How to Prepare your Roof for Hail

Springtime brings many wonderful things. Fresh flowers, warm weather, and longer days all start appearing after winter has left. However, storms don’t leave with the cold season. In fact, storms can get even meaner with an increase in hail. Hail is no joke, it can easily turn a nice day into frustration and property damage. Texas has the highest number of hail events in the nation. You can prepare for these storms to more easily weather their effects. Honey Bees Roofing & Solar has tips to help you learn how to prepare your roof for hail.

How to Prepare your Roof for Hail

Check for Previous Damage

Your roof has most likely weathered storms before, so it may have previous damage that needs to be fixed. Any pre-existing damage will most likely worsen if not fixed. Look for any areas of the roof that may have damage. Shingles may be torn or have lost granules. Flashing is around the key areas of your roof to prevent water from reaching anywhere it can cause damage. Replacing damaged flashing is a high priority. For assistance in checking your roof, we offer free roofing inspections.

Trim any Tree Branches

During a storm, tree branches can break away from their trunks. They can easily do damage to your roof. Make sure you have no branches hanging over your home. You might be able to trim little branches yourself, but consider getting a professional for large branches. Loose or dead branches have a higher chance of falling, so they’ll also need to be trimmed.

Inspect your Gutters

Your gutters can fill quicker than you realize. Try to check your gutters at least twice a year to ensure they’re empty of debris. Full gutters won’t be able to properly flow water off of your roof and onto the ground. Water can pool on your roof and lead to damage.

During a Hail Storm

Once a storm arrives, try to be inside. Hailstones do damage to anything they hit, and it could be major. Try to stay inside while hail is coming down. Keep your doors and windows shut and your curtains drawn. Closed doors can’t be slammed shut and possibly broken by high winds. If your curtains are drawn then if a window happens to break the glass won’t spread very far. Moving to a level that isn’t directly below the roof is ideal as well especially during particularly nasty storms.

After The Storm

Hailstorms are dangerous. A three-inch hailstone travels up to 110 miles per hour! Hail of any size can do sizable damage to your roof so, after the storm has passed, you’ll once again need to check your roof for damage. You’ll need to make sure to hire the right roofing contractor. Some contractors wait for a storm to blow through an area and then try to scam unknowing homeowners. Make sure to do your research before you make any deposits. Hiring local ensures you’ll have a roofer that doesn’t seemingly vanish once the initial payment comes through.

If a hail storm has passed through your area, Contact Honey Bees Roofing & Solar online or give us a call today at 817-668-6131 to schedule a free roof inspection!