How To Protect Your Home From Hail Damage
April showers bring May flowers, or torrential downpours and hail storms in some cases. Mother Nature in April can be difficult to deal with at times. Flooding, heavy rains and hail storms are common in the spring months. This is why we feel you should know how to protect your home from hail damage and heavy storms. Below are just a few key tips on how to achieve this protection. Because let’s face it, no one likes their house to look like Swiss cheese.
Protect Your Roof From Hail Damage
How to Protect Your Home From Hail Damage
If you are planning on installing a new roof because of age or previous damage, keep in mind the type you purchase. Today, there are many different roofing textiles that are less likely to become damaged from hail. Roofs tiled in shakes, ceramic and slate can easily crack and shatter during hail storms. Some hail can travel up to 100 mph which makes roofs very susceptible to damage. Try installing roofing made of stainless steal or asphalt shingles. These are more durable during storms and won’t crack or break as often. The following review of roofing materials will help better explain which textile works best for you and your home.
Types of Roofing
Asphalt Shingles – These shingles are the most common in the U.S. They can be reinforced and will last up to 20 years.
Modified Asphalt Shingles – Because these shingles can be a rubber type compound or a plasticizer, they will generally hold up well in hail storms.
Slate – Slate can last up to 100 years, maybe even longer than your home lasts. Because of the skill it takes to install, they tend to be more expensive. They are very heavy, in this case you must ensure your home can carry the weight. The weight better protects your home from high winds, but slate can break easier in hail storms.
Metal – Light in weight and great aesthetically, many people are turning to metal roofs. Yet keep in mind that during hail storms, metal can easily dent. Metal roofs tend to last up to 40 years but may not hold their shape the entire time.
Tile – Tile is popular in certain areas and can create a great look for some homes. Depending on the type of tile, concrete and clay are the most popular. Concrete can last up to 20 years and seems to be more durable, whereas clay can become brittle and break down during a hail storm. Keep in mind weight restrictions for this roofing as well.
Wood Shingles – Wood shingles can be made from many different types of wood, including pine and cedar. The aesthetic of wood is beautiful but they generally don’t hold up well against hail. Talk with your roofing company to ensure that all wood shingles are fire retardant and pass a fire rating.
Other Roofing Options – Synthetic roof coverings vary depending on the roofing company you choose. The type of synthetic product determines how well it will hold up in a hail storm.
Hail can cause extensive damage, not just to the look of your roof but to the inside as well. If your roof is extensively damaged, you may have water leakage within your home. This can lead to mold, water damage and flooding in the long run. Prevent these disasters from happening by installing a sound roof.
If you are hit by heavy storms, don’t hesitate to call a restoration company as soon as possible to clean and repair the damage.
