In many parts of the Midwestern United States, hail is a constant worry throughout the spring and summer. While the amount of precipitation that falls during a storm can vary, it doesn't take a lot for the balls of ice to cause extensive damage to vehicles, roofing, siding, and other household structures. Use the following tips to prepare your home for the upcoming hail season.

How to Protect Your Property From Hailstorms

1. Inspect the Roof

The roofing is your home’s first line of defense against all forms of inclement or extreme weather, from hailstones to heavy rain and high winds. Since snow and ice can damage shingles, flashing, and other elements during the winter, you should have a professional inspect the structure in early spring before hail season hits. Have any broken or damaged sections replaced or repaired immediately, and consider replacing older materials with more storm-resistant ones to protect your home and prevent future issues.

2. Trim All Trees

During a storm, hailstones can tear weakened or dead tree limbs from trunks, and strong gusts of wind can send them crashing into windows, siding, roofs, and other structures. In the event that any pets or family members are caught outside during a storm, falling branches can put them at a heightened risk of injury.

Set aside time during your spring landscaping routine to inspect any trees around your home. Remove low-hanging boughs that are dead or dying. Contact an arborist to tackle tall trees that are close to the house. They will have the proper tools and safety equipment to reach and trim back high-up branches that are hanging over the roof.

3. Clean the Gutters

As a rule, you should clean your gutters at least twice a year—once in the fall and again in the spring. Trays that are full of leaves, twigs, acorns, and other debris will be heavy. The size of hailstones and the force at which they fall can add additional weight to the gutters and severely strain them. The system may start to pull away from the roofline, leading to gutter failure, roof leaks, and water damage. Make sure all gutter channels and downspouts are clear to promote proper water flow and protect your exteriors from hail damage.

When hail takes a toll on your property, you can count on Papillion Windows & Siding to provide top-quality repairs and upgrades. This family-owned and -operated business is located in Papillion, NE, and serves residents throughout Sarpy County. Their team offers reliable storm damage repair services and can replace worn or damaged roofing, siding, and windows to protect your home from the elements. Call (402) 597-1777 to request an estimate, and visit the website to learn more about how they can help.