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Industrial & Warehouses

Why Industrial Plants & Warehouses Need Hail Protection

Written by 

Michael Dunlap

 • 

Edited by 

Kelly Gillease

May 15, 2025

 • 

3

 min read

Rows of cars under protective hail netting
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Severe hailstorms are a growing concern for industrial facilities, warehouses, and manufacturing plants. Unlike residential or small commercial properties, these large-scale operations have expansive rooftops, exposed equipment, and costly inventory—all of which are at risk during extreme weather events.

A single hailstorm can cause millions in damage, leading to downtime, repair costs, and skyrocketing insurance premiums. Investing in hail protection solutions, like hail netting, can safeguard equipment, inventory, and operations, ensuring business continuity in hail-prone regions.

The Cost of Hail Damage to Warehouses & Industrial Facilities

Industrial facilities face unique risks when it comes to severe hailstorms:

🚧 1. Equipment & Infrastructure Damage

  • Rooftop HVAC, solar panels, and ventilation systems are highly vulnerable.
  • Metal roofing & skylights can be punctured, leading to leaks and structural failures.
  • Outdoor industrial equipment can suffer costly dents, breakage, or electrical malfunctions.

💰 2. Financial Losses from Downtime

  • Operations may be halted due to facility damage or power disruptions.
  • Supply chain delays can impact production schedules.
  • Lost revenue from halted operations can outweigh the cost of repairs.

📉 3. Rising Insurance Premiums

  • Repeated hail damage claims drive up insurance rates.
  • Some businesses see premium hikes of over 400% after multiple claims.
  • Risk mitigation strategies, like hail netting, can significantly reduce premiums.

For example, one business lowered insurance costs by 40% after implementing hail netting, reducing annual premiums from $1,693,275 to $1,015,965. Source: Hail No

Hail Protection Solutions: What Works Best for Industrial Facilities?

Many traditional hail protection methods fall short for large-scale operations:

Method

Effectiveness

Challenges

Reinforced Roofing

✅ Protects buildings but not outdoor equipment or vehicles

❌ Expensive to retrofit large facilities

Tarp & Temporary Covers

✅ Short-term emergency solution

❌ Labor-intensive & unreliable for sudden storms

Insurance Coverage

✅ Covers damages after the fact

❌ Does not prevent financial loss from downtime

Hail Netting Systems

✅ Year-round protection for warehouses, parking areas, & equipment

✅ Cost-effective & customizable

The Advantages of Hail Netting for Warehouses & Industrial Plants

🔹 Prevents equipment damage – Protects outdoor equipment, inventory, and vehicles
🔹 Eliminates production delays – Ensures facilities remain operational after hail events.
🔹 Lowers insurance costs – Demonstrates risk mitigation to insurers, reducing premiums.
🔹 Provides all-weather protection – Acts as shade cover, reducing heat exposure for vehicles and outdoor areas.
🔹 Quick ROI – Most businesses recover their investment within two years due to hail insurance savings and avoided repair costs.

>> Related Article: Protecting Industrial Plants from Hail Damage: A Guide

Future-Proofing Industrial Operations Against Hail

For warehouses, distribution centers, and industrial plants, waiting for the next hailstorm isn’t an option. The cost of repairs, downtime, and lost productivity far outweighs the investment in hail protection solutions.

Hail netting offers a scalable, cost-effective defense, ensuring businesses remain operational and financially secure—even in high-risk hail zones.

Want to protect your facility?

Contact Hail No for a customized hail protection plan today.

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