Measures to Protect Roofs and Skylights
FORT MILL, S.C., June 17, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Wikipedia says that hail is a form of solid precipitation consisting of balls or irregular lumps of ice, each of which is called a hailstone.
Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here: http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7541951-velux-america-hail-storm-damage/
Homeowners who have experienced hail damaged roofs and skylights say that hail is the element that can turn a "bad" storm into a significant financial expense.
Just one insurance company of many writing hail damage coverage, State Farm, reports that hail damage to homes and cars cost their policyholders more than $2.4 billion in 2014. To reduce damage from hail when building or remodeling, they recommend considering impact resistant roofing products. The same holds true when dealing with roof repairs or replacement.
Roofs
From the standpoint of the roof itself, there's not much more to be done to prepare for hail assuming you're using impact resistant products. If you're unfortunate enough to experience a storm that produces hail that damages your shingles or other roofing material, it's basically a matter of dealing with your insurance company and a roofer for repairs or replacement. Roofers advise having a qualified person inspect roofs for dents in shingles that can eventually turn into holes and cause leaks. An evaluation and quote from three roofers is considered good policy.
Skylights
In the case of skylights, you can do more to prevent damage. Most skylights damaged by hail are of the "plastic bubble" or acrylic type. Modern, Energy Star-qualified dual-pane glass skylights, like the fresh air models manufactured by VELUX America, www.veluxusa.com, utilize laminated glass, are much less susceptible to storm damage, and are covered by a 10-year hail damage warranty.
Other specialty glass options are available including impact glass for hurricane and high wind areas and snow load glass so homeowners can take preventative action ahead of storms by replacing older glass units or plastic bubble skylights.
Roof Work Video
If you're considering a skylight replacement, or a first-time installation, view a 90-second video at http://bit.ly/1FZm6KH that explains why roof work time is the perfect opportunity to save time and money on skylights.
Most building codes require that glass skylights installed out-of-reach utilize laminated glass for safety. VELUX "Clean, Quite and Safe" glass, which is standard on solar powered and electric fresh air skylights, meets this requirement while reducing noise from the outside and staying cleaner due to enhanced water-shedding capabilities. The LoE3 protective coated dual-pane glass is also highly energy efficient. The skylights carry a 10-year installation and hail warranty.
Replacement skylights that fit existing openings are readily available. If you're a handy DIYer you may be able to do the job yourself but you can't go wrong using a certified installer. And if you don't have skylights but would like more natural light and passive ventilation, energy-efficient solar powered fresh air skylights and solar powered blinds are available. Both products, plus installation costs, qualify for a 30 percent federal tax credit.
There's more on skylight replacement or new installation options, and on locating certified installers, at whyskylights.com.
VELUX is the world leader in skylights and roof windows and is one of the strongest brands in the global building materials sector. VELUX America products are available nationwide through home centers, building material suppliers, lumberyards, and independent door, window, or roofing retailers. Consumers can locate local suppliers and installers, and access information on skylight selection and the benefits of bringing more natural light and fresh air into the home by visiting www.veluxusa.com or www.whyskylights.com. A Skylight Planner App is also available to assist homeowners to visualize skylights, room by room, in their own homes.
SOURCE VELUX America
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