Hail damage to windows is a common but often overlooked consequence of severe storms in Minnesota. While most homeowners immediately check their roof and siding after a hailstorm, window damage can be equally significant — and if left unaddressed, can lead to energy loss, water intrusion, and security concerns. At Weatherguard Construction, we've helped homeowners across Stillwater, Woodbury, Minneapolis, and throughout Minnesota assess and repair hail-damaged windows for over 25 years.
How Hail Damages Windows
Hailstones can cause several types of window damage depending on size, velocity, and window construction:
Glass Damage
- Cracks and fractures — Large hailstones (1.5 inches or bigger) can crack single-pane glass and even some dual-pane windows
- Shattered glass — Severe impacts can break through window panes entirely
- Stress fractures — Hairline cracks that may not be immediately visible but expand over time due to temperature changes
- Seal failure — Impact vibration can break the seal on insulated glass units (IGUs), causing fogging between panes
Frame and Hardware Damage
- Dented aluminum frames — Aluminum window frames dent readily from hail impacts
- Cracked vinyl frames — Vinyl becomes brittle in cold weather and can crack from hail strikes
- Damaged screens — Window screens are easily torn, dented, or displaced by hail
- Broken hardware — Locks, cranks, and operators can be damaged by severe impacts
Exterior Trim Damage
- Dented or cracked window trim and casing
- Damaged drip caps and head flashing
- Compromised caulking and sealant around window perimeters
Assessing Hail Damage to Your Windows
After a hailstorm, inspect every window in your home systematically:
- Check glass from both inside and outside — Look for cracks, chips, and impact marks
- Look between panes — Fogging or condensation between panes indicates seal failure
- Inspect frames — Check for dents, cracks, chips, or warping
- Test operation — Open, close, lock, and unlock each window to verify function
- Examine screens — Check for tears, dents, bent frames, and displacement
- Inspect exterior trim and caulking — Look for impact damage to surrounding trim
- Check for water intrusion — Look for moisture on sills, walls, or floor beneath windows
Don't forget to check skylights, storm doors, and patio doors — these are equally vulnerable to hail damage.
When Window Repair Is Possible
In some cases, targeted repairs can address hail damage without full window replacement:
- Screen replacement — Damaged screens can be replaced individually without replacing the window
- Glass-only replacement — If the frame is undamaged, some window designs allow replacement of just the glass unit (sash replacement)
- Hardware repair — Broken locks, cranks, or operators can sometimes be replaced independently
- Caulking and trim repair — Damaged exterior sealant and trim can be repaired without window replacement
- Minor frame damage — Small dents in aluminum frames that don't affect operation may be acceptable cosmetically
When Full Window Replacement Is Needed
Full window replacement is the better choice when:
- Multiple components are damaged — Glass, frame, and hardware damage together warrant replacement
- Seal failure has occurred — Fogged insulated glass units cannot be reliably repaired
- Frame integrity is compromised — Cracked frames, warped frames, or structural damage affects weather sealing
- Windows were already aging — If windows were near end of life, insurance-covered replacement is an opportunity to upgrade
- Energy efficiency upgrade — Replace storm-damaged single-pane or older double-pane windows with modern energy-efficient units
Weatherguard Construction installs premium window brands including Andersen, Marvin, Pella, and Kolbe. We help homeowners in St. Paul, Eagan, Bloomington, and the entire metro choose the right replacement windows for their home and budget.
Insurance Coverage for Hail-Damaged Windows
Homeowner's insurance typically covers hail damage to windows as a covered peril. Important considerations:
- All damaged windows should be claimed — Don't just claim the obviously broken ones
- Seal failure counts as damage — Fogging between panes caused by hail impact is claimable
- Screen replacement is included — Don't overlook damaged screens in your claim
- Matching may apply — If damaged windows can't be matched with remaining windows, insurance may cover additional windows for consistency
- Code upgrades may be covered — If current code requires different glass or frame specifications, the upgrade cost may be included
Contact Weatherguard Construction for a free hail damage window assessment. We document all damage thoroughly and work with your insurance company to ensure complete coverage. Call (651) 439-4320 today. We also serve homeowners in Schaumburg, IL and Centennial, CO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can hail crack double-pane windows?
Yes, hail can crack or break double-pane (insulated) windows, particularly hailstones 1.5 inches or larger. Even if the glass doesn't visibly crack, the impact can break the seal between panes, causing fogging and loss of insulating value. Both types of damage warrant an insurance claim.
Does insurance cover window replacement from hail damage?
Yes, homeowner's insurance typically covers window damage from hail as a covered weather peril. Coverage includes glass replacement, frame repair or replacement, screen replacement, and exterior trim repair. Weatherguard Construction works directly with insurance companies to ensure full coverage.
How do I know if my window seals failed after a hailstorm?
The most obvious sign of seal failure is fogging, condensation, or a hazy appearance between the window panes that cannot be cleaned from either side. This indicates moisture has entered the sealed airspace. Seal failure reduces your window's insulating value and typically requires glass unit or full window replacement.
Should I replace just the damaged windows or upgrade all windows at once?
If only a few windows are damaged, insurance will cover those specific windows. However, if the damage is extensive and your existing windows were already aging, it may be worth upgrading all windows simultaneously for consistent appearance and performance. Discuss this option with your insurance adjuster and Weatherguard Construction.
