Roof Protection Against Wind and Hail Made Easy
Admin • February 14, 2020
The average cost of a house in Kentucky is $143,000, and a large part of its value is the roof. Many people do not pay all that much attention to their roofs, but they are making a huge mistake. Neglecting this part of your home can result in damage that can be difficult and expensive to repair, especially in Kentucky where high winds and hail are prevalent. This guide will teach you how to protect your roof from storm damage so that you can save money and maintain the longevity of your home.
The consequences of ignoring wind and hail damage to roof shingles
Some people see that a limb has fallen on their roof, or they see a few loose shingles, and they think nothing of it. Ignoring such occurrences can prove to be very costly, often resulting in the following consequences:
Thousands of dollars of damage
The longer you ignore the damage, the more expensive it will be to make repairs. When you neglect a spot of damage that might seem minor looking at it from the outside, on the inside, water is seeping in and causing damage to your attic and ceiling. Water will attract insects and cause mold to grow, which will result in the weakening of your roof’s supports.
Your insurance company might refuse to pay out
If you wait too long after a storm to notify your insurance company that your roof is damaged, your adjuster might refuse to pay out, leaving you with the sole responsibility of footing the bill for repairs.
Your house could lose its value
A damaged roof will result in your home losing its value because a prospective buyer will not want to pay thousands of extra dollars for a house with a roof needing repair. If you are still paying the interest on your house, and you want to sell it, this could make it more difficult for you to pay off your mortgage.
How to protect your roof and avoid costly roof restoration
There are many precautions you can take that will greatly increase your roof’s chances to survive a thunderstorm or tornado. Just follow these tips:
- Remove overhanging limbs. A limb hanging over your house will eventually fall, and if it is as thick as your arm or leg, it can cause serious damage. We recommend that you saw off any limbs you believe might be a threat to your house. Always use the roofing safety equipment to minimize the fall risk.
- Cut down rotting trees. If a tree falls on your roof, it is lights out. If you have recently moved into your house, take some time to walk around outside and look for any trees that are diseased or dead. These trees will eventually fall, and one of them might land on your house. Cut them down as soon as possible.
- Use hail and wind resistant products. There are shingles out on the market that are more likely to withstand wind and hail than other roofing products. We recommend that you install Class IV shingles with an impact resistance rating of UL 2218. These shingles are able to withstand the impact of large hailstones and wind up to 110 mph.
- Conduct regular visual inspections. After a storm has swept through your area, especially if there has been hail or flying debris, always conduct a thorough, visual inspection of your roof to see if there are any wind damaged shingles. If you see any of those, immediately notify your insurance company.
- Look in the attic. Some damage can be hard to see from the outside. That is why you should also look in your attic every once in a while. When you are in the attic, look for mildew, mold, streak marks, stains, and blotches in the ceiling. Humidity in your attic might also be a sign that there is roof damage.
Most of the storm damage repairs can be done with us
If there has been a big tornado or a violent thunderstorm in your area that has caused wind or hail damage to the roof of your house, you should call Home Run Improvement. Our team has an extensive amount of experience repairing roofs damaged by Kentucky’s unpredictable weather.
