When a hailstorm rolls through Central Texas, most property owners immediately look up at their roof. But while you’re checking the shingles, don’t forget to look at your “eyes” to the world—your windows.
Windows are often the most vulnerable part of your building’s shell. A single heavy stone can turn a clear view into a dangerous web of shattered glass. Here is the Roofing Turtle step-by-step guide on how to handle window damage with speed and precision.
1. Safe Shell First: Immediate Hazards
Before you worry about the insurance claim, ensure the area is safe.
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Avoid the Glass: If a window is shattered, keep pets and children away. Micro-shards can travel further than you think.
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Temporary Coverage: If the glass is breached, use plywood or heavy-duty plastic sheeting and duct tape to seal the opening. This prevents rain from causing secondary water damage to your drywall and flooring.
2. Identify the Damage (It’s Not Always a Hole)
Hail damage to windows isn’t always as obvious as a baseball-sized hole. Look for these “slow-burn” issues:
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Cracked Panes: Look for “spiderwebs” or single long cracks.
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Dented Screens: High-velocity hail often leaves “bruises” or tears in metal and fiberglass screens.
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Damaged Frames: Check the vinyl, wood, or aluminum wrap around the window for dents, chips, or pitting.
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Broken Seals: If your windows look “foggy” or have condensation between the panes a few days after a storm, the impact may have broken the vacuum seal.
3. Document the “Evidence”
Insurance companies require proof. Before you clean up the mess, grab your phone:
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The “Scale” Trick: Take photos of the hail next to a ruler or a coin to show the size of the stones.
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Wide and Tight: Take a wide shot of the whole window, then a close-up of the specific crack or dent.
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Check the Trim: Don’t forget to photograph damaged beads or caulking around the window.
Window Damage Checklist
| Component | What to Look For | Priority Level |
| Glass | Shattering, starring, or hairline cracks. | High (Safety Risk) |
| Seal | Fogging, moisture, or “milky” appearance. | Medium (Energy Loss) |
| Frame | Dents in metal, cracks in vinyl, or paint chips. | Medium (Aesthetics/Value) |
| Screens | Punctures or sagging mesh. | Low (Nuisance) |
4. Filing the Claim: The “Combined” Approach
If you have hail damage on your windows, there is a very high probability you have damage on your roof as well.
Turtle Tip: Don’t file separate claims. When you report storm damage to your insurance provider, ensure you list all affected areas—roof, gutters, siding, and windows—under one single claim. This ensures you only pay your deductible once.
5. Why Professional Inspection Matters
A window that looks “fine” today might fail during the next cold snap if the structural integrity of the frame was compromised. A professional contractor can use thermal imaging or pressure testing to see if your home’s “envelope” has been breached.
Final Word: Don’t Wait for the Leak
A small crack in a window frame is like a small hole in a turtle’s shell—it’s only a matter of time before the elements get in. Taking care of window damage immediately preserves your property value and keeps your energy bills from skyrocketing.