Planning ahead can mean the difference between extensive damage and
minor remediable problems. A proper preventive strategy will help you
considerably reduce the negative effects of inevitable summer storms.
Here are the right steps to take in order to prevent hail damage.
Prepare Your Home and Outdoor Area for a Hailstorm
The
condition of your property is one of the most consequential factors in
determining the amount of damage a hail storm will inflict on your
personal belongings. The integrity of your roof should be your primary
concern for it will keep you safe during a storm.
- Inspect and maintain your roof.
Inspect your roof regularly and take immediate measures if you notice a
problem. Replace broken or damaged shingles without delay and consider
installing ones rated as class 3 or 4 which have been proven to
withstand harsh hail. Do not neglect seemingly minor defects that may
make your roof susceptible to hail damage. Make sure the overall
condition of your chimney is good and that it can be properly closed if
necessary, and take effective measures to better protect your roof. If
you consider an imminent renovation project, you are advised to opt for
impact resisting roofing to further reduce eventual hail damage and
secure your home.
- Keep your trees and shrubbery well-trimmed. It
is very important to eliminate the risk of trees or branches falling on
your home during a storm. Maintain all the trees and shrubbery in your
yard but pay special attention to branches that are directly over your
roof or too close to your windows – in the event of a storm they are
most likely to damage your home. Strong wind and hail stones can easily
break any weak or dry branches, so be prudent enough to remove them in
time.
- Properly maintain your outdoor area and avoid potentially dangerous materials.
It is not only falling trees and branches that may cause severe damage
to your home – all kinds of debris such as decorative or waste materials
blown by the fierce winds during a hailstorm pose a great risk. So keep
your outdoor area clean and safe (make it a rule to keep woodpiles
under a shed away from the house, etc.). What’s more, you are advised to
replace rock or gravel landscaping material with shredded bark or other
safe pieces that will cause no harm even when blown by strong winds.
- Keep gutters and drainpipes clear of leaves and debris. Make sure water can drain quickly or your home may sustain water damage in addition to the typical hail damage.
