7 Tips to Protect Your Home in Minnesota from Hail and Storm Damage
May 2022 by Heartland Roofing Siding and Windows
Minnesota is often prone to stormy weather. High winds, hail, snowstorms, or ice can damage your home in several ways. Although you cannot control Mother Nature, you can protect your Minnesota home from hail and storm damage by preparing well in advance. At Heartland Roofing Siding and Solar, we recommend the following tips to protect your home and safeguard it from the storm:
- Update Your Insurance Policies
As you prepare for seasonal storms, look over your current insurance policies to ensure you got adequate coverage for losses from storms and other natural disasters. Although floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes are not covered under the homeowner’s policy, they may be covered in other specific policies.
- Care for Roofing
Inspect and maintain your roof all year round to prevent it from storm damage. Remove snow and ice during winter, clear away tree branches and fallen leaves during autumn, and clean your gutters during summer. It may be a good idea to have a professional roofing contractor inspect your roof as the stormy season begins.
- Install Steel Doors
Installing steel doors can make a difference by adding an extra layer of storm protection. Tornadic winds can easily tear through weak doors, leaving your home interior with little protection from the storm effect.
- Trim Landscaping
Attending to any dead or loose tree limbs or shrubbery will play an important role in protecting your home’s roof, doors, and windows from hail damage repair. When left unattended, the loose tree limbs can cause life-threatening damage when blown by strong stormy winds. If the surrounding bushes are not firmly planted, they can also create destructive debris during heavy storms.
- Inspect Foundation
One of the most important ways of preparing for the stormy weather is protecting the foundation of your home. Inspect your home for any cracks in walls or ceilings, separations or gaps, or windows that no longer fit their frame. Check your crawl space or basement for any cracks along the mortar lines. This may be a good time to have a professional contractor check the foundation in detail and offer appropriate recommendations.
- Store Yard Furniture
Leaving anything loose in the yard can be disastrous because it can be lifted and blown away during a storm. Secure yard ornaments, lawn furniture, or flower pots and store them. If any of these items were to be blown by high-speed winds, they can damage your windows and other exterior home features.
- Plan for an Emergency
Plan for any possibilities that may occur during a seasonal storm. Keep a backup generator, a radio, extra batteries, and a flashlight in case the electricity fails. You may also stock up on anything you may need, such as blankets, bottled water, and non-perishable food items.
Working With Heartland Roofing
If you are looking to work on your roof, you will need a roofing professional to walk with you. With many factors to consider, working with an expert ensure that your roof is in good condition. Heartland Roofing is a trusted and experienced roofing contractor offering services in the greater Minneapolis MN. Think you need repair or want a professional opinion about your roof’s health? Call us at 800-681-4169 or on our CONTACT PAGE to request an appointment from one of our trained professional inspectors.