For many people, buying a house is the biggest investment they’ll ever make. Protecting that investment is crucial. It’s not just a financial investment - it’s an emotional one. Your home is your sanctuary. It’s where you make some of your most priceless memories, and where you keep the things and the people that matter most to you. Hailstones can be destructive to homes with damage varying greatly depending on the size and speed at which they fall. In fact, damage from hail is among the top homeowners claims each year, with approximately one in 35 homes reporting a claim. There’s only so much that you can do to prevent damage from a hailstorm. But that’s why it’s important to do everything that you can. Here are some tips for preventing and minimizing the effect that hail has on your home.
PROTECT YOUR ROOF FROM HAIL DAMAGE
Your roof isn’t the only place that hail damage can appear, but it’s defiantly one of the most vulnerable. Here are a few things you can do to help prevent roof damage.
Have Licensed Professionals Install Your Roofing
While every homeowner can take pride in a DIY project well done, there are times when you don’t want to take the risk. Roofing is definitely one of those times. Make sure that qualified professionals install and maintain your roof.
Use Solid Roofing Materials
Your choice in roofing materials can go a long way towards protecting your home. High-quality roofing materials stand up better to impact. If you live in an area with frequent hail, consider heavy-duty, impact-resistant shingles. Class 4 shingles tend to be made of copper, aluminum, resin, or plastic. They protect against large hail impacts and are resistant to winds as fast as 110 mph. Class 4 shingles tend to cost 10-20% more than other roofing materials, but some find that the cost is worth it. They could save you money on repairs or premature replacement in the long run. Insurance companies like high-quality roofing materials, too. While they do add to the cost to replace, the better performance that they offer is appealing. That means they may reduce your insurance costs.
Conduct Regular Roof Inspections For Damage
Check your roof for damage regularly, and after any storm that you think may have damaged it. If you come out of a storm and find branches on the ground, or if you see asphalt around your house that looks like it might have come from a roofing shingle, then it’s probably worth getting a roof inspection.One of the biggest risk factors for hail damage is existing roof damage. A weakened roof isn’t doing you any favors because it’s more vulnerable to stress, strain, and impact. Hail damage doesn’t always look like a big, obvious hole in your roof, either. If the granules on the outside of your shingle are knocked loose by hail, that exposes them to UV damage that will weaken them over time
