Posted on February 14, 2025
ICHQ | Site Author
Hail can cause extreme damage—especially severe storms. As explained by the National Severe Storms Laboratory, “hail causes billions of dollars of damage to structures, crops and livestock.” Homeowners in the Gulf Coast region need to be ready for the risk of hail. You may be wondering how to prevent hail damage. There are some proactive steps that you can take to make your property less vulnerable to the risk. You should also be ready to file for your insurance benefits if damage is significant and cannot be prevented. In this article, our New Orleans hail damage attorney provides a list of tips for protecting your property from hail damage before a major storm.
Hail Damage House: (Often Destructive)
Hail is a destructive force of nature. It can cause significant, even catastrophic, damage to homes and businesses during severe storms.
Hail forms when updrafts in thunderstorms carry raindrops into extremely cold parts of the earth’s atmosphere. These raindrops freeze then into balls of ice—which can grow larger as they are repeatedly lifted by the updrafts into the colder part of the storm, where they collect even more layers of ice. When these stones become too heavy, they fall as hail.
When large hailstones strike, they can shatter windows, dent siding, and cause major damage to the roof. Notably, the impact can lead to costly repairs—a homeowner may be required to do everything from replacing broken windows to patching big holes in the roofing to addressing water damage caused by a breach in the home’s exterior. After a major hail storm, homeowners and business owners should generally investigate their premises for any signs of damage.
How to Prevent Hail Damage (Tips Property Owners Can Use)
1. Consider Hail-Resistant Roofing
Your home’s roof is facing the most significant threat from hail. It can get absolutely pelted by hail in a severe storm. With that in mind, it is crucial that your roof is well-maintained. You may even want to consider installing some form of hail-resistant roofing. Certain roofing materials like Class 4 impact-resistant asphalt shingles, rubberized roofing, or modified asphalt are designed to withstand or at least limit the impact of hail. Indeed, these materials have been tested to endure the force of hail and can prevent punctures, cracks, or other damage that typically results from hailstorms.
2. Use Protective Covers During a Major Hail Storm (If it Can Be Anticipated)
Is a major thunderstorm forecast to come through the region? If so, it is strongly recommended that you consider using protective covers for all property that is exposed to the elements. You may want to shield your patio, exterior furniture, your vehicle, and even certain windows from the risk of damage. As an example, there are specially designed hail car covers made from padded or layered materials that absorb the impact of hailstones, protecting the vehicle’s body and glass surfaces. For larger areas like patios or windows, sturdy tarps may be the most effective option.
3. Add Storm Shutters to Your Windows
Other than your roof, your windows are the part of your home that faces the biggest risk of hail-related storm damage. As such, you may want to consider installing storm shutters on your windows. Doing so can help to prevent them from breaking during a hailstorm. Storm shutters can be made from various materials—from metal to polycarbonate to high-strength fabric. Beyond protecting against hail, these shutters also add an extra layer of security and insulation to your home. They can be permanently attached and easily rolled down or closed when a storm approaches.
4. Evaluate Your Property for External Risks (Tree Problems)
Trees can pose an inherent hazard to your home in a major storm. Hail itself is not usually sufficient to take down a big tree. However, big hailstones that fall in conjunction with wind and drain may knock down branches. Keeping trees well-trimmed and removing dead or weak branches can reduce the risk of damage during a hailstorm. For example, overhanging branches can break off under the weight of hail and cause damage to your roof, windows, and vehicles. Further, maintaining a clean yard by securing loose objects and debris can prevent these items from becoming projectiles during strong winds associated with hailstorms.
5. Reinforce the Garage Door
A garage door is another part of many homes that faces a risk from hail. Notably, this is often an underestimated risk. Many people do not realize how vulnerable their garage door—which is often expensive to repair or replace—is to a hail storm. With that in mind, strengthening your garage doors can prevent them from being forced inward by the impact of hail or high winds associated with hailstorms. Reinforcement kits are available for many types of garage doors. Typically, these types of kits include braces and heavy-duty struts that can be installed to increase the door’s resistance to impacts and wind pressure. You will want to make sure that your garage door (and your garage itself) is properly protected.
Be Prepared to File a Property Insurance Claim After Major Hail Damage
The best way to deal with hail damage is to prevent it from occurring—or at least to try to minimize it. Of course, Mother Nature is extremely powerful. Hail damage cannot always be avoided. Quite the contrary, you could do everything right, and your property may still sustain tremendous hail damage. It is crucial that you are prepared to deal with the aftermath—including filing a claim.
You should start the process by reviewing your homeowner’s insurance policy to understand the coverage specifics, including any deductibles and exclusions. You should also be sure to carefully document all damage to your property. Take clear photos and videos from multiple angles to provide a comprehensive view of the impact. Make sure that you notify your insurance provider as soon as possible to report the damage and initiate the claim process.
Homeowners should keep records of all communications with their insurance company, including emails and calls, and save receipts for any immediate repairs or protective measures taken. The more documentation you have, the better.
Why Trust Insurance Claim HQ for Help With a Hail Damage Claim
Hail damage claims are complicated. If your home or business sustained significant hail damage in a storm, it is imperative that you know what to do to protect your rights and your interests. Do not take on the big insurance companies alone. At Insurance Claim HQ, we believe that a natural disaster should never leave you and your family in pieces. With a proven record of case results, we are more than ready to advocate for the absolute maximum benefits for our clients. Your initial consultation with our hail damage insurance lawyer is free, no obligation, and fully confidential.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our New Orleans Hail Damage Attorney Today
At Insurance Claim HQ, our New Orleans property insurance lawyers have the knowledge, skills, and legal experience to take on all types of hail damage claims. If your property sustained major hail damage in a storm, we are more than ready to protect your rights and your interests. Get in touch with us by phone or contact us online to set up your free, no-strings-attached case review. We represent homeowners in hail damage claims in New Orleans and throughout the Gulf Coast region.
