How to Prepare for Hail Season in the Denver Metro Area

As residents of the Denver Metro area know all too well, hail storms can hit quickly and leave a trail of destruction. From broken windows to damaged roofs and vehicles, the impacts of hail can be costly. However, with a little preparation, you can protect your home, your family, and your property from the worst of what hail season has to offer.

Here’s a guide to help you prepare for hail season and minimize the damage to your home and belongings.

1. Inspect Your Roof and Gutters

Your roof is one of the most vulnerable parts of your home during a hailstorm. Hailstones can crack or puncture shingles, leading to leaks and other significant damage. Take the time to inspect your roof before hail season begins:

• Check for damaged shingles: Look for missing, cracked, or curled shingles.
• Inspect flashing and seals: Ensure all seals around vents and chimneys are intact.
• Clean your gutters: Ensure that gutters are clear of debris so that they can effectively channel water away during heavy rains.

If you're not comfortable with DIY inspections, consider hiring a professional roofing contractor to conduct a thorough inspection.

2. Protect Your Vehicles

Your car, truck, or SUV can take a beating during a hailstorm. Unfortunately, hail can cause dents, cracked windshields, and even damage to the body of your vehicle. Here’s what you can do to protect your car:

• Move your vehicle to a garage or covered area: If possible, park your vehicle in a garage, under a carport, or any covered structure.
• Use hail protection covers: If you don’t have a garage, consider investing in a hail protection cover. These are designed to absorb the impact of hailstones and protect your vehicle’s exterior.
• Look for covered parking: If you're at work or out and about, look for places that offer covered parking during hail season.

3. Trim Trees and Remove Loose Debris

Hailstorms can be intensified by high winds, and those winds can turn branches and debris into dangerous projectiles. Prevent damage by preparing your yard:

• Trim tree branches: Remove overhanging or dead branches that could fall during a hailstorm and cause damage to your home or vehicles.
• Secure outdoor items: Bring in or secure outdoor furniture, grills, and decor that could get tossed around by high winds.

4. Install Storm Shutters or Window Protection

Hail can easily shatter windows, leading to costly repairs and potential water damage. Consider these options to protect your windows during hail season:

• Install storm shutters: These can help protect your windows from hail and other flying debris.
• Use window film or shields: Special films or shields can be applied to windows to provide an extra layer of protection against hail impacts.

5. Check Your Homeowner's Insurance Coverage

Before hail season begins, review your homeowner's insurance policy to ensure that hail damage is covered. Many insurance policies do cover hail damage to the roof, windows, and exterior of your home, but it’s always a good idea to double-check.

• Check your deductible: Understand how much you’ll need to pay out of pocket in the event of hail damage.
• File a claim early: If you experience damage from a hailstorm, document everything and file a claim as soon as possible.

6. Have an Emergency Kit Ready

In the event of a hailstorm, you may need to take cover indoors, especially if there is a risk of high winds or a tornado. Ensure that your emergency kit is well-stocked and easily accessible:

• Flashlights: For power outages.
• Batteries: For flashlights, radios, and other devices.
• First aid supplies: In case of injury.
• Important documents: Keep your insurance policy, identification, and other important documents in a safe, waterproof container.

7. Stay Informed with Weather Alerts

Finally, staying informed about the weather is crucial during hail season. Make sure you have access to weather alerts and keep an eye on local forecasts during storm season:

• Use a weather app: Download a reliable weather app on your phone for up-to-the-minute updates.
• Sign up for weather alerts: Many local news stations offer free weather alert services to notify you of severe weather.

Conclusion

Hail season in the Denver Metro area can bring unpredictable and sometimes destructive weather. However, by taking a few preventative measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of damage to your home, vehicles, and property. From roof inspections to emergency preparedness, being proactive now will save you time, money, and stress when the hailstorms roll in.

If you need help preparing your roof for hail season or want to schedule a roof inspection, contact One Way Roofing & Remodeling today! Our experts are ready to ensure your home is ready for whatever weather comes your way.

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Ready to protect your home from hail damage? Contact us for a free roof inspection or to learn more about our roofing and remodeling services!