If you live in an area that experiences hail even occasionally, you know just how destructive it can be. A hailstorm can easily ruin your roof if it gets intense enough. Thankfully, there are things you can do to prepare your roof for hail. This will significantly increase the chances of your roof and home getting through hailstorms unscathed. Or, at the very least, the extent of the damage will be much smaller than it would be otherwise. So, in order to help you prepare your home for hailstorms, we put together a list of 6 tips to protect your roof from hail damage, and we hope you find it helpful.
1. Replace missing shingles as soon as possible
The first step to take when you want to protect your roof from hail damage is to replace missing shingles quickly. This is important because wind can enter the opening and knock other shingles loose. Once they’re loose, the hail can knock them off your roof much more easily. This leaves your roof open to further damage while the free shingles become projectiles. So, all in all, it’s in your best interest to get the missing shingles replaced before the storm hits. And besides, replacing missing, old, and loose shingles is a good way to increase your roof’s lifespan. As such, it’s a good idea to do this even in areas that don’t see hail very often. After all, being proactive is the best way to deal with these issues, as they tend to be much more expensive to fix if they escalate.
2. Replace your roof with hail-resistant materials
Probably the best way to protect your roof from hail damage is to replace it entirely. You never know when a hailstorm might hit, and the intensity varies wildly, so it’s difficult to find material that’s completely impervious to it. That said, metal roofs are a much better choice compared to regular options. Shingles can easily get broken apart by intense hail, while metal is significantly more resistant to this form of damage. Copper and steel are generally the most popular choices for metal roofs in areas where it hails often. However, timing a full roof replacement can be difficult, so make sure to plan ahead. Also, make sure you have a safe space for your belongings while the renovations are taking place. The benefits of renting a storage unit during renovations are vast. If you have anything stored in your attic, it’s important to have a storage unit to store these items during the process.
3. If a full replacement isn’t an option, replace your shingles with more resistant ones
If replacing your roof entirely isn’t an option for whatever reason, then consider at least replacing your shingles. Modified asphalt shingles are a good choice when it comes to hail resistance. These shingles are rubberized, which makes them highly resistant to hail. This is because the rubberized material prevents the hail from damaging the fiberglass mat, preventing premature deterioration. Replacing the shingles is significantly cheaper than a full roof replacement and takes a lot less time. However, even with these shingles, it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for roof leaks. Leaks tend to escalate during storms, so it’s important to get them fixed (or at least patched up) before a storm hits.
4. Trim any trees near your home
Trees can do a lot for your home if you have any in your yard. They can protect your home from wind during storms and are generally nice to look at. However, during hailstorms, it’s likely that the storm will damage the trees, which can then fall onto your roof and damage. As such, it’s vital that you take the time to trim the trees around your home properly. The general rule of thumb is that the branches should be at least 6 feet away from the roof. Like this, it’s highly unlikely that the trees will do any damage to your roof even if they do break or fall. If you’re unsure how to go about trimming your trees, consider getting help from professionals to ensure it’s done properly.
5. Clean your gutters regularly
Keeping your home’s gutters clean is important in general, but especially so when it comes to hail. This is because hail can clog up your gutter very quickly, especially if the hailstorm is particularly intense. Then, as the hail starts to melt, the water has nowhere to flow, so it instead overflows and causes damage to your roof and home overall. This can lead to a lot of structural issues throughout your home, so it’s really in your best interest to clean your gutters regularly. And if your gutters ever get damaged by the hail, make sure to get them fixed as quickly as possible.
6. Get your roof inspected regularly
Even the tiniest bit of damage to your roof has a tendency to get worse during a hailstorm. As such, having a professional regularly inspect your roof for this damage is a good idea. Professionals can spot problems you’d overlook otherwise, so getting help is recommended. And when it comes down to it, make sure you also have a roofing first aid kit on hand as well. After all, you can never know when your roof might take damage, so having what you need to patch it up on hand is a very good idea. By doing this, you can stop problems from becoming serious and prevent further damage.
Six tips to protect your roof from hail damage- wrap up
Hailstorms are a serious threat in certain areas and should be taken very seriously. A particularly intense hailstorm can destroy your roof in seconds. Thankfully, taking the necessary precautions and replacing your roof with hail-resistant materials helps quite a bit. So, take the time to prepare your roof and make sure there’s no serious damage done to it in the long run. We hope this list of six tips to protect your roof from hail damage helps you out, and we wish you a great rest of your day.
