Although there are many perks that come with living in North Carolina and South Carolina, the occasional threat of severe weather is not chief among them. Both of these Southeastern states sometimes face major storms, especially in coastal regions where hurricanes can strike. Whether you’re a brand new Carolina transplant or a lifelong resident, hurricane damage is still a challenge to deal with.
When your home’s windows become damaged during inclement weather, whether it is hurricane-force or just a strong thunderstorm, you might not know exactly how to tell if they need to be repaired or replaced. The information in this guide will help you understand exactly what to do next time you face storm-related window damage.
Put safety first.
Depending on how bad the recent storm in your neck of the woods was, you might need to worry about your personal safety when you go to assess your windows for damage. Before you start inspecting any window panes and frames, make sure there are no downed power lines in your yard, flooding, or other hazards.
It is also wise to look around for fallen shingles, tree limbs, and other debris, as these could indicate damage to your roof. It can be dangerous to be outside when your roof has structural damage, as something could fall on you and cause injury.
Know the signs of hail damage.
There are key things you should look for if you think your windows may have sustained hail damage.
Red flags include:
- Shattered glass on the ground
- Dented or torn window screens
- Cracked window glazing
- Dented flashing above your window pane or anywhere on the window frame
Know the signs of wind damage.
There are key things you should look for if you think your windows may have sustained wind damage.
Red flags include:
- Shattered glass on the ground
- Cracks or holes in glass panes
- Damaged, cracked, or splintered window frames
- Chipped or cracked vinyl, metal, or wood siding boards
Hurricane damage, of course, can be a combination of hail and wind damage and is likely to be quite severe.
If you discover that some of your home’s windows need to be either repaired or replaced, the best thing to do is hire an installation expert to take a look at the damage. Some contractors offer free quotes, which others charge a fee to assess storm damage. Either way, it is crucial to make sure you select a reputable company like Hatch Homes.
Your window professional will be able to tell you if your windows are in need of repair, partial replacement, or full replacement. Repair, of course, means the existing window pane and frame will remain in your residence. Partial replacement generally refers to replacing the window pane, while leaving the original frame intact. And, as you probably expected, full replacement means a brand new window pane and frame will be installed.
Don’t hesitate to contact the expert team at Hatch Homes with any questions you may have regarding storm damage and window replacements, whether you are currently dealing with window problems or you just want to be prepared for next time severe weather strikes.