What To Do in Case of Hail Damage to Your Home

Hail is a natural phenomenon that can be particularly damaging to the exterior of your home. While hailstones are relatively small, they can pack a powerful punch. They can cause damage to a variety of materials including wood, siding, and roofing materials.

What parts of my home can be damaged by hail, and how can it be prevented?

Roof

Hail can cause significant damage to your roof, especially if it is made of shingles. Hailstones can create dents or holes in the shingles, leading to leaks and other issues. If left untreated, this damage can lead to water damage and mold growth in your home.

Prevention:

Regular roof inspections. Regular roof inspections can help you identify minor issues before they become major problems. Inspect your roof at least twice a year, and after any significant weather event. Look for any signs of damage, such as missing or cracked shingles, dents in metal roofs, or punctures in flat roofs.
Trim overhanging branches. Overhanging branches can cause significant damage to your roof during a hailstorm. Trim any overhanging branches that pose a threat to your roof.
Install impact-resistant roofing material: Impact-resistant roofing materials are designed to withstand hail damage. Consider installing impact-resistant shingles or metal roofing to protect your home from hail damage.
Install protective barriers. Protective barriers, such as hail guards or screens, can help protect your roof from hail damage. These barriers can be installed over windows, skylights, and other vulnerable areas of your roof.

Gutters and Downspouts

In addition to shingles, hail can also damage your gutters and downspouts. These components are essential for directing water away from your home, and if they are damaged, they can't do their job effectively.

Prevention:

Install gutter guards. These are mesh-like coverings that go over the gutters and prevent debris from accumulating inside. They can also help protect your gutters from hail damage by absorbing some of the impact.
Make sure your gutters and downspouts are securely fastened to your home. Loose gutters can easily become dislodged by hailstones, causing them to bend or break. Check your gutters and downspouts regularly to make sure they are properly attached and that there are no loose or missing screws.
Invest in impact-resistant gutters and downspouts. These are typically made of aluminum or steel and are designed to withstand hailstones up to a certain size. While they may be more expensive than traditional gutters, they can save you money in the long run by reducing the need for repairs and replacements.

Siding

Hail can also damage other materials on the exterior of your home, including wood and vinyl siding. Hailstones can create cracks or holes in these materials, which can lead to water damage and other issues.

Prevention:

Invest in impact-resistant siding. This type of siding is specifically designed to withstand hail and other types of impact damage. It may be more expensive than traditional siding, but it can save you a lot of money in the long run by preventing costly repairs.
Keep your siding well-maintained. Regularly inspect your siding for any signs of damage, such as cracks or holes, and repair them as soon as possible. This will prevent any water from seeping in and causing further damage.
If you know that a hailstorm is coming, you can take some additional steps to protect your siding. Close all windows and doors to prevent hail from entering your home. You can also cover your siding with a tarp or other protective covering to minimize the impact of the hail.

What To Do in Case of Hail Damage to Your Home

If you suspect that your home has been damaged by hail, we’re here to help. There are tons of lists about what to do in case of an emergency, but here are some delightfully simple steps that will make a dent in getting things back to normal:

Make sure that premises safe and secure.
Take pictures of damages.
Contact your insurance broker or company and make an insurance claim. Here’s a guide on making a home insurance claim through the Sandbox Claims Portal.
After the claims adjuster has assessed the damage, you can begin the process of repairing your home.
Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to hire a professional contractor to make the necessary repairs. Be sure to do your research and choose a reputable contractor who has experience with hail damage repairs. Your insurance company may also be able to provide you with a list of approved contractors in your area.

Insure Your Home in Case of Hail Damage

Prevention is the best thing you can do to avoid hail damage to your home. But of course, not all things are 100% preventable or predictable. Make sure you’ve adequately insured your home with a home insurance policy. If you’re in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, or Alberta, talk to an insurance broker about Sandbox home insurance.