TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013
Hail can happen anywhere; it is not specific to coastal areas, mountain regions, or the high plains. Any area that experiences thunderstorms can experience hail. When it comes, hail can vary in size from soft pea-size balls to ice chunks the size of a golf ball. It can shred roof coverings and lead to water damage to your ceilings, walls, floors, appliances and personal possessions. Understanding what can resist impact and protect your home and belongings can save you lots of trouble and money.
1. Start Out Right: When you are building a home, replacing a roof, or repairing your roof, start out right by hiring a professional. Roofing is not a job that’s worth saving money with a DIY adventure. Unless you are an experienced roofer, hire a contractor to handle the job.
2. Understand the Class: When replacing an old, worn out roof covering with new asphalt shingles, make sure they have a Class 4 rating under Underwriters Laboratories' (UL) 2218 standard. This high standard indicates that the product has been tested by being hit twice in the same area by a two-inch steel ball. If the product does not crack under this standard, it is given the UL 2218 rating. Experts say check your roof regularly and replace broken or loose shingles with new ones with an Underwriters Laboratories 2218 4 rating.
3. Choose Your Material: Some roof coverings with the Underwriters Laboratories rating may still not be the best choice. Shingles and roofing materials made of metal, may resist cracking, but can be dented and dimple in strong hail storms. So, while they test well, they may perform poorly in practice. Keep this in mind when selecting the type, grade, and quality of your roofing material. Experts say check your roof regularly and replace broken or loose shingles with new ones with an Underwriters Laboratories 2218 class 3 or 4 rating.
4. Protect Yourself: During a hailstorm is not the time to go outside and be sure your shingles are holding strong. Stay indoors, or find shelter immediately when the hail begins. Close drapes, blinds or window shades to prevent the wind from blowing broken glass inside.
5. Report Immediately: After the storm clears, don’t delay in filing a claim with your insurance company. Report any property damage to your agent or representative immediately after a natural disaster. After you’ve made contact with your company, proceed with making temporary repairs to prevent further damage
6. Review Your Policy: When you’re surrounded by broken glass and a leaky roof, it’s too late to increase your coverage. Review your policy periodically to make sure you have sufficient coverage to protect the investment you've made in your home.
By Matt Reynolds - Google+
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