How to Protect Your Home from Hail Storms

9/6/2021 (Permalink)

Hail storms most commonly occur in the spring and summer months during thunderstorms. If you see all the makings of a thunderstorm--dark clouds, wind, rain, thunder, and lightning--and you feel a drop in temperature, prepare for hail.  

Hailstones range from pea-sized to grapefruit-sized and can reach a speed of 9 to 100mph, depending on their size. The bigger the stone, the faster it falls. The faster it falls, the more damage it causes.

While Ohio isn’t part of “hail valley,” Verisk’s Analytics ranked Ohio number 5 in a list of states experiencing the most hail damage in 2019. 358,706 properties, or 7% of all Ohio properties, experienced hail damage. 

Prepare for hail storms when severe weather is forecast between March and September. 

How to prepare for hail storms

Stay informed

Listen to the weather forecast when you notice storm clouds approaching and temperatures dropping. Radio and television weather stations can accurately predict hail storms.

Protect your vehicles

Automobiles are the most frequent victims of hail damage. Protecting them is easy if you have a garage. But if you don’t, investing in a carport is less expensive and inconvenient than filing insurance claims. 

As a last resort, you can also cover your vehicle with blankets or towels. But make sure to secure them because strong winds normally accompany hail storms. 

Protecting your home from hail

Hail damages roofs, vinyl siding, and it even breaks windows. Before storm season begins in April, have your roof professionally inspected for any vulnerable areas. If possible, request impact-resistant materials for your roof covering. 

Close your blinds, shades, or window drapes during hailstorms to prevent shattered glass from being blown inside your home.

After a hail storm, if you suspect your roof or siding has been damaged, call a professional for a free roof inspection. If the professional agrees that your roof has been damaged by hail, file an insurance claim through your homeowner’s insurance company. Quality homeowner’s insurance is the best protection against hail damage. 

If you’ve experienced damage to your home or business, SERVPRO of Portage County offers expert storm damage cleanup and restoration.