Window Replacement from Storm Damage
By: John Garcia | Date Posted: July 15, 2022
Table of Contents
It is not always easy to spot window damage, and if it goes undetected, it can lead to bigger problems down the road, such as structural damage or foundation damage.
Recently, your neighbors may have had to repair or replace their windows due to a bad storm.
Identifying damage after an event is crucial for homeowners. Understand the signs of damage after any storm.
Window Replacement from Storm Damage
However, Before we give you some tips on how to assess for damages and know when to replace your windows, we have to mention a Company called Window Replacement Denver, which offers full-service, worry-free restoration and installation solutions in the Denver Metro area.
Having over 50 years of combined experience, they are a partner of Pachner Exteriors. With their comprehensive approach, they guarantee a streamlined process that eliminates lapses in service that can damage your property.
An expert restoration company is a one-stop shop that can help you deal with any damage to your home, help with insurance claims so that you receive a fair payout, and provide expert restoration services that are often an upgrade from your original installation. For a fraction of the cost, they source Denverās best windows!
Assessing window damage and staying safe
Make sure the storm has passed before inspecting your homeās exterior for damage. Keep your distance from a downed power line, an electrical hazard, or flooding, and call 911 immediately.
Even if the skies are clear, do not forget to keep an eye out for potential hazards, especially those relating to your roof. Post-storm damage often occurs here because itās out of your line of vision and can cause structural issues. In the winter, check for broken shingles, fallen trees, and ice dams.
Checking for Hail Storm Damage
In addition to leaving golf ball-sized dents on siding, roofs, and cars, hail damage is easy to detect. Windows can also be damaged or broken by hail.
Your roof and windows will be hit by hail, and you will see ice pellets collecting on the ground.
Your homeās windows are typically damaged by hail damage in the following ways:
- Broken or shattered glass
- Torn, broken, or dented screens
- Glazing with cracks
- Frame or window flashing that is dented
Checking for Wind Damage
During severe windstorms, trees can be knocked over, roofs can be damaged, and windows can be shattered. Make sure your homeās exterior is in good condition after a heavy windstorm:
- Broken or shattered windows
- A crack, hole, or dent in a window
- Frames with damage or dents
- Wood, siding, or paint that is chipped or cracked
The Signs of Water Damage
When hail or wind damage causes shattered glass and dents, they can be quickly identified, but water damage can easily go undetected. Mold can grow in your homeās foundation and structure if water damage and leaks are not treated.
If you suspect flooding, leakage, or storm damage, check these places:
- Fog between glass panes can indicate moisture buildup on windows
- Water spots, and yellow, copper, or brown discolorations on the ceiling should be checked
- Paint or wallpaper that is peeling, cracking, or bubbling should be inspected.
- If you notice a damp, musty smell after a storm, check your attic, basement, and crawlspace.
- When hardwood and laminate floors become waterlogged, they expand, which causes gaps or curls between the boards.
Finding a Windows Contractor and Contacting Your Insurance
You should contact your homeownersā insurance if you detect any of the damage above and find a window contractor to help prevent future damage.
-
The damage should be documented
Document all damage to the area, both inside and out, before you touch anything. When submitting your insurance claim, this documentation will be essential.
-
Make potential hazards safe
Shattered, jagged, or cracked windows should be boarded up.
-
Claims must be submitted
In the next step, you should notify your insurer about the damages.
Claims must be submitted promptly. There is a one-year limit on when insurance companies can file a claim after damage occurs. If you have questions about your insurance policy, you should call or email your company.
Organize your contacts by keeping them in a folder. Photographs and receipts (for example, housing proof if your home was temporarily uninhabitable due to the storm) are required.
-
Consult an insurance adjuster
You will be contacted by the insurance company to schedule an appointment for an adjuster to examine the damage to your home. Before you meet with the adjuster, you should get three to four contractor estimates to establish a professional benchmark. If you plan on seeing the adjuster, make sure you give yourself enough time to get estimates from contractors.
-
Contact a window contractor you can trust
The next step is to contact a few reputable contractors. As mentioned earlier in this article, if you are based in the Denver Metro area, then you can contact Window Replacement Denver which is reliable and has reasonable rates.
During your appointment, they will assess the cost of repair or window replacement and provide you with a complimentary project quote. To make sure you get a fair assessment of your storm-damaged home, ask your contractor to be present.
To assist homeowners with their windows projects, Modernise now offers a free digital Contractor Checklist.
-
Repair or replace
If the damage is severe, your contractor may recommend either repairing or replacing the windows. Written documentation should be provided if any changes are made to the original estimate. You will be satisfied with your homeās windows once the project has passed a city inspection.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, we would suggest you read all of these tips to make an informed decision before rushing out to replace your windows.
Thank you for reading!