How to Avoid Hail Damage in Denver, CO

When it comes to staying protected from hail in Colorado, one of the most hail-prone states in the country, information is key. Part of that involves paying attention to weather reports and understanding what sorts of conditions in the climate contribute to the formation of hail. Luckily, the Storm Prediction Center is making it easier to understand future threats from severe weather, including tornadoes and hailstorms. However, that’s not the only area Colorado residents should be aware of if they’re truly interested in staying safe.
In fact, there are myriad areas of daily life that you should also consider as you work to avoid hail damage in the state. After all, even if you know that a storm is coming, without the proper precautions, you may wind up facing insurmountable damages. Whether you live in Denver, Fort Collins, or Colorado Springs, here are a few ways to avoid hail damage.

Get your roof checked annually.

An annual roof inspection can go along way in protecting your home from the complications of inclement weather. For example, even small cracks or breaks in your roofing could contribute to problems down the line, by weakening the structural integrity of your roof. If water or snow gets into these sorts of weak points, it could spell disaster for your home and require a complete replacement of your roof. As such, it’s crucial that you have a reputable roofing company come and take a look at your home on a regular basis, even if you don’t suspect any property damage from severe weather.

Upgrade your roofing materials.

While an annual roofing checkup is an important part of home maintenance in Denver and other cities, some homeowners might want to take things an extra step by investing in impact-resistant shingles. Impact resistant shingles offer better protection for your roof since they offer Class 4 impact resistance—a much higher measure of resistance than traditional asphalt shingles.
A Class 4 shingle goes above and beyond the typical roofing shingle, and are comprised of a rubberized asphalt component that makes them far more durable than other roofing shingles. As a result, they’re able to withstand high winds, hail damage, and snow at a much better rate than other products. In order to be classified as impact resistant, these sorts of shingles are tested by Underwriter Laboratories and put through their paces. While no roofing shingle is completely perfect when it comes to protecting you from hail damage, a Class 4 shingle is the best protection money can buy.

Park in a covered spot.

Another common concern for Denver residents regarding hail damage is what could happen to their car during an extreme weather event. This is particularly concerning if you park on the street or outside in your driveway where your car is at a higher risk of having its windshield cracked or roof dented.
If at all possible, try and park in a covered spot, especially if inclement weather is coming your way. Some homeowners even choose to invest in building a garage or carport in order to better protect their vehicles. If you do choose to build a new garage, make sure to find a durable shingle that keeps your roof in good condition. While this may be an additional cost, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your car is protected during a storm.

Make sure you’ve got a good insurance policy.

This should go without saying, but if you’re in any area where severe weather patterns are common, it’s crucial that you have good insurance coverage. You’ll want to make sure that your homeowners’ insurance policy as well as your auto insurance policy has provisions for damage due to weather and other natural disasters. If you aren’t sure what’s covered exactly under your existing policy, give your insurance agency a call today to see what options you might have for further protecting yourself from hail damage.