Get prepared for spring storms with these steps to reduce damage to your home.
1. Trim your trees
Cost: $400 – $500*
Time: 1-3 Hours
*Estimated cost is per tree.
Trees in your yard could pose a threat to your home during high winds.
Have the trees around your home trimmed by an arborist. Remove branches that overhang the house and remove dead, dying, or diseased trees.
2. Get a home lightning surge protector
Cost: $300 – $500
Time: 1-3 Hours
This simple step can help save costly electronics.
Install a home lightning surge protector to help keep electrical equipment safe from power surges.
3. Install protective screens on HVAC units
Cost: $200 – $400
Time: 1-3 Hours
Screens can prevent costly hail damage.
In hail-prone regions, install screens around your home’s air conditioning unit to help reduce the chance of hail damage to coils and fins.
4. Select a wind-rated garage door
Cost: $1,200 – $3,000*
Time: 4-8 Hours
*Estimated cost in Florida.
Garage doors are one of the most vulnerable parts of the home in high winds.
High winds can push a garage door inward, allowing pressure to push up on the roof and surrounding walls and damage your home. Wind-rated garage doors have been tested to withstand these pressures and can help protect your home. If you’re not sure whether your garage door is wind-rated, it’s best to purchase a new one that is.
Learn more at disastersafety.org/garagedoor.
5. Upgrade to steel gutters and downspouts
Cost: $2,500 – $4,000
Time: 4-8 Hours
Steel is stronger than its more popular counterparts, vinyl and aluminum.
In hail-prone regions, upgrade to steel products, which are more durable against hail impacts and less likely to leak.
6. Upgrade to Good or Excellent impact-rated shingles based on IBHS testing
Cost: $3,000 – $6,000*
Time: 1-3 Days
*1,500–3,000 square-foot house.
Replace your shingles on time―and with the right product―to keep your home protected 24/7.
Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against severe weather. Consider shingles rated Good or Excellent by IBHS.
Shingles add more than just architectural detail; they are critical to protecting your home against hail. See IBHS shingle performance ratings.
These high-performing shingles also meet the UL Class 4 impact-rated standard, which may qualify you for an insurance discount. Ask your insurance agent!
