Is There Any Way to Protect Your Home From Hail Damage?
Almost every type of severe weather poses a threat to your home exterior. However, hail storms come in as the most significant in terms of sheer damage in a short amount of time. Hail forms when low and high-pressure systems collide, making for a highly volatile atmosphere.
In the most extreme cases, hail fell from the sky the size of a baseball! With ice chunks raining down on your home, you must be curious about how to mitigate that damage as much as possible.
Check our list below of the precautions you can take to prevent hail damage!
Regular Roof Inspection & Maintenance
Consistent upkeep and regular roof inspections ensure your roof will stay strong through the harshest weather.
Look for any missing, cracked, or dented shingles and loose asphalt granules around your property. If you suspect your roof may have damage but are not able to take a closer look yourself, call on a trusted exterior contractor for assistance.
If there’s damage to your roof, you should consider either roof repair or replacement as necessary. A damaged roof leaves the opportunity for severe weather to cause further damage throughout your property.
Install a Steep-Sloped Roof
When hail strikes, flat roofs are susceptible to hail damage as it gives these ice chunks more surface area to land and makes an impact on your shingles. Steep-sloped roofs sit at a sharp angle, negating the hail chunks from making a direct impact upon landing.
However, if a nasty hail storm surges through your area, it’s still a prudent idea to inspect your steep-sloped roof for any potential damage.
Choose Strong Siding
Vinyl siding is relatively weak against hail impact, albeit its affordability and versatility. If you’re concerned about hail damage when you install new siding, you may want to opt for strong siding like fiber cement or steel siding. These siding materials may cost more to install but will hold up when the hail drops.
Install High-Impact Windows
Windows and skylights offer plenty of natural sunlight to your home while leaving it susceptible to hail damage. Be sure to install new windows with a high impact rating on your home during a hail storm.
Install Protective Coverings
If you live in an area with many hail storms, protecting your home is vital. There are hail guards and hail screens that can be installed over vulnerable areas, like skylights, roof vents, and HVAC units. These screens and guards can help deflect some of the hail and protect your home further from hail damage.
Check Gutters and Downspouts
Ensuring that your gutters and downspouts are free from debris is important to dealing with hail. Hail can accumulate quickly, and the water needs somewhere to go. Proper drainage help prevent backups of water on your roof and potential interior water damage.
Secure Outdoor Items
If you are aware of an oncoming hail storm, make sure you secure any outdoor items like patio furniture equipment or decorative items– anything that could be damaged by hail.
Plus, if the storm has strong winds, securing your outdoor furniture will keep it from being blown around and potentially hitting the side of your house, causing further damage. Move your outdoor items into a garage or shed if possible.
Review Insurance Coverage
It’s always a good idea to review your insurance coverage regularly to make sure that your home is protected in case of damage caused by hail. If hail is a problem where you live, adding additional protection might be advisable.
Contact Trinity Exteriors for Hail Defense
Whatever you need to protect your home against hail storms, Trinity Exteriors is here to help! After checking for hail damage, reach out to Trinity Exteriors, and we can take care of your repairs. Receive a free estimate online or give us a call at 952-920-9520 today!