When a hailstorm passes through your neighborhood, the damage left behind often goes unnoticed—until it’s too late. While those tiny ice pellets may seem harmless, they can cause significant destruction to your home’s exterior that worsens over time. Ignoring hail damage doesn’t just affect your roof; it can lead to costly repairs, structural issues, and even drop your home’s overall resale value.
This guide will walk you through the hidden dangers of hail damage, how to identify it, and why Seidel Exterior Group is your trusted partner for repairs and restoration.
Common Types of Hail Damage
Hail damage manifests in various ways, depending on which parts of your home are exposed. Here’s how it can impact key areas of your property:
Roof Damage
Your roof is typically is often subjugated to the brunt of damage during a storm. It is important to assess the roof’s condition after a storm has passed. Immediate action is necessary to prevent further damage from occurring and avoid larger costly repairs.
Key issues include:
- Cracked, missing, or dented shingles – Hailstones impact the integrity of shingles, reducing their ability to protect against leaks.
- Granule loss – Tiny granules on shingles can be knocked off, leaving your roof vulnerable to UV damage and water infiltration.
- Hidden leaks – These can gradually worsen into major water damage if not identified quickly.
Siding Damage
Strong hail can compromise your home’s siding, leading to:
- Cracks and Dents – Hail impact weakens siding panels, increasing the risk of water seepage into your home during storms.
- Weakened structural integrity – Compromised siding may fail to protect your home against future weather events.
Window and Gutter Damage
Other key areas of concern include:
- Cracked or broken windows – Even small hailstones can break glass, creating a safety hazard.
- Dented, damaged gutters – This impacts drainage, leading to water pooling around your foundation and landscape.
This highlights the importance of addressing any damage as soon as possible to avoid potential issues down the line. To protect your home and avoid potential financial strains, it’s important to regularly check for any signs of hail damage and address them promptly.
📊 Important Statistics To Note:
- Hail damage accounted for 70% of insured loss claims in 2022
- (Source: Insurance Information Institute).
- Roof repairs from hail damage cost an average of $7,000–$10,000, depending on the extent of damage.
How Hail Size Affects Damage
The size of hailstones significantly influences the extent of damage to your property. Here’s how varying hail sizes can impact your home:
| Hail Size | Potential Damage |
|---|---|
| Pea-sized (¼”) | Minimal impact; may cause slight wear on shingles over time. |
| Dime-sized (¾”) | Minor dents in siding or soft metals like gutters; possible shingle granule loss. |
| Quarter-sized (1”) | Visible fractures in roofing; increased risk of leaks; potential siding cracks. |
| Golf ball-sized (1.5”) | Roof punctures; cracked windows; severe dents in siding and gutters. |
| Baseball-sized (2.5”+) | Major structural damage; shattered windows; compromised roofing and siding integrity. |
| Record-sized for Illinois (4.75”) | Catastrophic damage; complete roof failure; extensive structural compromise. On June 10, 2015, near Minooka, Illinois, a hailstone measuring 4.75 inches in diameter was recorded. weather.gov |
📊 Note: Historically, hailstones larger than 3” caused billions in property losses—highlighting the importance of securing inspections after significant storms.
📊 Fast Fact: On July 23, 2010, Vivian, South Dakota experienced a hailstone measuring 8.0 inches in diameter and weighing 1.9375 pounds—the largest recorded in U.S. history weather.gov
Why Ignoring Hail Damage Can Be Costly
Failing to address hail damage promptly can lead to escalating issues, including:
- Structural Deterioration
- Hidden weaknesses become larger problems with repeated exposure to rain and storms. Unrepaired damages are likely to worsen over time, which can lead to extensive structural damage and costly repairs.
- Energy Efficiency Loss
- Damaged roofing and siding reduce insulation effectiveness, increasing utility bills.
- Decreased Property Value
- Unrepaired hail damage can lower your home’s worth when it’s time to sell.
📊 Key Insight: Experts estimate that delaying hail repairs can increase restoration costs by 20–30% in just one year.
