Hailstorms can wreak havoc on a business’s rooftop equipment, including its cooling towers, exhaust fans, and heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems. Hail guards are specially designed to protect and cover such equipment while still promoting proper building ventilation. This article highlights the advantages of using hail guards to shield a business’s rooftop equipment to help minimize the likelihood of expensive repairs and downtime.

The Benefits of Hail Guards

Hailstorms are a common occurrence across various regions of the United States. Hail can range in size; it can be small chunks or immense projectiles as big as golf balls (or even larger). Fortunately, hail guards can offer physical protection to rooftop equipment amid such storms.

These custom-designed protective structures, typically made of woven mesh wire screens or louvered panels, provide a defense against hailstones and carry numerous benefits that can assist businesses in saving time and money when caring for their properties. Key advantages of hail guards include the following:

• Impact resistance—Hail guards offer significant impact resistance to protect rooftop equipment from hailstones. Hail guards absorb and deflect the impact energy, preventing direct strikes and reducing the risk of physical damage such as dents, cracks or shattered components.
• Efficiency and performance—Rooftop equipment is engineered to work efficiently under specific conditions. However, hail damage can diminish the effectiveness of this equipment, causing increased energy consumption, reduced performance and higher operational costs. By installing hail guards, businesses can maintain the optimal functioning of their equipment.
• Water protection—In instances of heavy rainfall, hailstorms can bring about substantial destruction. When it comes to preventing the damaging effects of hail and rain on equipment, hail guards offer an excellent solution. These guards serve as an effective barrier against hail impact and also prevent the infiltration of rainwater. They cover any susceptible points or openings in an equipment’s housing, ensuring that no moisture can enter. By protecting their equipment from corrosion, electrical damage, and mold or mildew growth, hail guards can help companies keep critical building components functional and dry.
• Extended equipment lifespan—Hail guards play a crucial role in maintaining the structural integrity and functionality of rooftop equipment by preventing severe hail damage that could cause premature replacements. As a result, businesses can save on the costs associated with purchasing and installing new equipment while also benefiting from the extended life expectancy of their existing investments.
• Business continuity—Downtime can be costly for any business. When rooftop equipment sustains hail damage, swift attention and repairs are essential, but this can lead to extensive downtime. Such disruptions can have a negative impact on a company’s productivity, customer satisfaction and revenue. Nevertheless, hail guards offer an effective solution to minimize the risk of damage and enable uninterrupted business operations, even in areas prone to hailstorms. By maintaining seamless functionality, businesses can uphold their competitive edge and financial stability.

• Insurance savings—Installing hail guards can allow businesses to demonstrate their commitment to risk management, resulting in reduced insurance costs over time. Additionally, fewer claims for hail-related damage can help businesses maintain favorable insurance claims records.

  Investing in hail guards is a smart decision for commercial property owners or managers who want to safeguard their rooftop equipment. With hail guards installed, businesses can strengthen their equipment against extreme weather conditions and feel confident that their properties are well-prepared to endure any storm.

  Contact us today for additional guidance on commercial property risks

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