Planning ahead is vital when it comes to preparing for the weather, and there’s no weather that can damage a piece of real estate like hail and thunderstorms. These storms can do a number on your home if you don’t take proper precautions, and given that the weather can be unpredictable, you’re best served planning ahead so that you’re ready when the time inevitably comes.
Here are a few steps you can take to reduce the damage that storms might inflict on your property:
Clean it up
By removing dead or overhanging tree branches from your property, you’ll reduce the likelihood that one could fall on your house if the tree is struck by lightning. It might seem a bit unnecessary when you’re making the repair, but it’s worth the expenditure if it means you’ll be able to prevent a caved-in roof.
Surge Protection
If you’re concerned about losing power during a storm, consider putting your home on a surge-protection system. You can read more about what the process would entail here.
Unplug and cover
If a storm is forecasted in your near future, unplug your electronic equipment/appliances and raise any valuable objects in rooms that are prone to flooding. This is a basic precaution that doesn’t require all that much effort, but will go a long way nonetheless.
Protect your vehicle
If a severe thunderstorm is predicted, try to park your car where it will be protected, such as under an overhang. If you happen to be driving when a hailstorm begins, do your best to find a garage or carport to protect your vehicle. Most hailstorms only last for 5 minutes, so err on the side of caution and wait it out.
Check the roof
No roofing material will be fully hail-proof, so when choosing shingles, check out hail-resistant shingles that carry a Class 4 UL rating. As most roofing jobs are not for DIYers, be sure to hire a professional roofing contractor unless you’re personally experienced with applying shingles.
Source: Nationwide