Hail Damage to Your Windows? Here Is What to Do
Chicagoland hail storms are hard on windows, and the worst damage is not always the kind you can see from the driveway. A storm that leaves obvious cracks in one window may have quietly broken the seals in three others. Since 1982, NextWave Exteriors has helped homeowners assess storm damage honestly and replace what truly needs replacing.
Signs of Hail Damage on Windows
After a storm passes, walk your home and look for:
- Cracked, chipped, or shattered glass
- Fogging or condensation between the panes, which means a broken seal
- Dents, pits, or gouges in frames, sashes, or exterior cladding
- Torn or punctured screens
- Water around the frame or sill after the next rain
- Drafts or whistling that were not there before the storm
Why Hidden Damage Matters
A window can look fine and still be failing. Once hail breaks the insulating seal, the gas fill that gives the window its energy efficiency escapes, and your heating and cooling bills quietly rise. Small chips and cracks also grow: every Illinois freeze-thaw cycle pushes them wider, and moisture that sneaks past a damaged frame can lead to rot and mold in the surrounding wall. Catching this early keeps a storm problem from becoming a structural one.
Hail Damage and Your Insurance Claim
If you suspect hail damage, document it promptly: photograph every affected window, note the date of the storm, and request an assessment soon, since many policies limit how long you have to file. NextWave Exteriors provides a free, honest damage assessment and clear documentation of what we find, and we can assist with the claim process so the repair scope reflects the real damage.
Replacement Done Right
When windows do need to be replaced, our expert window replacement service installs premium, energy-efficient Pella and ProVia windows built to stand up to Midwest weather, all backed by our lifetime labor guarantee. Explore our window styles to see the options for your home.
Get a Free Hail Damage Assessment
Storm damage is stressful. Figuring out what it means should not be. Contact us or request your free in-home assessment and we will tell you exactly which windows were affected, what your options are, and what it will cost. No pressure, no obligation.