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Home/Windows/Hail damage

Windows · Often claimable

Hail damage to window frames and screens

Frequently overlooked on a storm claim while the roof is being assessed. It is worth having included in the inspection.

Quick answerHail that dents a roof also dents aluminum window wraps, cracks vinyl frames, tears screens and chips glass. Because adjusters and contractors focus on the roof, window damage is often left off the claim. Walk every side of the house after a storm, photograph frames, screens, wraps and glass, and ask for the windows to be included in the inspection. Torn screens are simple to fix; cracked frames and broken seals need a closer look.

Screens and frame wraps are the soft targets on a window. They show hail damage clearly, and they’re good evidence that the storm hit that side of the house.

1What hail does to windows

  • Screens. Torn or stretched mesh and bent frames.
  • Metal wraps and trim. Dents in the aluminum cladding around the frame.
  • Vinyl frames. Cracks or punctures, especially in cold weather or on older vinyl.
  • Glass. Chips, cracks, or a broken seal that shows up later as fog between the panes.

2How to check and document it

  1. Walk every elevationDamage is heaviest on the sides facing the storm. Check each window on those sides.
  2. Photograph itTake wide shots and close-ups of screens, wraps, frames and glass. Note the storm date.
  3. Check the soft metals nearbyDents in gutters, vents and siding on the same side support the claim.
  4. Ask for windows on the inspectionWhen the adjuster or contractor visits, ask that windows and screens be included, not just the roof.
  5. Recheck in a few weeksFog between panes can appear later if a seal was damaged.

3Fixing it

Do it yourself

  • Document everything before repairs
  • Rescreen torn screens yourself if they’re not on the claim
  • Cover broken glass temporarily to keep weather out

Hire a pro

  • Inspect and write up all window damage
  • Replace cracked frames, broken glass and damaged wraps
  • Check for seal failures that show up after the storm
  • Coordinate the repairs with the roof and siding work
Broken glass

Wear gloves and eye protection when handling broken glass. In a pre-1978 home, paid repairs that disturb painted trim should be done by a lead-safe certified firm.

4What drives the cost

The number of windows hit, whether damage is limited to screens and wraps or reaches frames and glass, window size and height, and whether parts match. Get the scope written per window so you can compare it with the adjuster’s estimate.

Windows cost

Hail hit the windows too?

Talk to a contractor who will inspect the windows as well as the roof.

877-360-4657

5Questions

Are torn screens worth claiming?

Include them in your documentation. They also help show which sides the storm hit.

The claim is settled. Can I add the windows?

Sometimes. Contact your insurer promptly with photos and the storm date.

Why did fog appear weeks after the storm?

A damaged seal can take time to show. Document it and tell your insurer.

Written by Jaylan Jones. I Like To Exterior Services earns a referral fee when a call connects to a contractor. See our business-model disclosure.

877-360-4657