Mitigating Hail Damage to Your Home

Contrary to what many believe, hailstorms happen often in summer. In fact, mid-latitude countries are more likely to experience it early on in the season. How then can you make sure you can keep hail damage to your home to a minimum? 

The Extent of Hail Damage 

Hail damage is dependent on the size of the hailstones, which, in turn, is dependent on the air currents that bring water droplets to the colder upper atmospheric layers. The stronger the air current, the larger the hailstones that are formed. 

It would be hard for homeowners to predict just how severe an incoming hailstorm will be. As such, the best way to prepare your home is to make sure your roof will be able to withstand the onslaught of heavy hailstones. 

The Right Roof

Choosing the most hail-resistant roof is a lot more complicated than you think. The hail resistance of residential roofs tends to vary depending on their composition and manufacturer. As such, it’s important that you take into account the two factors below. 

• Impact Rating – Choose materials that are rated as Class 3 or 4, or UL 2218 or FM 4473. Any qualified contractor or legitimate hardware store should recognize the ratings. 

• Slopes – A steep-sloped roof tends to suffer less damage than flat or low-sloped ones. 

Roof Inspections 

No matter how durable your roof is, it’s bound to suffer damage at some point. That’s why it’s important to schedule periodic roof inspections and maintenance work. After all, your roof is more likely to suffer extensive damage if preexisting cracks are worsened by hailstones.

It can be easy to miss signs of roof damage, however. That’s why you should only hire certified contractors. Missing damage could result in emergency roof replacement. 

Elite Roofing Solutions, a GAF Master Elite® contractor, offers roof repair and maintenance services. To get a free inspection, call us at (877) 354-8313, or fill out this form. We serve homeowners in Texas.