A few months ago, I realized that I really needed to update our windows and a few other glass fixtures around the house. I started searching for a great glass shop in the area, and I was able to find a place that I felt really good about. I worked with them to replace our mirrors, our glass shower enclosures, and our windows. When we were finished, our house looked and felt brand new on the inside and the outside. I was really impressed with how much of a difference those changes made. This blog is all about installing better glass in your home.
If you live in an area that is frequently hit by hailstorms, you have learned a bitter truth: you can't completely protect your home or car from these balls of ice. Although you are bound to experience some loss due to these storms, you can take a few steps to minimize the damage.
Home
Hail experts will tell you that small-sized hail will not hurt your home. In fact, you will not get significant damage until the hail is about 1.5 inches in diameter or golf-ball sized. Replacing your cracked windows before hail season may seem illogical, but a large hailstone striking an already damaged window can shatter it and cause rain and hail damage inside your home. If you do not get them replaced before a storm is on the way, you should seal up the leaky or broken windows. You should also fix loose shingles. If you know you have openings in your siding or roof, place temporary coverings over these spots to prevent further damage, including water leaks from the rain that will undoubtedly come with or after the hail.
Get anything out in your yard under cover, if possible. Also, check for loose branches in the trees surrounding your home. Before hail season arrives, you need to check the trees around your home for weak and damaged branches. During a hailstorm, they are likely to come tumbling down on your home, creating even more damage.
Vehicles
If you are at home when a hailstorm threatens, you can simply make certain your car is in the garage if you have one. If not, you can use a hail car cover to help protect your vehicle from dents and broken glass. In the case of an emergency, you can use blankets and duct tape instead to protect your vehicle, particularly your windshield. You should have some sort of cover in your vehicle's trunk at all times so you can pull it out no matter where you are.
Insurance
You should routinely review your insurance policies to make sure you have optimal hail coverage. If you have a comprehensive auto policy, hail damage should be covered, including windshield replacement. Large hail can wreck your home's roof, your siding, and your windows, so check the coverage on on your homeowner's policy as well. After the storm, assess all the damage. Although some repairs can wait, you will need glass replacement as soon as possible to protect your possessions and your family's safety. For information on glass replacement, contact a company like Ryan's All Glass.
Hailstorms are also dangerous for humans, so do not risk being struck by a hailstone in order to protect your property. If you act before the storm arrives, you can minimize hail damage. When golf-ball sized hail hits, however, you will not escape unscathed. Take pictures of the damage and contact your agent whenever you sustain hail damage.
Share15 June 2016
