Storm CloudsIn a typical year, NOAA’s National Weather Service receives between 10,000 and 12,000 reports of hail.  More than half the hail measures at least an inch.  Although meteorologists often warn of the arrival of a hailstorm, most homeowners aren’t prepared when one arrives.

Protect Your Home From Hail Damage

Like a tornado, a hailstorm creates random damage.  Homes in one neighborhood might escape entirely.  Next door, golf ball-sized hailstones create major roof damage.  Windows, vehicles and siding are also at risk.  Generally, hailstones bigger than 1.5 inches can cause major damage.  Homeowners in Atlanta, Georgia can protect their properties by following some simple tips.

Follow Daily Weather Forecasts

When there’s a hailstorm warning, make sure that you and any vehicles remain under cover.  If a violent storm arrives, stay a safe distance from glass doors, windows and skylights.

Plan to Minimize Damage

As soon as you learn that a hailstorm is a possibility, take preventive measures to minimize damage.  While there is little anyone can do to prevent ice from striking a roof, homeowners need to consider damage from the rain that accompanies hailstorms.  Cover any holes in your roof to prevent water damage to the interior.  To avoid other flooding, cover any broken windows and repair any other broken glass in your home.

Learn to Predict Roof Damage

Roof damage might be covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy.  When should you suspect that your roof sustained damage?  Shrubs and landscaping with drooping or missing branches or plants stripped of leaves are a sign of probable roof problems.  So are damaged awnings, trellises or patio covers.  High winds usually translate into lost shingles.

When damage from a hailstorm occurs despite precautions, it’s time for homeowners to take advantage of professional disaster repair services available in Atlanta.  Call us today to schedule an appointment so that our professionals can quickly take care of hail damage.