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Hailstorms can be a huge headache, especially when it comes to the different parts of our homes that get caught in the crossfire of ice pellets raining down from the sky.
The most common casualties of these storms tend to be our vehicles, roofs, and windows—and even though the dents and dings on window trim might not seem like a big deal, nothing could be further from the truth if you care about keeping your windows—and your home—operating like they should.
Why Hail Damage Matters for Your Window
As a Nebraskan, we probably don’t have to tell you that hail can come in plenty of different sizes—from as small as a pea to as large as a golf ball, or even bigger. When these ice pellets come at your home, they can cause a ton of damage and shock to your home’s windows.
It’s important that you can tell the difference between “cosmetic” damage and issues that can actually damage how well your windows work over time. For example, while dents, dings, and chipped paint aren’t easy on the eye, they may also indicate damage to the seal of the window. This damage needs to be addressed with your insurance quickly, and repaired before more damage is done. Structural damage to the window can lead to its materials being exposed to the elements, which can mean more serious issues like water getting inside and mold growing.
How Bad is the Damage: Check the Window Seals
Just because you can clearly see that there are dents on your window trim doesn’t automatically mean that your windows themselves are toast. The real problem would be if the seals of your windows are broken.
Window seals play a major role in keeping your windows working the right way since they keep out moisture, prevent drafts, and make sure that your home saves as much energy as possible.
When the seals are broken, you might notice a few issues popping up, including:
- Moisture seeping through the glass panes, leading to foggy windows.
- Drafts, or air coming through the window, making your heating and cooling systems work twice as hard.
- Leaks that result in water damage to your walls and the rest of the inside of your home.
Steps to Take After a Hail Storm
Start by performing a thorough walkthrough of your windows and trim. Be on the lookout for any dents, cracks, or chips that are visible in the trim. Check around the seals of your windows and try to spot any signs of damage.
If you do find some damage, make sure to take pictures. By documenting the ordeal, you’ll be in a better position if you end up needing to file an insurance claim.
An easy test that you can do with broken seals is to hold a candle or incense close to the edges of your window on a windy day. If the flame flickers or the smoke moves, it could mean that you have a draft coming from a broken seal.
If you’re not sure how bad the damage is or how you should go about fixing it, you should talk with a window professional. Pella can offer you a top-to-bottom assessment and give you expert repair recommendations that make sense for your home, your budget, and your insurance policy during your FREE in-home consultation.
Repairing Hail Damage to Your Window Trim
When it comes to small, surface-level hail damage on your window trim, a fresh coat of paint or other minor repair are often all that’s needed to return your window to like-new condition. Be sure that you or your painter use high-quality “exterior” or outdoor paint so that it’s well-protected against any future hailstorms.
If your window trim is cracked or broken, you might need to replace whatever parts are damaged. This can often be a DIY project if you’re handy, but if you’re looking at extensive damage, your best bet is to hire a professional.
For example, broken seals almost always need professional repair. The window might need to be resealed, or if the damage is bad enough, you might need to replace the whole window. While this can feel like a pretty big upfront investment, it can go a long way in saving on energy costs.
How to Prevent Damage to Your Window Trim
Now that we’ve covered how you can bounce back from hail damage, it’s time to talk about ways that you can prevent damage in the first place. While you can’t control the weather, there are a few things that you can do to keep your home protected against hail damage as much as possible.
Whether you’re looking to install new windows or replace the trim on your current windows, always make sure to go with high-quality materials that are rated for being durable and impact-resistant.
Additionally, heavy-duty window screens can be your first line of defense in absorbing some of the impact from the hail, which can make all the difference in whether or not the window has serious damage.
As we mentioned earlier, you should always check on your windows after a storm, but it’s easy to overlook the importance of regularly scheduled, routine maintenance. If your windows are in a good condition year-round, they stand a better chance at withstanding severe weather like hail. But if your trim is damaged, then other parts of the window might get damaged as well, like the window seals.
Protecting Your Window Trim from Hail Damage with Pella Windows & Doors of Omaha and Lincoln
Hail damage on your window trim might seem like a minor issue at first, but it’s important that you take care of any issues as soon as you notice them. While cosmetic damages like chips in the paint are usually an easy fix, damage to the structure of the window and broken seals can mean much bigger problems in the long run, especially when it comes to protecting your home from the weather and saving on a ton of otherwise wasted energy.
At Pella Windows & Doors of Omaha and Lincoln, we want you to take steps to get ahead of any hail damage to your window trim, so that your windows will stay in tip-top shape and continue to keep your home safe from the future Nebraskan storms for years to come. You can also be sure that our windows stand the test of time and that our experts make sure that your new replacement windows get installed correctly the first time, every time.
Not only does Pella offer top-of-the-line windows, but we also offer some of the best warranties in the industry. Thanks to our Pella Care Guarantee, we make sure that your new windows are covered for years to come.
Schedule a free consultation today and learn more about how we can help you make the most out of your new installation with our premium selection of windows.
