Hail damage leads to high-performance roof upgrade

By Jesse Sanchez. 

This roofing contractor helped a homeowner replace a hail-damaged roof with a high-performance system before winter weather arrived. 

A routine roof inspection in Bigfork, Montana, turned into a major roofing replacement project after contractors uncovered hail damage severe enough to threaten the home ahead of winter. The project, originally featured by Malarkey Roofing Products®, highlights how early inspections and high-performance roofing systems can help homeowners avoid costly cold-weather failures. 

Sisu Roofing, based in Kila, Montana, was initially called to inspect the property before seasonal weather conditions worsened. During the inspection, the contractor discovered damage that had compromised the integrity of the existing roof and recommended pursuing an insurance claim before winter arrived. 

“We were called out for a roof inspection before winter. We found hail damage on their roof and got an insurance claim started. They had their claim accepted, and a new Malarkey Vista® roof on before the snow started flying,” said Ben Wuollet, owner and founder of Sisu Roofing. 

For contractors working in regions with freeze-thaw cycles, identifying hidden hail damage before temperatures drop can be critical. According to the original project profile, damaged shingles can trap moisture that later expands during freezing conditions, eventually leading to leaks and additional structural problems. 

The replacement project covered approximately 73 squares and utilized Vista® shingles in the Black Oak colorway. Sisu Roofing sourced materials through MacArthur Company in Columbia Falls, Montana. The roofing system features NEX® Polymer Modified Asphalt, which is designed to improve impact resistance and granule adhesion compared to traditional asphalt shingles. 

The project also reflected growing interest in roofing products that combine durability with sustainability. According to Malarkey, the shingles incorporate upcycled tires and plastic bags into the manufacturing process to improve flexibility and performance while reducing landfill waste. 

Crews completed the installation before the first major snowfall, providing the homeowner with a new roofing system designed to better withstand future storms and harsh winters. 

Learn more about high-performance roofing systems designed for severe weather conditions and long-term durability!