A hailstorm can cause a lot of damage to homes and businesses. Hail can be the size of golf balls or even larger, and when it falls from the sky, it can cause extensive damage. In this blog post, we will discuss 15 tips for repairing and preventing hail damage.
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Inspect Your Property
After a hail storm, it is important to inspect your property for any visible damage. This includes checking your roof, gutters, siding, windows, and doors. Look for dents, marks, or other signs of damage caused by the hail.
Take Photos
Document all of the damage that you find with photos as soon as possible after the storm so that you can have a proof for insurance purposes. For example, if you need to make a claim against your insurance policy, having photos of the damage will help prove that the damage was caused by hail.
Quickly Repair Any Damage
If there are minor repairs that need to be done right away in order to prevent further damage (e.g., repairing missing shingles), do them as quickly as possible. This will help minimize further harm to your property from water seeping into your home or business.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Inform your insurance company of the hail damage as soon as you can. Most companies will require a detailed description of the damage and photos before assessing what to do next.
Hire a Professional Roofer
Hiring a professional roofer is essential for repairing any major hail damage that may have occurred during the storm. A professional will be able to tell you if you need to replace parts of your roof or if repairs are possible.
Invest in Hail Resistant Roofing Materials
If you are in an area that gets frequent hailstorms, consider investing in hail-resistant roofing materials such as slate, steel, or asphalt shingles. These materials can withstand hail much better than traditional roofing materials.
Install Impact-Resistant Windows and Doors
Windows and doors are often the weakest points in a home during a hailstorm. Installing impact-resistant windows and doors can provide additional protection from hail damage.
Trim Trees Close to Your Home
Trees that are close to your home can act as wind chutes during high winds, which can cause more severe hail damage. Trim any trees near your home so that they don’t have the opportunity to create airflow that could worsen the damage caused by a hailstorm.
Clean Gutters Regularly
Gutters can easily become clogged with debris in the aftermath of a hailstorm. Make sure to regularly clean your gutters so that they can continue to effectively drain water away from your home or business.
Check Your Car
Hailstones can cause damage to cars as well. Inspect your car for any dents or marks caused by the hail, and make sure to get it repaired if there is damage. Paintless dent repair is usually the best way to repair smaller dents caused by hail.
Have a Plan in Place
Create a plan of action for yourself in case another hailstorm occurs. Include steps such as covering windows, moving vehicles out of harm’s way, and having emergency supplies ready.
Secure Outdoor Furniture
During high winds, outdoor furniture can easily become damaged from hail stones or debris flying through the air. Make sure that all outdoor furniture is secured so that it doesn’t have a chance to be damaged during a storm.
Install Weather Sensors
Installing weather sensors can help you detect impending storms and take steps to prepare for them. This includes covering windows, storing outdoor furniture, or moving vehicles away from the property.
Seek Professional Help
If you find that your home or business has suffered severe hail damage, it is important to seek professional help in order to properly repair it. A professional roofer, window installer, tree trimmer, etc., can all provide valuable insight into how to best repair your property.
Monitor Weather Reports
The best way to prepare for a hailstorm is to monitor weather reports and be aware of any impending storms. This will help you take the necessary steps to protect your home or business from hail damage.
The best way to protect your property from hail damage is to be prepared. Take steps such as cleaning gutters, trimming trees, installing weather sensors, and having a plan in place before a storm hits. Additionally, after a hailstorm has occurred, make sure to contact your insurance company and hire professionals to repair any damage that may have occurred. Doing these things can help you keep your property safe from hail damage.
