As a homeowner in West Chicago, Illinois, you're no stranger to severe weather. Thunderstorms and hailstorms occur often, and they can cause significant damage to your home's exterior, including your aluminum siding. It's common for homeowners to overlook cosmetic damage caused by hail, but ignoring it can result in issues that negatively impact your home's appearance and resale value. In this blog post, we'll discuss the percentage of homes with aluminum siding in West Chicago, how hailstones can affect your siding, and what you need to know about insurance coverage for hail damage on aluminum siding.
Aluminum siding is a popular choice for West Chicago homes, with over 40% of houses having this type of siding material. However, many homeowners are unaware that even small hailstones can cause extensive damage to their homes. Hailstones can create dents and scratches, leading to an unsightly appearance. In extreme cases, hail can even create large holes in your siding, allowing water to enter your home and cause water damage. It's crucial to address hail damage as soon as possible to prevent further issues.
When hailstones hit your siding, they can create massive dents or even holes in your aluminum siding. While aluminum siding can withstand many weather events, hailstones are more robust and may cause more damage than expected. This type of cosmetic damage is often overlooked by homeowners, as they believe it has little impact on their home's performance. However, damages to your siding can lead to issues with water getting into the walls behind the siding or the insulation, resulting in more significant problems.
If you have homeowner's insurance, you may have hail damage coverage. Most insurance companies cover cosmetic damages caused by hail, including damaged siding. However, insurance policies vary from insurer to insurer. It's essential to understand your policy's terms and limits for hail damage, such as the deductible, before making a claim. You can also hire a contractor who specializes in hail damage to assess whether or not the damage is severe enough to file a claim.
It's also crucial to note that hail damage happens more often than you might think. In 2020, Illinois was ranked fifth in the country for hail loss claims. If hail damage to your home's siding goes unnoticed, it can lead to more severe problems in the future, such as mold growth, moisture damage, and even structural issues. Regular maintenance of your aluminum siding is essential to prevent hail damage from becoming a more significant issue in the future.
In summary, homeowners with aluminum siding in West Chicago must understand how hailstones can affect their siding and insurance policies' coverage. Cosmetic damage caused by hailstones can be covered by most insurance policies, but it's necessary to understand the policy's terms and limits. Remember to address hail damage as soon as possible to prevent further issues from developing. Regular maintenance of your siding is also necessary to ensure that hail damage doesn't become a more significant issue in the future. With proper care and awareness, you can help protect your home from damage caused by severe weather, including hailstones.