When Hail Strikes: Protecting Your Colorado Home’s Exterior Paint from Nature’s Fury

Colorado homeowners know all too well the destructive power of hailstorms. The Colorado hail season runs from mid-April to mid-September. According to the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association, Colorado’s Front Range sees about three or four catastrophic hails storms in a typical season. In the last 10 years, hailstorms have caused more than $3 billion in insured damage in Colorado. As a result, up to one-half of your homeowner’s insurance premium may be going toward hail and wind damage costs.

Understanding Hail Damage to Exterior Paint

Hail damage to your home’s exterior paint is more than just cosmetic. Hail can chip and scratch the paint, leading to rust and further damage. Take a close look at the siding and keep an eye out for cracks, holes, chipped paint, or dents. These are all indications that hail has impacted your siding. The damage may appear as circular patterns or pebbles embedded in the paint when examined closely.

The National Weather Service (NWS), reports that during a major hailstorm, hailstones can reach up to 120 mph before they hit the ground. Depending on the size of the hail, this velocity can cause some pretty serious damage. Most hail damage occurs with quarter-sized hail or larger, measuring 1.75-inches+ in diameter.

Conducting a Proper Assessment

After a hailstorm passes, homeowners should conduct a thorough assessment of their property. It’s best to inspect your roof as soon as possible after a hailstorm, but make sure it’s safe to do so. Avoid inspecting your roof during or immediately after a storm, as it may be hazardous.

When assessing exterior paint damage, look for these key indicators:

• Cracked or chipped paint on your siding, which can indicate the impact of hail
• Dented metal vents or flashing, as these are often telltale signs of roof hail damage
• Loose shingles, gravel, or debris near the base of your home
• Bent or dented gutters from heavy hail storms

For a thorough assessment, consider hiring a professional inspector. They have the expertise to identify and document damage that may not be immediately visible. It is always beneficial to hire a professional inspector or roofer when diagnosing hail damage. They have extensive training and knowledge of roofing systems and can provide an accurate assessment as to whether hail damage occurred, as well as determine the extent and size of the damage.

Working with Insurance Claims

Understanding your insurance coverage is crucial when dealing with hail damage. Review your insurance policies to understand what types of hail damage are covered. Homeowners and auto insurance typically include coverage for hail damage, but it’s important to know the specifics. Practically all homeowners policies cover hail damage.

To file a hail damage insurance claim, contact your insurance provider as soon as possible. Provide all necessary documentation, including photos and videos of the damage. Be prepared to answer questions about the extent of the damage and the circumstances of the storm.

It’s important to note that there are no laws that require a company “match” the siding or paint for areas of the house that were not damaged. The company is only required to repair or replace the actual damages caused by the covered event.

Professional Repair and Prevention

When it comes to repairing hail-damaged exterior paint, professional expertise is invaluable. For Colorado homeowners seeking quality Exterior Painting Larimer County, CO services, working with experienced contractors who understand the unique challenges of Colorado’s climate is essential. Colorado’s 300+ days of sunshine create UV exposure that fades standard paints 40% faster than coastal climates. Add in hailstorms, temperature swings, and freeze-thaw cycles, and you’ve got a recipe for paint failure.

Professional painting contractors like LF Rosa Painting, a Fort Collins and Northern Colorado painting business specializing in interior and exterior painting for homes and commercial buildings, understand these challenges. With over ten years of experience, we understand the importance of color in your space… using the best equipment paired with skills and experience, we are committed to making your painting project a stress-free experience, from concept to completion.

Preventive Measures for Future Protection

While you can’t prevent hailstorms, you can take steps to minimize future damage. Homeowners can invest in preventive treatments or special paints that are designed to make surfaces more durable against percussive forces such as hailstones. These treatments usually involve a combination of rubberized polymers and waterproof sealants that provide better protection against extreme temperatures and severe weather conditions. The cost varies depending on the size of the structure but many professionals believe these coatings may help preserve a home’s condition for a few extra years over traditional building materials alone.

Weather-resistant coatings specifically designed for Colorado’s climate… ensure your commercial exterior painting investment lasts. When building a new home or replacing your roof consider using hail-resistive roofing products. The insurance industry has an Underwriters Laboratory standard ranking, the UL 2218 standard. The standard has four impact-level designations that will help you compare products. Roof coverings that show the most resistance earn a Class 4 rating, the least, a Class 1 rating.

The Importance of Timely Action

Remember that promptly addressing any damage is crucial to preventing further issues. If you notice signs of hail damage on these exterior surfaces, it’s recommended to consult with a professional contractor who specializes in storm-related repairs. You want to detect any cracks or leaks before water starts to infiltrate your house potentially causing even more problems.

For Colorado homeowners, protecting your home’s exterior paint from hail damage requires vigilance, proper assessment, and professional expertise. By understanding what to look for, working effectively with insurance providers, and choosing experienced contractors who understand Colorado’s unique climate challenges, you can ensure your home remains protected and beautiful for years to come. LF Rosa Painting provides top-tier residential and commercial painting services in Larimer County, CO… We deliver exceptional results to enhance your home with our painting services.