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Steps to Ensure Your Home Can Weather a Hailstorm



Protecting your home from potential damage is a must if you live in hailstorm-prone areas. Hailstorms can wreak havoc on your property, causing costly repairs to roofs, windows, and siding. 


Areas like Castle Rock, Colorado, or Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, which are notorious for frequent hail activity, require more precautions than other regions. Homeowners in these regions know all too well the toll these storms can take on their houses. 


While replacement windows in Castle Rock, CO, or Oklahoma City is a common preventative measure, many other aspects of home protection also need attention.


With that in mind, let's dive into some comprehensive strategies to fortify your home against hailstorms.


Reinforce Your Roof

Your roof is your home's first line of defense against hail, but it needs to be ready for anything nature throws at it. Hailstones can get surprisingly large. Take, for example, the baseball-sized hail reported by NBC News in March during severe storms that hit the Midwest. When facing a hail of that magnitude, it’s crucial to consider impact-resistant shingles. 


These durable shingles are specifically designed to handle heavy impacts, reducing the risk of leaks and structural damage. They ensure your roof can stand up to even the most intense hailstorms.

  • Inspect regularly: Check for any signs of wear and tear, missing shingles, or areas that look weak. Take care of these issues quickly to preserve the integrity of your roof.

  • Seal the edges: Ensure that all edges of the roof are properly sealed to prevent wind-driven hail from getting underneath the shingles and causing further damage.


Upgrade to Hail-Resistant Windows

Windows are among the most vulnerable parts of your home when hailstorms strike. For instance, last year, as reported by KDVR, many homeowners across Colorado's Front Range, including Castle Rock, faced severe damage from marble-sized hailstones. The storm shattered windows and damaged siding in neighborhoods near a local elementary school, highlighting just how crucial window protection can be. 


To ensure your windows can handle such challenges:

  • Install impact-resistant glass: This specialized glass is built to withstand the force of hailstones, significantly reducing the risk of cracks or shattering.

  • Consider storm shutters: Storm shutters add an extra layer of security, creating a barrier between your windows and the harsh elements outside, further protecting your home.

  • Leverage expert installers: Utilizing skilled professionals for installation is crucial. Wallaby Windows emphasizes that a precise installation process ensures your home looks great. It also helps your home stand strong against the elements, providing peace of mind and exceptional performance.


Protect Your Siding and Exterior Walls

Your home's siding and exterior walls also need to be hail-resistant to minimize damage. Materials like fiber cement siding and engineered wood are more durable than traditional vinyl siding and can better withstand hail.


  • Inspect for weak spots: Regularly check the siding for cracks or other vulnerabilities that could worsen with hail exposure.

  • Apply a protective sealant: Sealants can help reinforce your siding, making it less susceptible to the dents and chips caused by hail.


Strengthen Your Garage Door

Hailstorms can wreak havoc on your vehicles, causing significant damage in just minutes. A stark example of this occurred in March. CBS News reported that body shops across North Texas were flooded with vehicles damaged by hail, leaving many homeowners facing hefty repair bills.


While cars parked outside are particularly vulnerable, those kept in garages can also sustain damage if the garage isn't properly secured.


To protect your cars and belongings from a similar fate, keep your cars indoors and strengthen your garage door. 


  • Add bracing kits: If you’re not ready to replace your garage door entirely, consider adding a bracing kit to strengthen it.

  • Upgrade to an impact-resistant mode: For long-term solutions, invest in an impact-resistant garage door that can handle the force of hail.


Create a Safe Outdoor Environment

Your yard and outdoor space should also be prepared for hailstorms to minimize the risk of damage to your home and belongings.


  • Trim your trees: Overhanging branches can break off during a hailstorm and cause significant damage to your roof, windows, and siding.

  • Secure loose items: Store outdoor furniture, grills, and gardening tools in a safe area when a hailstorm is predicted.


Review Your Insurance Coverage

It’s crucial to ensure that your homeowner’s insurance policy includes coverage for hail damage. According to Forbes, a standard homeowners insurance policy typically covers both wind and hail damage, protecting your home from a variety of threats. This coverage extends to damage inflicted on your roof, siding, and windows, as well as any wind-driven rain that may enter through compromised areas. 


Your home insurance’s “dwelling coverage” is intended to cover repairs or replacements for hail damage to essential components like the roof and siding. It also covers other structures on your property, such as a detached garage or back porch, under the “other structures coverage” section. 


Be sure to review your policy closely to understand what protections you have in place.


FAQs


How big can hailstones get?

Hailstones can vary in size, ranging from small pea-sized pellets to larger golf balls or even baseball-sized stones. The largest recorded hailstone in the U.S. measured 8 inches in diameter and weighed nearly 2 pounds. Such extreme sizes can cause significant damage to vehicles, roofs, and crops, highlighting the importance of taking precautions during hailstorms.


What regions in the U.S. are most prone to hailstorms?

The central U.S., particularly the Great Plains, is most prone to hailstorms. States like Colorado, Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Kansas frequently experience severe hail events. These regions are characterized by the ideal atmospheric conditions that facilitate hail formation, including warm, moist air colliding with colder, drier air.


What is the difference between hail and sleet?

Hail is formed in thunderstorms and consists of layered ice pellets, while sleet is formed when raindrops freeze before reaching the ground. Sleet is typically smaller and falls from winter storms, whereas hail is associated with severe thunderstorms during warmer months.


Overall, protecting your home from hail damage is all about preparation and proactive measures. For those living in hail-prone areas, reinforcing your home’s structure is essential. Investing in durable materials like impact-resistant windows and siding can save you a lot of trouble in the long run. 


By addressing vulnerabilities in your roof, windows, siding, and garage, and ensuring your insurance is current, you'll be better prepared to weather the storm.

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