Colorado’s hail season is in full swing this year. From mid-April to September, Colorado homes can expect to see their fair share of this potentially damaging form of weather. Therefore, you should prepare yourself and your home for the coming season, and know what to do in the event that hail damage occurs.
Knowledge is key to maintaining your household through hail season, and as an exterior contractor for the Colorado area, we know how frustrating weather damage can be. Here are some tips on how to prepare for hail and what to do after it strikes.
The Calm Before the Storm
Before hail falls, you should assess your property. With modern day technology, it is much easier to track potential storms that could lead to hail. This means you have time to prepare. While you will never fully be able to stop hail from doing damage to your property, you can prepare your home to withstand as much damage as possible. Here are 5 things you should do before bad weather arrives:
1. Assess your roof
Before a storm, you should assess your home’s exterior, most importantly the roof and siding. If any roof shingles are cracked, damaged, or loose, you should have them repaired immediately. If your roof is in rough shape or is older, you may consider a full roof replacement.
If this is the case, we recommend installing impact resistant (IR) shingles. IR shingles are designed with hail in mind. They are a class 4 shingles made of rubberized asphalt, which is designed to withstand the impact of large hail better than regular shingles.
2. Examine your exterior siding
Walk the exterior of your home to evaluate your siding for any damage or weak areas. If the siding is loose or cracked, have it repaired immediately. We recommend hiring a professional to make repairs, as any damage due to negligence or improper care can result in a defective insurance claim in the future.
3. Review your home’s insurance policy
Be sure that the insurance you carry covers home repairs in the event that hail damage occurs. IR roofing shingles can even help lower the cost of home insurance. It doesn’t pay off in the long run to skip where weather insurance is involved.
4. Prepare your yard
Take some time to cover shrubs and plants with a tarp. This can help protect your yard. You should also be sure that tall trees are trimmed as hail can damage and break branches, which can impact your home and cause damage.
5. Cover your valuables
Directly before a storm hits or appears even likely to strike, move all vehicles into a garage. If your home does not have a garage, finding an awning or covering can help decrease damage. You should also move patio furniture, lawn mowers, RVs, trashcans, grills, and other items into a shed or garage for protection.
6. Close windows and doors
Be sure that all windows and doors are completely closed and sealed to prevent breakage. Close blinds and curtains for added protection in the event a window breaks and glass shatters.
The Aftermath Assessment
After a hailstorm has passed, it’s imperative to assess your home once again for signs of damage. Even if you have done all you can to prepare your roof, siding, or yard for damage, hail can still cause problems or weaken these structures. And it can sometimes take years for these problems to reveal themselves in your home.
Roof
When it comes to your roof, look for cracked or broken shingles. Large dents or bruising can also be a sign that the shingle backing has broken, which can lead to leaks and damage to the roof’s integrity. Check gutters, fascia, and caulking for breakage and shingle granules as well. Gutters are extremely important for your roof’s drainage.
Siding
While roof hail damage is more prevalent, you should not forget about your siding. Siding can also dent, bruise, or crack. And due to your siding’s purpose, this damage calls for immediate action.
Exterior
Check that no windows have shattered. In the event that they have, clean up glass shards and seal off the window as best as possible. Walk your property to look for large shrubs or limbs that may have fallen. Remove all debris from your roof and around your home.
Time to Repair the Damage
In the unfortunate event that a hailstorm has left your home with damage, it is important to take immediate action. Remember that although you may assess your property for damage, a professional will best be able to find all damage that has occurred.
Contact a repair company for a free consultation. Have them evaluate your property for damage to see how extensive any potential damage may be. Take pictures of any visible damage to your records. Then contact your insurance company to file a claim for repair.
A Home Repair Company You Can Trust
Once hail damage has been found on your property, you’ll need a contractor you can trust to repair the damage. We at Refined Exteriors have been repairing roofs from hail damage in the Denver area for years.
Our experienced team partners with you to help guide you through the insurance claim process and provides a thorough assessment of your property to find all areas of damage. We make the repair process simple by recommending a clear plan and providing a timely and high-level repair job. See more about how we can help secure your home here. We can bring you the peace of mind that comes with a secure home.
Connect with us by calling (720) 360-1611 to schedule a free consultation, and start the process of securing your home today.
