Hail Damage to Windows and Screens: What to Check

WatchEscaping From Hail: Choose G3 as Your GC

After a hailstorm in North Texas, everybody looks at the roof. That makes sense. But here's something I see all the time: a roof gets replaced, and the windows, screens and gutters on the same house still have storm damage nobody touched.

We're not here to fix your roof and leave you holding the bag on the rest. So let's talk seriously about your windows, because hail damage to windows and screens is easy to miss and it doesn't fix itself.

Why Is Window Hail Damage So Easy to Miss?

Most of it isn't dramatic. A big storm might shatter a pane, and you'll know right away. More often you get damage that's subtle:

• Small tears or dents in screens
• Dings and cracks in the window frames, especially vinyl
• Chipped or cracked glass in a corner
• Damage to the seal between panes that shows up as fogging weeks later
• Dented or split window wraps and trim
• Damage to window well covers and skylights

You walk past it every day without seeing it. Then months later you notice a foggy pane or a leak, and nobody connects it back to the storm.

What Should I Check After a Hailstorm?

Wait until the storm has passed and it's safe outside. Then walk the whole house, every side, and look closely:

1. Screens. Look for holes, tears, stretched mesh and bent screen frames. Hold your phone flashlight at an angle to make dents show up.
2. Frames. Run your eyes along the top and the side facing the storm. Look for dents, chips, cracks and split corners.
3. Glass. Check for chips, cracks and star breaks, especially near the edges.
4. Seals. Over the next few weeks, watch for fogging or condensation between panes.
5. Trim and wraps. Metal wraps and trim around windows dent easily.
6. Caulk. Hail and wind can crack or pull caulk lines, which lets water in.
7. Inside. Look for water stains on sills, drywall under windows and flooring near patio doors.

Take lots of video. Photograph each window up close and from a distance so it's clear which window is which.

Why Does It Matter If It's Just a Screen?

Screens keep bugs out, sure. But a torn screen is also a pretty good sign the window behind it took a hit too. And small frame cracks and pulled caulk let water get into the wall. Water in the wall leads to rotted framing, damaged drywall and mold, which is a much bigger problem than a screen. Read more in our guide to window leaks and hidden water damage.

What Does G3 Look At During a Storm Inspection?

When G3 inspects a home after a storm, we don't stop at the shingles. We look at the full exterior: the roof system, gutters, windows, screens, siding, fences and even dents in the HVAC condenser. On a storm inspection, our team documents window and screen damage with photos and notes, and we include what needs repair or replacement in the written scope.

That's the difference between a roofer and a restoration contractor. We want all the work done, not just the roof. See our roofing and storm damage page for how we approach the whole house.

Should I Repair or Replace Damaged Windows?

It depends on the damage. Screens can often be rescreened or replaced on their own. A cracked pane or failed seal can sometimes be fixed by replacing the glass unit. A cracked or warped frame usually means the window should be replaced. We'll talk through which option makes sense for your home, without the high-pressure sales pitch.

What About Insurance?

I'm a contractor. I won't tell you what your policy covers. What I can do is document the damage clearly, photos, measurements and a written scope, so your carrier has what they need to review it. We don't negotiate or adjust claims.

Frequently Asked Questions

Think the storm got your windows too? Call (945) 300-9018 or use the button below to get a window quote.

Keep learning: see our Windows & Exteriors page, read Impact-Resistant Windows in North Texas Hail Country.