What to Do After a Hailstorm
If a hailstorm has passed through your area, follow these key steps:
1. Inspect Your Property
Check for obvious signs of damage (shingles, siding, windows, gutters). Pay attention to dings, cracks, and missing pieces.
2. Document Any Damage
Take clear, high-resolution photos of affected areas to support potential claims with your insurer.
3. Contact Professionals for a Full Inspection
Not all damage is visible to the untrained eye. Schedule an inspection with a certified roofing contractor to identify hidden problems with your property.
4. File Your Insurance Claim
Submit your photos and inspection report to your insurance provider promptly to avoid missing deadlines and ensure your home is covered.
5. Schedule Repairs Immediately
The compounding effect of hail damage can lead to greater problems. It is important to identify these potential issues and act swiftly to avoid costly structural repairs to your property.
📊 Statistic: Delayed claims result in 25–50% of denials per year (Insurance Information Institute).
Check out our downloadable hail damage checklist here below:
How Seidel Exterior Group Can Help
When it comes to restoring your home after a hailstorm, Seidel Exterior Group offers unmatched expertise that will ease your post storm experience. Through comprehensive inspections, repairing your full exterior with high quality materials, and assisting with the insurance claim process. Seidel has you covered for all issues related to home restoration in the aftermath of a hailstorm.
Comprehensive Inspections
Our certified professionals conduct thorough evaluations to identify visible and hidden damage, giving you a full picture of your home’s needs.
High-Quality Repairs & Materials
We use impact-resistant materials from trusted brands, ensuring your repairs stand up to future weather events.
Full Exterior Protections
We’ve got you covered, from roofing to siding and gutter restoration, we handle every aspect of hail repair to keep your home secure.
Insurance Claims Assistance
Navigating insurance claims can be stressful, but our team simplifies the process. We’ll help you document your property’s damage, connect with adjusters, and handle your claim from start to finish.
Conclusion
Hailstorms can cause significant damage to your home. It is important to take immediate action by assessing any potential damage, filing an insurance claim, and scheduling repairs promptly. With the help of a certified roofing contractor. Don’t wait until it’s too late – be proactive in protecting your property from damages cause by a hailstorm event. If damages due occur, trust Seidel Exterior Group to guide you through the restoration process with expertise and efficiency.
📊 Fast Fact: Seidel Exterior Group has restored over 1,000 hail-damaged homes.
Secure Your Home Today with Seidel Exterior Group
Hail damage can be discrete and take a toll on your property long term, but with early action and expert help, you can protect your home and save thousands in repairs and restorations. Contact Seidel Exterior Group to schedule your free hail damage inspection today, and experience peace of mind knowing your home is safe.
📞 Call Us Now 847-800-3304 | 🌐 Visit Our Website
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my home has hail damage?
Signs of hail damage can include dents in siding, gutters, or downspouts, as well as damage to shingles such as cracks or granule loss. Hail damage is not always visible to the untrained eye, which is why an expert inspection is highly recommended.
Why is it important to address hail damage promptly?
Addressing hail damage early is crucial to prevent further structural flaws, maintain property value, ensure security, and avoid expensive repairs. Delaying repairs can lead to water mold growth, leaks, and decreased energy efficiency. Immediate action helps in making insurance claims more convenient and may prevent higher out-of-pocket costs later.
What does free hail damage inspection include?
A free hail damage inspection typically includes a thorough evaluation of the siding, roof, and other exterior elements of the property to spot any signs of breakage or damage caused by hail. Our inspectors may assess the condition of gutters, windows, and shingles, document the findings, and provide a comprehensive report outlining the extent of the damage and recommendations for repairs or insurance claims.
Will homeowners’ insurance cover hail damage repair?
Most homeowners’ insurance covers hail damage repair, but specific coverage details vary. We can assist you in navigating the claims process to ensure your connection to the necessary support.
Why should I choose Seidel Exterior Group?
Years of experience and over 1,000 hail-damaged homes restored, Seidel Exterior Group offers unmatched top-tier customer service, proven reliability, and expertise. We are dedicated to protecting your home with efficient and high-quality restoration services.
