Hailstorms can be quite common in the Midwestern United States, including Mount Prospect, and can cause significant damage to your home's exterior, especially if you have hail damage on aluminum siding. Many homeowners are unaware of just how small of hailstones can cause significant damage, and that even cosmetic damage is typically covered by most insurance policies. In this post, we'll discuss the prevalence of aluminum siding in Mount Prospect and the importance of getting an inspection after a hailstorm.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Mount Prospect has a homeownership rate of 73.9%, and a significant number of those homes have aluminum siding. In fact, estimates suggest that between 20% and 25% of homes in the United States have aluminum siding, and even more so in the Midwest. While aluminum siding is durable and long-lasting, it's not impervious to damage from weather and other external factors.
One of the biggest issues with aluminum siding is hail damage. Even small hailstones can create dings and dents, which not only impact your home's curb appeal but can also affect its resale value. Unfortunately, many homeowners do not realize that cosmetic damage is typically covered by their insurance policy, and that failure to address the damage can have costly long-term effects.
It's essential to understand that cosmetic issues need to be repaired promptly to ensure the integrity and curb appeal of the home. Insurance policies require homeowners to take action within a year from the time of the storm, or the issue is not covered. Therefore, if you've experienced a hailstorm recently, an inspection of the siding can help you determine any repairs or replacement you need to make.
However, not all dents in aluminum siding are a result of hail damage. Some dents can occur from other factors, such as lawn tools, kids' toys, and balls, which are not covered by homeowner insurance policies. Therefore, it's important to understand that hail damage is distinguishable from mechanical damage. An experienced contractor can determine if your siding is damaged.
In conclusion, if you have aluminum siding in Mount Prospect, it's crucial to get an inspection after a hailstorm. Most homeowners are unaware that even the smallest hailstones can cause damage to aluminum siding, and that cosmetic damage is typically covered by their homeowner insurance policy. However, it's important to note that claims need to be filed within one year of the event. Therefore, homeowners must act promptly to avoid costly mistakes. Get in touch with a professional contractor today to get a free inspection and ensure your home stays in top shape.