Protecting your home from a hailstorm
By Allstate
Last updated: January 1
A hailstorm can begin unexpectedly and cause damage to your home’s windows, roof and siding.
In fact, in an average year, hail causes more than $1.6 billion in roofing damage alone, according to the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH). Here are some steps you can take to help protect your property and minimize hail damage when storms roll in:
Care for your roof
Your roof is your home's first line of defense, says This Old House. And because hail, high winds and exposure to heat and cold can take a toll, you may want to carry out routine roof inspections. Hiring a pro in the spring and fall to check your roof can help you spot potential problems, says the National Roofing Contractors Association.
When it comes time to replace your roof, This Old House says it's important to invest in durable materials. This is because when it comes to roofing, quality equals longevity, says The Spruce.
Protect your windows
The most common way to protect your windows, skylights and even sliding glass doors from the effects of hail is with shutters, says FLASH. There are lots of options, from pre-installed permanent systems that roll down or slide over windows, to temporary panels that you can store when they're not in use.
If you're getting ready to replace your windows, consider buying models that are wind- and impact-resistant, says FLASH, because standard glass can shatter easily. FLASH says the most reliable windows will have designations noting they've passed specific tests.
Finally, when storms approach, Ready.gov recommends closing drapes and blinds. This can help reduce your risk of injury from breaking glass and minimize the chance of debris from entering your home.
Shelter your landscape
There are also steps you can take outdoors to help protect your home. Start by maintaining the health of your trees, says the Insurance Information Institute (III). Trim trees and remove dead branches, the III says, to help prevent them from breaking free and potentially damaging your property.
If hail is in the forecast, the III suggests moving cars into a garage or under the protection of a carport and, if it's safe to do so, bringing patio furniture and outdoor equipment into an enclosed space.
Severe storms can happen at any time. And while you can't control the weather, you can take steps to help minimize the impact these storms may have on your home.