How Can Hail Storms Impact Your Home?

29 June 2021
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When you hear that a hail storm is approaching, your first instinct might be to protect your car. While hail can cause significant damage to vehicles, your home is vulnerable, as well. Unfortunately, you can't move your home into cover, so damage from these storms is sometimes unavoidable. Recognizing how hail may impact your home can help you to evaluate your losses following a storm.

While hailstorms can result in a wide range of damage, below, you'll find the three most common ways that your home may be affected. If you've recently experienced a severe hailstorm, you should always check your home thoroughly for damage of this type.

1. Siding

Most hailstorms include heavy winds, which means that the storm may drive heavy hailstones into the side of your home. After a storm, walk around your home and looks for evidence of damage to your siding. Vinyl siding may be especially susceptible, and large hail can create dents or even crack portions of your siding.

Although vinyl damage can be unsightly, it's more than just a cosmetic issue. Damage to your siding can allow water to enter your home or trap it under the remaining siding, creating the potential for mold and rot. If you notice any signs of damage to your siding, always consult with a restoration expert to evaluate the full extent of the problem.

2. Windows

Hail can damage windows in a variety of ways, some more apparent than others. While smashed panes are the most obvious signs of damage, storms can also create issues with other components. For example, the sash may be especially vulnerable on vinyl windows. Damage to these parts can impact both the appearance and functionality of your windows.

Even if you don't see any obvious signs of damage, check all of your windows for proper operation and look for evidence of leaks. You should consider a professional evaluation if your home has roof or siding damage since there may be issues with your windows that you cannot see.

3. Roofing

Hail can do more than just dent or destroy your roofing shingles. Severe storms can also knock gutters loose from your roof, leading to potentially severe damage in the future. A partially detached gutter can allow water to pool along the edges of your roofing, leading to structural damage in the future. Your roof may also suffer severe damage if the gutter eventually pulls loose and falls away.

Climbing onto your roof may be unsafe following a storm, especially if there's damage that's hard to spot. In most cases, you should trust a damage restoration specialist to perform a complete evaluation of your roof if you suspect issues following a hail storm.

If you would like to know more about storm restoration, contact your specialists in Olathe, KS.