Summer storm season is upon us. We've already had a few thunderstorms that have produced massive amounts of rain, with flooding in some areas. And though we haven't seen weather that's produced large hailstones, you know it's coming. Sooner or later a severe hailstorm hits the Twin Cities, and we get lots of calls for storm damage repair.

So just what kind of problems can hail cause to the outside of your home? The first thing you should know is that ANY hail is capable of producing damage. It's not just those big ice lumps that are trouble; even small pea-sized pellets can inflict problems.  So it's a good idea after there has been ANY hail in your area to go outside and give the exterior of your home a good looking over once the storm has passed.

And we do recommend if you see problem areas that you take pictures. If there is damage you will want to get the pictures and information to your insurance company as quickly as possible.  In order for storm damage claims to be approved, there has to be clear-cut documentation that the problems were the result of the storm.

Check These Areas on the Exterior of Your Home After A Hailstorm

Although hail can damage just about anything that is on the outside of your home, the two major areas to check first for damage are the ones the most expensive to repair - your roof and your siding.  While you're inspecting those areas, you may notice damage to other things such as your trim, window frames, or gutters and downspouts, but pay particular attention to roofing and siding. Roof:  You aren't going to want to try and get up on the roof - that's dangerous, and it's most likely wet, which makes it even more hazardous.  But you can give it a visual inspection from the ground.  Look for things like loose or missing shingles. (If you find a few in the yard, that's a really good indication there's trouble.)  Also, for those who have asphalt roofs, check the base of your downspouts for an accumulation of roofing granules.  Those granules are what form the protective covering for the shingles, and if enough of them get dislodged, your roof is in trouble because your shingles have been compromised. Siding:  Any type of siding can sustain hail damage, even metal.  Aluminum siding is very susceptible to denting from hail, which is one of the reasons we don't install it.  Damage to steel siding like the seamless steel we install is unlikely, although not impossible. With enough wind force, there may be some denting.  But you may see problems like cracking with vinyl siding or chipped paint with any type of wood siding, including engineered wood like LP SmartSide®. Depending on the size of the hail, those chipped areas may be fairly small, so look closely.  Even minor chipped areas need repair, however, because anywhere the exterior protective coating has been removed is a spot where moisture can get in and cause further problems.

Also look for loose or missing siding sections. We routinely see this type of damage when the hail storm has included high winds.

After you've checked your roof and siding, also inspect your window and door frames, and screens if you have them.  Garage doors are another commonly damaged area.

If you've sustained hail damage to the exterior of your home here in the Minneapolis and St. Paul area, please give us a call for a free inspection and estimate.  We can work directly with your insurance company to make sure that hail damage gets taken care of quickly and efficiently.