The Negative Impact Hailstorms Can Have on Midlothian, TX, Homes

1/10/2022 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: SERVPRO of Waxahachie/Midlothian explains the impact of hail damage and storm damage on houses in Midlothian, TX, and surrounding areas.

Each year, thousands of hailstorms impact homes, vehicles, businesses, and farm crops, piling up billions of dollars in property damage. The Insurance Information Institute reported the following statistics: “Hail-related insured losses between 2000 and 2019 averaged between $8 billion to $14 billion a year, according to Aon. There were 4,611 major hail storms in 2020, according to the NOAA’s Severe Storms database. State Farm paid out over $3.1 billion in hail claims in 2020, according to an April 2020 analysis by the insurer. Texas was the state with the most hail claims paid for auto and home insurance, with $474.6 million in losses, followed by Illinois ($394.2 million), Minnesota ($259.2 million) and Missouri ($236.9).”

During some years, as much as 70% of storm damage insurance claims stem from hail damage. Hailstones can impact a home with the destructive force of a small rock. Force impact is determined by the size and descent velocity. As mentioned above, damage from hail is one of the most prevalent reasons for homeowners’ claims. Estimates are that each year one in 35 homes report a claim.

Contact points susceptible to hail damage

Any exposed area is vulnerable to damage from hailstones. Hailstorms can dent, crack, or pierce shingles, wood shakes, asphalt roofs, gutters, aluminum siding, and vinyl siding. Vinyl siding is engineered with the flexibility to withstand high winds and relatively large hailstones. However, some hailstones are so large and travel so fast that the impact cracks the vinyl siding. In 2017, there were over 10.7 million insurance claims for hail damage in the United States.

Tips on what to do when hard-hitting hail starts to fall

Listed below are several tips on how to prepare for damaging wind and hail.

1. Practice regular maintenance and routine inspections. Immediately repair minor defects that make the roof more vulnerable to further roof damage when the next severe hailstorm strikes.
2. Consider installing an impact-resistant roofing solution during initial construction or when the roof needs replacement.
3. Proper tree care and maintenance can prevent limbs or trees from falling on the home during a severe hailstorm.
4. When severe weather threatens, restrain or store lawn furniture, toys, garbage cans, and yard equipment to avoid impact damage from wind-driven debris during harsh winds.

How to detect the damaging effects of hail on a home

After severe weather involving hail, homeowners need to assess any damage to their home and determine whether filing a claim is warranted. Conduct the inspection only when conditions become safe, and the lighting is adequate. Check for the following signs of damage to the home:

• Dented downspouts and gutter
• Siding and window sills with buckling, warping, dents, or cracks
• Unusual or uneven gaps across or between layers of siding
• Broken, cracked, or shattered glass in windows and doors
• Damaged decks, patio covers, sheds, and vehicles

If damage is discovered in any of these areas, the likelihood of extensive roof damage is very high. Contact a licensed professional roofing contractor to inspect the roof. The damage may not be evident to the untrained eye.

What to do if a hailstorm causes water damage

A water intrusion from a roof that has been pierced by a limb or fallen tree can allow hundreds of gallons to pour into a home. A broken window or door can result in significant water damage. Homeowners need to be aware that dents in the siding may allow water penetration. Hail can cause tiny dimples or divots in the roofing. These depressions may be small piercings that allow moisture and water to seep under the shingles. The water intrusion can cause wood rot in the sheathing, framing, and attic support beams. Water intrusion in the attic insulation can promote mold growth.

When a severe hailstorm has caused a water damage disaster, avoid advanced secondary damage by entrusting the flood damage restoration project to the professionals at SERVPRO of Waxahachie/Midlothian. The team of knowledgeable, experienced, and certified water damage mitigation and restoration technicians have the equipment to extract the water, dry the structure, and remediate any mold issues that may have arisen. Repairs, tear-outs, and rebuilds can be managed by SERVPRO. The company streamlines the process, reduces confusion, increases efficiencies, and reduces costs. The SERVPRO staff can handle the insurance claims from beginning to end, eliminating headaches for the customer.

Contact SERVPRO of Waxahachie/Midlothian by email at acarey@SERVPRO10932.com to learn more about flood damage restoration services in Midlothian, TX. The office can also be reached by phone at (972) 935-0827.