Hail Damage to Windows

Hail is considered one of the most destructive manifestations of the forces of nature. Since its particles can reach impressive sizes (for example, there are issues of hail pieces having the size of an ostrich egg), their weight becomes significant. Add to that the fact that hailstones are frozen water, sharp-edged pieces of ice, and the force of the wind can accelerate the hail. Thus, you can imagine its destructive power. Roofs of houses are particularly affected by hail. However, hail damage to windows can be no less powerful. Why can windows get damaged by hail? And what if it has happened to your home? Let's figure it out.

What to Do if Your Windows Have Got Damaged by Hail

First of all, how exactly can hail damage the windows in a house?

• Broken glass or cracked glass is one of the most common examples of hail damage to windows. Although modern windows are equipped with reinforced glass or have double glazing, abnormal hail can damage the glass sheet due to a sharp and strong impact of hailstones.
• Dents on the frames are also very likely to be examples of hail damage to windows. Even heavy-duty PVC can't withstand the forces of the elements.
• Windows torn off their hinges are much more likely to happen during stormy winds and hurricanes, but hail can also tear a window off its hinges if the structure is flimsy and old and has been in need of repairs for a long time.
• Broken window ebb can also result from hail damage, being an integral part of the window designed to drain water. Most often, hail damages plastic ebbs or thin metal sheets.

So, you have noticed that one of your windows, or even several, have been damaged by hail. What to do next?

First of all, don't panic. If the hail damage to the window is not too great, you can simply call the craftsmen who can replace the cracked glass unit, fix the ebb or reinstall the window sash in the hinges.

But, if the windows have got smashed to smithereens, the frames and sashes have got damaged, the ebb has been torn off, it is likely that the entire window will have to be changed. Call the service team in such a case. It might be better to rent some temporary housing for some time, while the windows in your house do not protect you from bad weather and prying eyes. If your homeowners policy covers hail damage, you can receive compensation not only for repairing windows, but also for covering the cost of temporary housing, where you were forced to stay during the elimination of hail damage to windows.

Does the Insurance Policy Cover Hail Damage to Windows?

Standard homeowners insurance policies in all states predominantly cover hail damage to windows, which are an integral part of your property. But, you must be prepared for the fact that not all insurance companies agree to pay decent compensation for such claims. Very often they try to skimp on such duties and refuse to pay out, arguing that the window does not require major repairs.

But it is still worth applying for compensation because services for replacing or repairing windows, or reinstalling a double-glazed window are not cheap.

How to Protect Your Home from Hail Damage to Windows?

Despite the fact that it is simply impossible to provide absolute protection against such damage, there are some tips on how to make your windows more reliable. They are the following:

• When buying windows into a house and installing them, take an interest in their parameters of resistance to wind load. The higher it is, the more chances that the windows will withstand a heavy hail storm.
• If possible, equip the house with external roller shutters. During a hailstorm, it will be enough just to lower them, and your windows will be protected from heavy hail.
• When buying windows, choose products in which the outer glass is tempered or covered with an additional film. Manufacturers often make the outer glass filament mirrored or reflective and tinted through the use of films. In addition, even the thinnest film protects the glass from damage.
• If you live in a state where hail is quite a common phenomenon, it is best to consider purchasing storm windows that will protect the facade and windows during storms.

Hail damage to windows is an unpleasant phenomenon, but it is not fatal either. Lack of panic and the right strategy will allow you to quickly eliminate it or prevent it altogether. Fortunately, many homeowners receive compensation from their insurance companies to deal with the effects of hail on their windows. This practice should be adopted by you as well. Check your homeowners insurance policy for hail damage coverage and check with your insurance company ahead of time.