Hail Damage
Thursday, August 6th, 2020
Hey, hey! Welcome to August and more Corona madness! Will it ever stop?? Anyway, if you’re reading this, I hope that all is well in your world! I am covering hail damage this month, how to spot it and what to do. Luckily, our storm season this year has been fairly mild with more wind than hail!
Depending on the severity of a storm, hail can be either a minor event or cause a ton of damage. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), hailstones can reach up to 120 mph before they hit the ground. And, the NWS states that hail causes about $1 billion in damage to crops and property each year. If you happen to experience a hail-producing storm, it’s good to know how to identify damage to your home so you can take steps toward getting it fixed.
Inspecting Your Home for Hail Damage
A home is designed to withstand normal weather patterns and elements. But, the exterior of your home can be significantly damaged by a hailstorm. Here are some basic tips for inspecting your home for hail damage, according to Angie’s List:
- Check your home’s exterior for damage, including checking for dimples or dents in siding (a common form of hail damage).
- Check for leaks in the attic, and water damage on the ceilings.
- Inspect the ground for pieces of roof shingles. This may mean your roof has sustained damage.
- Visually inspect exterior exhaust fans, ducts and the area where your home’s siding meets the roof.
Also, it may be a good idea to check your home’s windows for any chips or cracks. After you’ve completed an initial look, you may want to have your roof professionally inspected, especially if you notice interior water damage or missing shingles.
Repairing Hail Damage
If your home was damaged by hail, you should take action to repair it as soon as possible. It is probably a good idea to take photos of any damage, especially before making any temporary repairs (such as boarding up broken windows or covering holes with a tarp). The next step would be to call your insurance company for some advice, or get the ball rolling on a claim.
If the damage is extensive enough to need a contractor’s help, that’s where we can help! We provide emergency board up and tarp and can most certainly work with you and your insurance company to get the repairs underway. If we can help you out, be sure to give us a call anytime! 865-691-1169.
Enjoy August and see you next month!
-Amanda