How to Deal With Hail Damage to Your Home

Lightning puts on a stunning show in the sky, but those spring and summer storms quickly take a turn when hail shows up to the party. Those little balls of ice can break car windshields, destroy landscaping and damage your home.

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Hail damage-related roof issues are common, but the impact of a hailstorm can extend to other parts of your home. Learn more about hail damage and the repair that comes after.

Where Should You Look for Hail Damage to Your Home?

Your roof is the most obvious spot to look for hail damage after a storm. As the highest point on your house, the roof takes the brunt of the storm. Shingles are meant to protect your home, and damage to them during a hailstorm can cause future issues. Specific hail damage roof issues include:

• Missing granules on asphalt shingles

• Darker spots where the hail hits

• Soft areas similar to bruises on fruit

• Splits or tears

• Dents

• Missing shingles

• Pieces of shingles on the ground

Inspect other exterior surfaces of your home as well. Hail can hit and dent your siding, break windows, dent garage doors or damage vents and exhaust fans. Don't forget to check sheds, garages and other structures on your property.

Use caution when checking for hail damage. The ground can be slippery after a storm. Watch for downed power lines or branches that pose a threat. Avoid walking on your roof to look for damage, as it could be slick from the storm. Calling a professional roofing company to check for damage may be the safest option.

Should You File an Insurance Claim?

Storm damage, including hailstorm damage, is generally covered by homeowners insurance. Filing a claim quickly helps ensure repairs start faster to prevent additional damage, but checking on a few issues first helps you decide how to proceed.

First, make sure your policy covers hail damage repair. Check your deductible amount to know how much you'll have to pay before the insurance takes over. Some policies set separate deductibles for storm damage that may be higher than your general deductible.

Assess how much damage you have. If the damage is minimal, paying for the repairs yourself might be a better move. Your deductible could be more than the cost of the repairs if they're minor. When the deductible amount is similar to the cost of hail damage repairs, you still might skip the claim. Filing claims may label you as a higher risk as a customer. It could increase your premiums or cause your insurance company to issue a nonrenewal when your policy expires.

If you have extensive repairs, filing an insurance claim could be the best option. It ensures you get the repairs you need to prevent additional water damage while limiting how much you pay. Work with a reputable roofing company to get an idea of how much the repairs will cost, and compare that amount to your home insurance deductible when making a decision about filing a claim.

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How Do You Repair Hail Damage?

Repairing hail damage usually involves replacing the damaged materials. Dented, broken or otherwise damaged exterior materials no longer provide adequate protection for your home.

Hailstorm repairs are often best left to professionals, though it can depend on the type and extent of damage you're dealing with. Professional roofers assess the damage and may notice issues you overlook. Your roofing company can help you understand whether you should replace just the damaged shingles or the entire roof.

No matter which option is best, working on a roof can be dangerous. While some homeowners install roofing themselves, hiring a professional ensures all damage gets repaired correctly. You also reduce the risk of dangerous falls. Roofers use safety equipment to reduce hazards of the job.

If you have dents in your siding, call a siding company to repair the damage. Professionals can often repair existing siding if the damage is minimal. In severe cases, replacing the siding is the best option.

Cracked or broken windows typically need to be replaced to make them efficient and effective. Some handy DIYers feel comfortable installing new windows. However, making a mistake could cause you to damage new, expensive windows and add to costs. Evaluate your skill level honestly before deciding whether to hire a professional. Replacing the glass in individual panels could be an option for some minor window damage.