A well-built deck creates an inviting outdoor living space that adds value, functionality, and curb appeal to your home. If you're looking for a durable, low-maintenance alternative to traditional wood, TimberTech composite decking is an excellent choice. Designed to resist moisture, fading, staining, and splintering, TimberTech products provide the appearance of natural wood with significantly less upkeep. This guide walks through the major stages of building a TimberTech deck, from planning to the final inspection. Home Run is an official TimberTech Gold installer with specialized TimberTech training and access to enhanced warranties. Planning the Project Every successful deck begins with careful planning. Determine how the deck will be used, whether for entertaining, outdoor dining, or simply relaxing. Consider the size, shape, and location of the deck while taking into account access points from your home and the surrounding landscape. Select the TimberTech decking collection and color that best complements your home's exterior. At this stage, establish a realistic budget that includes materials, hardware, permits, and any specialized tools you may need. Before construction begins, verify local building codes and obtain any required permits. Preparing the Site Once the design is complete, prepare the building site by clearing vegetation, removing obstacles, and marking the deck layout with stakes and string lines. Confirm that the area is level and that drainage directs water away from the home's foundation. Accurate measurements during site preparation help ensure the framing and decking install smoothly later in the project. Building a Strong Foundation The strength of any deck depends on its foundation. Install concrete footings below the local frost line according to building code requirements. Secure support posts to the footings before installing beams and floor joists. Carefully check that all framing members are square, level, and properly spaced. Solid framing provides the support needed for the composite decking and helps prevent movement over time. Installing TimberTech Deck Boards With the framing complete, begin installing the TimberTech deck boards according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Many TimberTech products use hidden fastener systems that create a clean, fastener-free surface while maintaining consistent spacing between boards. Work methodically across the deck, checking alignment frequently. If your design includes a picture-frame border or decorative patterns, install those features as you progress. Take extra care when constructing stairs to ensure uniform rise, run, and secure fastening. Installing Railings Railings enhance both safety and appearance. Install railing posts securely to the deck framing before attaching the top and bottom rails. Complete the system by installing balusters and any gates required for stairways or access points. Choose railing styles and colors that complement your decking for a cohesive finished look. Adding the Finishing Touches Complete the project by installing fascia boards to conceal the framing and create a polished appearance. Many homeowners also choose to add deck lighting, post cap lights, stair lighting, or under-rail illumination to improve safety and extend the enjoyment of the deck into the evening. After construction is complete, clean the deck surface and remove any remaining debris. Final Inspection Before putting the deck into regular use, perform a thorough inspection. Verify that all fasteners are secure, railings are solid, stairs are stable, and the structure complies with applicable building codes. A careful final inspection helps ensure the deck is safe, attractive, and built to last. Maintaining Your TimberTech Deck One of the biggest advantages of TimberTech decking is its minimal maintenance requirements. Unlike traditional wood, composite decking does not require annual sanding, staining, or sealing. Routine maintenance typically includes: Sweeping away leaves and debris. Washing the deck periodically with mild soap and water. Cleaning spills promptly to prevent staining. Inspecting railings and fasteners during seasonal maintenance. With proper care, a TimberTech deck can maintain its appearance for many years while requiring significantly less maintenance than a wood deck. Conclusion Building a TimberTech deck is an investment that enhances both your home and your outdoor lifestyle. By carefully planning the project, constructing a solid foundation, following proper installation techniques, and performing regular maintenance, you can create an outdoor space that is beautiful, durable, and enjoyable for years to come. Whether you're building the deck yourself or hiring a professional contractor, choosing quality materials and following best practices will help ensure a successful project and lasting results. Not sure how to proceed? Call to schedule a free Deck assessment with our team today.
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Metal roofing has gone from a niche product to one of the most talked-about options in residential roofing over the last decade. You've probably seen it on newer builds, heard it mentioned by a neighbor, or come across it while researching a roof replacement. And then you ran into the price tag. That sticker shock is usually where the research stops — or where homeowners start looking for reasons to justify it. This guide doesn't do either. It gives you the honest metal roofing pros and cons and a clear framework for deciding whether it makes sense for your specific home in Louisville. What Is Metal Roofing? Before getting into pros and cons, it helps to understand that "metal roofing" covers several different products that perform and cost very differently. The two most relevant for residential homes in Louisville: Standing seam metal roofing — panels run vertically from ridge to eave with raised seams that interlock. No exposed fasteners. This is the premium option you see on high-end custom homes. It's what most people picture when they hear "metal roof." Metal shingles / stone-coated steel — metal panels shaped and coated to look like traditional shingles or tiles. Lower profile than standing seam, easier to retrofit, and less expensive. There's also corrugated metal — the classic ribbed panels more common on agricultural buildings and outbuildings. You'll occasionally see it on residential homes for a specific aesthetic, but it's not what most Louisville homeowners are evaluating. Standing Seam vs. Corrugated Metal Roof Since both come up in residential conversations, here's a direct comparison:
