Michigan sees an average of 75 hail storms a year, putting it right around the national average. Some parts of the state have a higher chance of hail than others, which means that your home could be at risk of hail damage. The guide below will help you prepare for this situation so you know how to react after Mother Nature’s wrath. Here is a look at what to do after a hail storm.
Get A Roof Inspection
Your roof is going to take the most abuse during a hail storm, more so than any other part of your home. Once the storm is complete, you should schedule a roofing inspection to make sure your roof is still intact. The inspector will tell you if you need roofing repair or roofing replacement so you can prevent more damage from occurring in the future. It’s best to get this work completed right away so you don’t have to worry about water seeping in when it rains. This will create even more damage, which will lead to an even costlier repair bill.
Check Your Windows
If there was any horizontal wind during the hail storm, your windows may have been damaged. This is especially true for older single-paned windows that are highly susceptible to cracking. If any of your windows have been damaged, you may need to look into replacement windows for part or all of your home. This will give you vital protection when the next storm hits.
Rake Your Yard
This may sound like a silly thing to do, but if the storm had large hail stones, there may still be a number of them sitting around your yard. Remove these from the areas closest to your foundation so you do not have excess water built up around the base of the home. This could lead to foundation cracking due to the water pressure in the soil. If you can rake away the hail before it has a chance to melt, you can reduce your risk of foundation damage.
Look For Leaks
Look around your house for any signs of leaks that may have come from roofing or siding damage. If you notice wet spots or dried areas where water used to be, get them inspected to see what repairs need to be made. Once again, it would be better to get these repairs done quickly so you can avoid more damage moving forward.
In short, the main things you need to think about after a hail storm is what might be damaged and what needs to be fixed. If you can cover those grounds, you will be set for success.