In 2019, Texas experienced 872 hailstorms, a 71% increase over 2018, according to the NOAA’s National Weather Service. May is typically the most active month for hail, making it especially important to know how to prepare for hail season.
How Hail Forms
Hail starts when a thunderstorm updraft lifts a water droplet above the freezing level. As the droplet circulates in the storm, additional super-cooled water or vapor freezes on it, causing the hailstone to grow until it becomes too heavy to stay aloft.
When hail falls, the size of the hailstone determines the potential for damage:
- Anything larger than a quarter can damage cars, homes, and property.
- “Significant hail” — hail stones over 2 inches (about the size of a pool ball) — can cause very serious damage.
- The largest hailstone ever recorded was 8 inches in diameter and weighed almost two pounds.
Even hail that’s only penny to golf-ball sized can bruise or crack your roof. Knowing how to prepare for hail season is important because the damage may not always be obvious.
Steps to Prepare Your Home for Hail Season
1. Review Your Insurance Policy
- Read your policy carefully to understand your hail coverage.
- Know your deductible, and make sure you have enough cash set aside in case you need to file a claim.
- Learn your rights and obligations, this knowledge will help you handle the claims process better.
2. Inspect for Hail Damage After a Storm
If you suspect damage:
- Look for obvious signs: broken glass, holes in siding, or severely dented metal.
- For more subtle damage, inspect gutters, mailboxes, roof vents, and deck railings for small dents.
- Examine nearby vegetation, like bushes, for shredded leaves or hail impact.
- Check your air conditioning unit and windows for chipping or cracks.
If you're unsure whether the damage warrants a claim, hire a skilled roofer to do a professional inspection before filing an insurance claim.
Filing an Insurance Claim After Hail
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Make repairs: Fix any roof damage first so your home stays protected.
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Document everything: Take photos or video of damage before and after making repairs.
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File the claim: Report the damage to your insurer promptly, using your documentation and any contractor reports.
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Get help if needed: If your claim is denied or underpaid, contact us to schedule a free consultation.
Why It’s Critical to Prepare for Hail Season
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Smaller hail is deceptive: Even when hail stones are not huge, they can bruise shingles and leave damage that worsens over time.
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Insurance issues are common: Insurers may dispute whether damage is “cosmetic” or functional, or even argue the damage was already there.
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Pre-inspection helps: Having a roofer inspect your property before a claim gives you a stronger basis for negotiating with your insurer.
Taking Proactive Steps Before the Storm
Knowing how to prepare for hail season is about more than just bracing for a storm, it’s about protecting your home, understanding your insurance policy, and documenting damage when it happens.
If hail hits and you’re not sure how to proceed, or your insurer gives you a hard time, The Lane Law Firm is ready to help. Reach out for a no-cost, no-obligation case review today.
