You might be surprised to learn that hailstones can tear up your roof, destroy the finish on your vehicles, and possibly cause problems to your home that lead to water damage.
The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) states: “More than 75 percent of U.S. cities will experience at least one hailstorm each year.”
If you find yourself in the situation where you need to replace your roof, it would behoove you to utilize the impact-resistant kind. This will lower your probability of needing to file a claim due to hail caused damage.
Be aware of roof options
When installing a new roof, IBHS suggests materials that are Class 3 or Class 4 rated per the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 2218 standard. The UL 2218 standard rates a roof covering’s resistance to impact.
The UL test drops steel balls of differing sizes from differing heights simulating the impact of falling hail. There are 4 levels of impact designated to assist you evaluating options; roof materials that indicate the most opposition to impact receive a Class 4 rating and ones that have the least receive a Class 1.
Know that UL 2218 standard is considered to be the best for impact testing purposes does not necessarily work best for all coverings. Have a qualified and vetted roofer or builder at your side to let you know about which coverings are best for hail and high winds. Also while you’re working with the stuff, you may as well go ahead and check the fire resistance rating of what you are about to choose.
In the event of a storm
If hail is eminent, get inside and do not leave until it is over.
Park vehicles in a garage or under a carport.
- Stay clear of all glass…skylights, windows, etc.
- It would be a good idea to tape or tack down your window coverings so that, should your windows shatter, the glass is prevented from flying too far in your home.
- If you’re driving, find a bridge or overpass to wait out the storm under. This is for a HAIL storm, not a tornado. You do not want to be under these large masses of concrete and rebar during a tornado!