Ramsey Insurance Blog

The largest hailstone ever recorded, found in Vivian, SD

For residents, WV homeowners insurance provides some financial protection against the effects of a number of disasters and perils, including damage from hailstorms. However it is possible to take steps to help protect your house from hail damage, and it all starts with a roof inspection.

According to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, tests done by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and FM Global using steel and ice balls to simulate hailstones, show that roofs with a covering of shingles or metal have the best hail resistance, although metal roofs may suffer some cosmetic damage. Roofs are classed as 1, 2, 3 and 4 in terms of impact damage, with Class 4 roof coverings being the most hail-resistant.

The state of your roof also influences the degree to which your house is resistant to the effects of a number of natural disasters, including fire, hurricane, windstorms and heavy rain. To determine the disaster resistance of your roof, you should get it inspected by a professional roofing contractor. Older roofs showing signs of wear and tear reduce the disaster resistance of your house, and roofs should be replaced at least every 20 years. 

By taking steps to improve the resistance of your natural disasters, you help not only to make your home safer and more comfortable and possibly more energy efficient, but also to avoid excessive claims on your WV home insurance policy. Contact one of our agents to find out more.

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