a major hailstorm, many homeowners want to quickly patch damaged roofs or replace broken siding.
Unfortunately, attempting repairs before determining whether asbestos is present can increase the risk of disturbing hazardous materials.
Activities such as:
- Pulling roofing shingles
- Breaking siding panels
- Drilling into walls
- Cutting roofing materials
- Removing insulation
- Demolishing damaged structures
can all release asbestos fibers if the materials contain asbestos.
This is why professional testing before repairs begin is so important.
What Should You Do After a Hail Storm?
If your home or commercial property is older and has experienced storm damage, consider the following steps:
1. Document the Damage
Take photographs of visible roof, siding, and exterior damage for insurance purposes.
2. Avoid Disturbing Damaged Materials
Do not cut, drill, sweep, pressure wash, or remove damaged materials until they have been properly evaluated.
3. Schedule Professional Asbestos Testing
Testing identifies whether asbestos-containing materials are present before repair work begins. Knowing what you’re dealing with helps protect both occupants and contractors.
4. Work with Licensed Professionals
If asbestos is identified, licensed professionals can recommend the safest course of action and perform abatement when necessary before reconstruction begins.
Why Professional Testing Matters
One of the biggest misconceptions about asbestos is that you can identify it by appearance.
Unfortunately, that’s simply not possible.
Many asbestos-containing materials look identical to modern products, and laboratory analysis is often the only way to determine whether asbestos is present.
Attempting to guess can lead to unnecessary exposure or expensive project delays once contractors discover suspect materials during construction.
Professional testing provides peace of mind and helps ensure repairs move forward safely and in compliance with applicable regulations.
Serving Homeowners and Businesses Across New Mexico
Hailstorms affect communities throughout New Mexico every year, including Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Santa Fe, Los Alamos, Farmington, Las Vegas, Española, Gallup, Grants, Roswell, Hobbs, Clovis, Silver City, Las Cruces, Taos, and many surrounding communities.
Whether you’re repairing storm damage to a family home, apartment complex, commercial property, school, church, or government building, understanding whether asbestos is present is an important first step.
At Asbestos Experts, LLC, our licensed professionals provide asbestos inspections, testing, and abatement services throughout New Mexico. We work closely with homeowners, contractors, insurance professionals, and property managers to help projects move forward safely and efficiently.
Don’t Let Hidden Damage Become a Bigger Problem
Hail damage is stressful enough without unexpected surprises during repairs. If your property was built before modern asbestos regulations and recently experienced storm damage, don’t take unnecessary risks.
Having suspect materials professionally tested before repairs begin can protect your family, your contractors, and everyone involved in the restoration process.
When it comes to asbestos, knowing what’s behind the damage is the safest place to start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can hail release asbestos fibers?
Hail can crack or damage asbestos-containing materials, but the greatest risk typically occurs when those damaged materials are disturbed during cleanup, repair, or demolition.
Should I replace my roof immediately after a hailstorm?
Not necessarily. If your home is older, it’s a good idea to determine whether asbestos-containing materials are present before roofing work begins.
Can my roofing contractor test for asbestos?
Most roofing contractors are not licensed asbestos inspectors. Professional asbestos testing should be completed before major repairs or demolition begin.
Does homeowners insurance cover asbestos removal?
Coverage varies depending on your insurance policy and the cause of the damage. Contact your insurance provider to discuss your specific coverage.
Why choose Asbestos Experts, LLC?
Asbestos Experts, LLC is licensed to provide professional asbestos inspections, testing, and abatement services throughout New Mexico. Our experienced team helps homeowners, contractors, businesses, and property managers safely navigate asbestos concerns while keeping projects moving forward.