How You Can You Protect Your Roof From Hail Damage

3/30/2020 (Permalink)

Damaged roof created hole on a ceiling

How You Can You Protect Your Roof From Hail Damage

When you hear about impending hail, your first instinct is probably to cover any windows. Yet hail can cause other types of storm damage, including:

• Cracked or missing shingles
  
• Wet insulation
  
• Water leaks
  
• Roof damage
  
  

This last problem is arguably the most dangerous. After all, holes in your roof can allow water to seep into your Hanover Township, OH, property. You could then be faced with severe flood damage.
That is why you should take steps to protect your roof from hail damage. Below are some tips for securing the top of your property and preventing the need for major storm cleanup.

Use Impact-Rated Equipment

Any skylights on your roof should meet ASTM pressure test standards or have a sufficient missile impact rating. You can also pick lights that are FM-approved. If you choose to install solar panels on your roof, they should also meet the International Electrotechnical Commission's impact-resistance standards.

Protect Your Equipment

Roof damage can also affect any HVAC units on top of your building. Keep them safe with a hail shield or guard.

Inspect Your Roof Regularly

A weaker roof is more likely to get damaged during a storm. You should thus regularly check the area for problems. The drainage system should be inspected at least two times a year. If your building has a roof hatch, you should look out for any loose screws. Any roof-mounted air conditioning units should be secured properly, as well. Fixing any issues in advance should prolong the life of your roof and increase the odds of it surviving a hailstorm.
Hail can destroy your shingles and create water leaks within your property. Hail can also cause major roof damage. You can attempt to mitigate the destruction by protecting your roof in advance. Still, some hailstorms are so powerful that they can harm even well-maintained roofs. If your building does suffer a water emergency due to a damaged roof, flood cleanup specialists can help.