When we think of destructive storms, most people think of high winds, floods from rain, powerlines struck by lightning, or even tornadoes ripping apart entire neighborhoods.
But one type of storm that is often overlooked is the hail storm. Hail storms are a particular type of severe weather event that can cause extensive damage to homes, cars, and other types of property.
But why are they so destructive, and what can hail do to your property? In this post, we’ll look at the severity of hail storm damage and what you can expect to be damaged after a storm occurs.
Why Should I Be Worried About a Hail Storm?
While it is uncommon for most hail storm pellets to be any larger than a quarter, a hail of any size can cause serious damage to several things caught in it. Unlike regular rain storms, hail has a tendency to bounce off most surfaces and can cause extensive damage to exterior objects while still landing on the ground.
The hail can also make things very slippery if the ground is cold enough to let it settle, causing falls and other accidents that may result in injuries. Unlike rain, hail can cause serious damage to you if it becomes large enough, especially to the head.
Most umbrellas will not protect you against hail, so it is important to stay indoors during a hail storm whenever possible.
How Much Damage Can a Hail Storm Cause?
The cost of a mid to longer-lasting hail storm can vary greatly depending on the hail size and the area affected by hail.
Cities and towns can see the cost of hail damage repair rise into the thousands of dollars as hail storms pelt public property, including roofs, siding, and windows, for hours on end.
But for personal property, it can become a headache as you have to worry about things you can’t replace immediately. Let’s take a look at a few examples.
House
Your house, while sturdy, can be damaged slowly, and repairs can be costly.
The hail can cause damage to the roof, leading to leaks and water damage inside your home. Hail can also chip away at the siding, leaving it vulnerable and prone to more hail damage in the future.
In addition, hail may also break windows or knock down tree limbs or power lines outside, which can then fall and damage your home. Be sure to inspect your house thoroughly after a hail storm to assess the damage and make any necessary repairs.
Cars
Your car can also be heavily damaged by hail, and hail repair costs for your vehicle will likely add up quickly.
Hail can cause damage to various parts of a car’s body, including the windshield and windows. This can make it difficult to see while driving and may require replacing certain parts. If you are caught in a hail storm, it is best to park your car in a garage if possible and avoid driving until the hail has cleared.
In addition, while hail damage might not always be obvious, micro dents may develop on your car over time, causing rust and other problems that can be difficult to repair.
So if you have been in a hail storm recently, it is important to take your car in for hail damage repair as soon as possible to prevent any long-term damage.
Conclusion
Overall, hail storms are one of the most dangerous types of severe weather events, and they can cause extensive damage to homes, cars, and other personal property. If you are ever caught in a hail storm, it is important to take steps to protect yourself and your belongings as much as possible.
