Most of us are familiar with the unmistakable sound of hailstones pelting a structure, an automobile or the pavement during a thunderstorm. These hard projectiles are not only noisy — they can also cause significant and unexpected property damage.
Hail forms when thunderstorm updrafts carry raindrops into colder areas of the atmosphere, causing them to freeze. They fall to the ground when they become heavy enough to overcome the force of the updraft. Depending on the amount of moisture in the air, hailstones can range from the size of a pea to a golf ball or even a small grapefruit.
Signs of Hail Damage on Your Home
Considering that falling hail can travel up to 120 miles per hour, it’s not hard to imagine the destruction these small but potent ice balls can cause. Determining the full extent of the damage often requires an inspection from the ground and while on the roof.
What to Look for From the Ground
A ground-level inspection may reveal:
- Dents on the siding or windowsills.
- Chipped paint and other damage to the wood on porches or decks.
- Dents and dings on your home’s gutters or downspout.
- Holes in window screens that weren’t there before the hailstorm.
- Large pock marks on window air conditioners or central air units.
Telltale Hail Damage Signs on Your Roof
The roof can bear the brunt of a hailstorm. If you can access your roof safely, you may notice dents in the asphalt shingles. Metal roofs are less susceptible to a hail onslaught, although stones larger than a golf ball can cause dimples and other visible damage to these structures.
Even if you don’t see hail damage on your roof, it can occur in other ways. The force and hardness of the hailstones can cause shingle pieces to break off and wash into the gutters and downspouts, leaving them on the ground. You may also notice interior leaks or water damage to top-floor or attic ceilings.
Repairing Hail Damage
Have you experienced unexpected hail damage? It’s important to take action quickly, especially if significant damage creates an emergency. You should take photos of the area and make temporary repairs if necessary, such as boarding up broken windows or using a tarp to cover holes.
Most homeowners insurance policies provide coverage for hail damage, which can prevent you from paying for most of the repair costs out of your pocket.
Rhode Island Restoration Can Fix Hail Damage
In many cases, you’ll need a professional contractor to repair the property damage caused by hail. If you live in or own a business in Rhode Island, southwestern Massachusetts or Connecticut, the experts at Rhode Island Restoration can restore your property to like-new condition.
As a one-stop shop, we can handle all aspects of the process, including helping you navigate the often confusing homeowners insurance claims process.
Call us at 401-834-FIRE (3473) to schedule a no-obligation hail damage consultation today. We’re available 24 hours a day to provide emergency assistance.
